TRIBALS - 2012 - Indian Social Institute

TRIBALS - 2012
January to December 2012
Compiled By
K. Samu,
Human Rights Documentation,
Indian Social Institute, Lodi Road, New Delhi – 110 003 (India)
No rail link for these tribal districts (6)
INDORE: Rail connectivity eludes three tribal districts of Madhya Pradesh Dhar, Khargone and Barwani.
The Railways that conducted a survey to introduce rail network in the districts found it economically
unviable and has not considered the districts as tribal. On the other hand the Madhya Pradesh
government has marked the three districts as tribal districts that are economically backward and need
special attention. The residents of the region feel absence of rail network has adversely impacted the
social and economic developments. Repeated demands of locals for rail connectivity have fallen on deaf
ears of Railway Ministry officials. Central Railways, that conducted a reconnaissance engineering-cumtraffic
survey for a new broad gauge line from Khandwa to Dhar via Khargone and Barwani in 2010 in its
survey report to the Railway Board in January 2011, termed the rail line as financially not viable. The
report was compiled by Chief Administrative Officer (Construction), Central Railway. But to many, the
survey was a mere eye-wash. Dr O P Khandelwal, a social worker, said during the survey many aspects
were left untouched intentionally. "They passed on the wrong information in the report," alleged
Khandelwal, who is a retired professor from local Barwani College. As per the report the capital cost of
the project had been estimated at Rs 2025.05 crore for 260km rail line. Thus per km cost came up to Rs
7.70 crore, which Sharma termed quite high. The survey report by the Central Railways also does not
categorize these districts under economically or industrially backward sections. However, the Department
of tribal development has kept Barwani, Dhar, Khandwa and Khargone on the list of tribal districts of the
state. Also, as per the notification of commerce, industry and employment departments of MP
Government, these districts come under the C-category of backward districts . "Economic viability is not
the only parameter for approval of any railway line. There are several criteria for the approval of laying the
railway lines. New railway line projects can even be approved considering the social and economic
development of backward areas," said Kahndelwal adding that there is a clear conspiracy to keep these
areas deprived of railway line. Furnishing wrong information in the survey was a gross injustice to the
people of these tribal districts. Survey report acquired through RTI had also highlighted another
manipulation. The reports stated that earning from goods will be nil in the first one decade. Experts say
that they only considered the agricultural produce scenario, which cannot be justified. "They deliberately
avoided mention of cash crops such as cotton, banana, sugar cane and other horticulture products in the
report," he said adding that as per government record, these districts together produced 4.81 lakh tonnes
of agricultural produce in 2006-07 and soyabean were produced to the tune of 3.92 lakh tonnes. In the
absence of railway line, all these cash crops were traded in local mandis, which affected the earnings of
farmers.When contacted, chief administrative officer (Construction) of central railway, M K Gupta said that
survey was not prepared during his tenure, however he promised to look into the matter. (Times of India
1/1/12)
Cop-hiring drive a hit in Junglemahal (6)
Kolkatta: After Kishenji’s death, the Bengal government has fast forwarded the process of recruitment of
constables and home guards. The move is aimed at preventing Junglemahal youth from being attracted

to the Maoists, who, too, are reportedly on a recruitment drive in the area to rejuvenate their disintegrating
outfit. And the government has reasons to be optimistic, as not only tribal men but also tribal women have
responded and submitted applications for the posts of junior police constables in large numbers. The
government records reveal that 13,000 tribal women from the three districts of West Midnapore, Bankura
and Purulia have submitted applications for the post of junior constables. Currently, physical tests are
going on for recruitment of the first batch of tribal youths from the LWE region in the special police force
out of a sanctioned strength of 5,000, and another 5,000 as national volunteer force is underway.
According to official records, in 28 police stations across Bankura, West Midnapore and Purulia districts,
93,285 tribal men and women have submitted forms for the the post of special police constable. The
government in its notification issued in September announced that 5,000 youths will be recruited as
special police constables. “This is a great achievement for the state government. This recruitment drive
has led several tribal youths to withdraw their support from the CPI-Maoists. We have also received forms
from several relatives of Maoists squad members and leaders,” said a police official. Police sources said
three brothers of Maoists squad leader Jayanta, former chief of Goaltore squad Sidhu Soren’s brother
Sagen Baskey submitted application forms to West Midnapore police. Ishwar Kaibartya, brother of Karan
Kaibartya alias Sanjai, a squad leader of Purulia, has also applied for the job for a constable. (Indian
Express 2/1/12)
Woman killed in firing by forest personnel (6)
Agartala: A tribal woman was killed and another injured on Monday when Forest Protection Force
personnel opened fire at Ratrangi, a remote tribal hamlet in South Tripura district, about 75 km from here,
police sources said. A group of tribals tried to prevent two tribal youths from being arrested for cutting
down trees by attacking the personnel,who opened fire leaving a woman dead and another injured, the
sources said. The injured was admitted to hospital. (Zee News 2/1/12)
Tribals bear the brunt of Maoist violence as well as Government Operations (6)
Raipur, Jan 3 : Humanity, harmony, good governance are ideals a democratic nation aspires to. As the
world''s largest democracy, India is no exception. Her lawmakers and administrators, often the brightest of
her citizens, vow to serve the people and govern them with integrity. These lofty ideals, however, hold no
ground in the face of the harsh pressures of conflict, now spreading rapidly across the country. I searched
for and interviewed every single individual of a village during my sojourns in the Bastar region of
Chhattisgarh. I was looking for signs of optimism, revival, hope; in a region that has faced years, nay,
decades, of strife. I returned empty-handed. The tales of misery are all too common. Some of them come
to light when a ''milestone'' is achieved, such as when Koteshwar ''Kishenji'' Rao was killed in November
2011, making the entire nation sit up and take notice. The fear evoked by the killing of this top gun of
Communist Party of India (Maoist) became evident when guerrilla forces gathered together and pledged
revenge against the State. The impact of the alert and call for revenge, reflected in escalation in violence,
is limited to those who never were involved in any manner in the first place: the hapless tribes of the Red
Corridor, mute spectators bearing the brunt of the bullet from both sides. Like everything else, here too,
history bears repeating. Many cases were registered over time; some were even written about; but none
of this came near to reflecting the real picture of the remote Maoist affected villages of India. Regions,
which barely merit acknowledgement and simply don''t exist for most of us, leave alone considering the
plight of its dwellers. The isolated village in Bastar, like most of its hamlets, is situated amid lush green
Sal forests. As one walks on the muddy path of the remarkably picturesque village, long before the huts
become visible, a vast expanse of paddy fields lends a sense of prosperity. Imagining this sort of richness
in a Maoist region, it turns out, is surreal. This standing crop, unable to breathe in the suffocated air, has
been standing long, awaiting a human touch. There is none. In such places, where even a thud has the
potential to scare one to death, it is not difficult to imagine how terrifying it would be to see five

approaching strangers. Seeing them coming, I stood still, like the crops, till they were at a foot''s distance.
"Namaste! We saw your car, that''s why we rushed back. This is our village," spoke one of the tired young
faces ambiguously. It thawed the uncomfortable situation and the conversation carried on till we reached
the chowk. This chowk, they pointed out, was the site of the brutal incident that had forced them to walk
away from their native village, favouring homelessness over fear and revulsion. "Early they came that
morning..." (New Kerala 3/1/12)
Tribal areas undergoing socio-economic transformation in Himachal: Study (6)
SHIMLA: Some of the tribal areas in Himachal are undergoing significant socio-economic development
changes in terms of literacy, educational patterns, societal structure and other aspects according to a
study, 'Socio-economic development in tribal areas of HP since inception of tribal sub-plan 1974',
conducted under the aegis of Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) by a geographer of
Himachal Pradesh University (HPU) Dr B R Thakur in the five notified tribal regions of Kinnaur, Lahaul,
Spiti, Pangi and Bharmaur. Thakur said, "Anthropologically HP cannot be termed a tribal state, yet it is
inhabited by significant tribes which constitute nearly 4% of the total population. The tribal socio-cultural
milieu in Himachal is unique in terms of certain cultural aspects. Facing hostile topographical conditions,
extreme cold and dry agro-climatic conditions, a non-industrialized economy and limited basic
infrastructural facilities, the tribes are not homogenous groups and some continue to be backward despite
development programmes having been implemented." Polyandry and polygamy marriage practices are on
the decline and the incidence of child marriages has declined in almost all the tribal areas. About 64% of
the residents of these sample households talked in Hindi despite having their own tribal dialects. The
proportion of nuclear families was higher than joint families, indicating a changing social milieu within the
tribal region. Overall literacy rates of the region have increased and female literacy has also increased
significantly from 7.31% in 1971 to 50% in 2001 and gender disparity in this regard has declined.
Enrollment in primary education has increased but it has not increased at the same pace in secondary
and higher education. The housing and sanitation conditions have improved, particularly in Kinnaur,
Lahaul and Spiti. There has been a continuous increase in the proportion of people living in 'pucca'
houses, having toilets and in-house water connections in all the areas. There has been growth in LPG
connections, TV sets, newspaper and cell phones. More people are exposed to communication and
media facilities in Lahaul, Kinnaur and Spiti than Bharmaur and Pangi blocks, according to the study. The
cropping pattern has changed in these areas and traditional crops including small millet have been
replaced by pulses and non-food grain crops like apple. The pace of transformation in the tribal region is
higher in Kinnaur, Lahaul and Bharmaur due to suitable agro-climatic conditions and better accessibility.
The cropping pattern of the region is still dominated by food grains except Kinnaur district where apple
cultivation continues to dominate the cropping pattern. Thakur said, "The study was conducted to assess
social transformation of tribal people, social and demographic characteristics, economic transformation,
modernization of agriculture, changing occupational patterns, work participation rates, workforce
structure, physical and social infrastructural development in education, healthcare, drinking water,
electricity, roads and communication facilities, besides other aspects." A total of 1,132 households were
surveyed in the five regions for the study taking samples of villages from each region and the sampling
criteria included one community block headquarter, the largest populated but accessible village and the
largest populated but inaccessible village as per census 2001. (Times of India 3/1/12)
2000 tribals rally in Kalinga Nagar (6)
KENDRAPADA: Over 2,000 tribals took out a rally at Kalinga Nagar on Monday to mark the sixth
anniversary of police firing in which 14 tribals, including three women, were killed. Six years ago, police
fired at tribals protesting against forcible occupation of land and their consequent displacement. The
immediate provocation then was construction of a boundary wall by Tata Steel for its six million tonnes
steel plant. On Monday, the anti-industry groups under the banner of Bisthapan Birodhi Janamanch

(BBJM) took out a rally from 'martyrs column' in Champakoila village to Veerbhumi at Ambagadia, where
the tribals had been killed and vowed not to spare an inch of land for the steel plant. Family members and
relatives of firing victims offered rituals at Ambagadia also. Prafulla Samantray, an anti-land acquisition
leader and president of Lokshakti Abhijan, accused chief minister Naveen Patnaik of working for private
industrial houses at the cost of the masses, who voted him to power. He said Naveen is least interested in
the development of tribals. "He has not bothered to visit Kalinga Nagar even after six years of the firing
speaks volumes of his mindset," he said. "Odisha has about 97 per cent chromite, 71 per cent bauxite, 33
per cent iron ore and 32 per cent manganese resources of India. As commodity prices soar, international
companies are eyeing this mineral bounty, much of which is in tribal territory," said Mahendra Parida, a
leader of CPIML (Liberation). The anti-industry leaders vowed not to allow industries. "We won't tolerate
torture of innocent tribals. There shouldn't be any industry at the cost of tribals and their livelihood. Our
fight against industrialisation will continue till the government changes its decision to set up industries on
farm land. Fourteen of our fellowmen sacrificed their lives for the cause of tribals. We are ready to die but
will not spare an inch of land for industry," said Rabindra Jarika, secretary of BBJM. On the other hand ,
about 800 people led by Visthapita Parivar Unnayan Parishad, a pro-industry outfit participated in a rally
at Tata's rehabilitation colony at Gobarahat village. They were led by president Dhaneswar Soi and
secretary Biren Jamuda. Though the two parallel meetings were held at a short distance of each other,
there was no clash between the rival groups. "The rally and meetings passed off peacefully. We deployed
six platoons of police force to check any untoward incident," said K C Mund, the police officer of
Kalinganagar police station. (Times of India 3/1/12)
In Chhattisgarh village, cops see human sacrifice in girl’s mystery death (6)
Bijapur It’s been two and a half months since seven-year-old Lalita Tati went missing from her village in
Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district. Six days later, the child’s parents found her decomposed, mutilated body,
with nearly all organs missing. Amid talk of grisly local custom in this impoverished tribal area, police have
arrested two men who they allege killed Lalita to propitiate a bloodthirsty female deity. Lalita went missing
on October 21. Her father, Budhram Tati, discovered her body on October 27. The autopsy report said
“cause of death cannot be ascertained as the body parts were eaten away by maggots”. Nearly all of
Lalita’s organs, including the liver, were missing, the report said. The Bijapur police initially suspected a
rape-murder, but last week arrested Sukku Padam, a resident of Jailwara village where Lalita lived with
her parents, and Ignesh Kujur of Toornar village. “They have confessed that they cut her body and offered
her liver to the goddess to ensure a good harvest,” superintendent of police R N Dash said. The police
have sent samples from Lalita’s body to the forensic science laboratory in Raipur. Local councillor Vella
Ram, who is Tati’s neighbour in Jailwara, a village that came into existence some years ago to house
tribals displaced by Naxalite violence, especially after the Salwa Judum rising, argued that Sukku would
have had no reason to kill Lalita. “Sukku is not a farmer, just a poor daily labourer. How can he sacrifice
someone for a harvest? The place where the body was found is around 15 km from the temple named by
the police.” Ignesh Kujur’s son, Anil, said they were Christian and did not believe in sacrifices. Lalita’s
cousin Narayan too said human sacrifice was not heard of in the community. Several local people alleged
the police had forced a confession out of Sukku and Ignesh. Dash said the fact of Ignesh being Christian
established nothing. “Many of them worship local deities jo kisi khaas tribe ka khoon peeti hain. Sukku is
a priest of the same deity’s temple at Kadenar. The duo told us that their goddess wanted the blood of the
Agriya tribe, to which Lalita belonged.” The murder weapon has been recovered, the SP said. “Lalita was
seven years old. Tribals often sacrifice children whose ages are in odd numbers, like 7, 9, 11.” He said
money had been found at the feet and head of the body, indicating that two people had offered the
sacrifice. Lalita’s father Budhram alleged that police had locked him up for 11 days. “They tortured me,
wanted me to admit that I had either raped or killed or sacrificed my daughter,” he said. Dash denied the
charge: “Tribals here often sell their children. We had suspicions, so we interrogated Budhram.” (Express
India 6/1/12)

Three tribal girls commit suicide in Valsad (6)
SURAT: Three teenaged tribal girls committed suicide by hanging from a tree branch some 200 km from
here in the outskirts of Dhamarmal village of Kaprada taluka in Valsad on Friday. Their bodies were
recovered by villagers at 10 am. Deputy superintendent of police Jagdish Patel said, "The girls appear to
be in their teens and were daily wage labourers. They were found hanging from a tree branch with nylon
ropes. Their bodies have been sent for medical examination and post mortem." The girls Chamak Rama,
Bharti Chaudhary and Suman Tumra had gone to the Union Territory of Silvassa, which is located nearby,
for work as per their routine with seven villagers and returned with them in the same bus. However they
didn't reach home though others did. Patel said, "I talked to the sarpanch and found that some boys had
visited their village Dhamarmal searching for them day before yesterday. Therefore, financial problem
does not seem to be reason for their suicide. We will carry out a through investigation in the case."
Families of the three girls were farm labourers. (Times of India 7/1/12)
Government seeks report on Andaman tribals dancing for food (6)
New Delhi, Jan 11: The government Wednesday sought a report from the administration in the Andaman
islands after a shocking video clip released by a leading British newspaper showed semi-naked women
from the endangered Jarawa tribe dancing for food before tourists on human safaris. The union home
ministry has asked the authorities in the union territory to probe the veracity of the video showing women
from the tribe, who have inhabited the Andaman Islands for thousands of years, being exploited. Sources
in the ministry said Home Minister P. Chidambaram during his pre-scheduled visit to the union territory
Jan 21 will take up the issue with the local administration. Andaman police, however, said the video
seemed to have been shot a good 10 years ago. Andaman police chief S.B. Deol said whoever shot the
video has violated the rules and will have to face action. "It is obvious that it is the videographer who is
breaking the law of the land and who is inciting the tribals to dance," the police chief said in a statement.
The Guardian posted on its website the footage filmed by a tourist guide in which an official in uniform
orders the women to dance because he had given them food. The journalist, Gethin Chamberlain, who
was part of the crowd to expose the alleged exploitation, said the uniformed person was a policeman who
had taken a bribe of 200 pounds to arrange the dance. But the police chief refuted the allegations that
police took bribes to take tourists to the Jarawa reserve. "He is wearing a camouflage in the video. Police
don't wear camouflage," Deol said in a televised interview. Terming the incident "obnoxious and
disgusting", Tribal Affairs Minister V. Kishore Chabdra Deo told TV channels that people responsible for
such acts should be punished. "It is disgraceful if something like this is happening. It ... cannot be
pardoned. It deserves exemplary punishment," Deo said. Law and Minority Affairs Minister Salman
Khurshid also advocated strict action against those responsible for forcing tribal women to dance. The
400-plus tribe has lived in the Andaman islands for thousands of years. But they came in contact with the
outside recently. Its members are trusting, innocent and vulnerable to exploitation, living in a jungle
reserve on south Andaman. In an attempt to reduce contact and prevent the tribes-people from being
exploited, the authorities have cut the number of convoys to the area to eight a day. But the road to the
area can't be completely closed because of a 2002 Supreme Court order. Anthropologists believe that the
Jarawa people are descendants of some of the first humans to move out of Africa. They live a simple life
and hunt pigs and turtles for food with bows and arrows. Their women gather fruit and honey. (IANS)
(New Kerala 11/1/12)
Government denies Andaman tribes exploited (6)
New Delhi, Jan 11 : Andamans authorities Monday denied that women from the endangered Jarawa tribe
in the islands were exploited and forced to dance semi-naked for food as shown in a video footage
released by a leading British newspaper. Officials in the local administration and parliament member
Bishnu Pada Ray of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands said the video footage was an old clip but vowed

to take action against those involved in the act. "Things aren't this way but strict action will be taken
against those involved," Ray said. The union home ministry has asked the authorities in the union territory
to probe the veracity of the video showing women from the Jarawa tribe, who have inhabited the
Andaman Islands for thousands of years, being exploited. Sources in the ministry said Home Minister P.
Chidambaram during his pre-scheduled visit to the union territory Jan 21 will take up the issue with the
local administration. Andaman officials said the video seemed to have been shot years ago. "The footage
is at least four or five years old," Chief Secretary Shakti Sinha said in a television interview. He said it was
difficult to identify the people who have organised the tribal dance though there is "no doubt the people in
question have broken the law". He denied that anything like that has happened "in the recent
past".Andamans Police chief S.B. Deol said whoever shot the video has violated the rules and will have to
face action. "It is obvious that it is the videographer who is breaking the law of the land and who is inciting
the tribals to dance," he said in a statement. The Guardian posted on its website the footage filmed by a
tourist guide in which an official in uniform orders the women to dance because he had given them food.
Journalist Gethin Chamberlain, who was part of the crowd and exposed the alleged exploitation, said the
uniformed person was a policeman who had taken a bribe of 200 pounds to arrange the dance. But the
police chief refuted the allegations that police took bribes to take tourists to the Jarawa reserve. "He (the
person in uniform) is wearing a camouflage in the video. Police don't wear camouflage. He may be a
forest guard," Deol said, adding the video is old. He said the landscape of the area as shown in the video
is not like what it is today. Condemning the incident as "obnoxious and disgusting", Tribal Affairs Minister
V. Kishore Chandra Deo said the video was an old clip but "you cannot treat humans like beasts". "I will
go to the Andamans and see what is happening. I will take it up with the authorities to ensure people
responsible for such acts should be punished. It deserves exemplary punishment," Deo said. Law and
Minority Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid also advocated strict action against those responsible for
forcing tribal women to dance for tourists. The 400-plus tribe has lived in the Andaman Islands for
thousands of years. The Jarawas came in contact with the outside world recently. Its members are
trusting, innocent and vulnerable to exploitation, living in a jungle reserve on south Andaman. In an
attempt to reduce contact and prevent tribespeople from being exploited, the authorities have cut the
number of convoys to the area to eight a day. But the road to the area cannot be completely closed
because of the Supreme Court order in 2002. Anthropologists believe Jarawa people are descendants of
some of the first humans to move out of Africa. They live a simple life and hunt pigs and turtles with bows
and arrows for food. Their women gather fruit and honey. (IANS) (New Kerala 11/1/12)
SC asks EC to examine seats for STs in UP (6)
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked the Election Commission to examine a plea for
providing proportional representation to Scheduled Tribes in Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh.
However, a Bench comprising Justice Altamas Kabir and Justice J Chelameswar declined to pass any
orders in this regard for the forthcoming elections in UP. It asked the poll panel to consider the plea of
petitioner Virendra Pratap, a tribal, to provide the benefit by evaluating the necessary seats after taking
the relevant data from the Registrar-General of the Census Operations. Counsel for the EC told the
Bench that the petitioner’s request for the present polls could not be considered, as it may require about
four months to complete the exercise of reserving seats on the basis of the population. Earlier, the
petitioner alleged that the poll panel had not discharged its constitutional responsibility by providing
proportional representation to the STs on the basis of 2003 presidential order for the UP Assembly
elections. (NIE 12/1/12)
It will be unfair to leave Jarawas in beastly condition: Govt (6)
New Delhi : The government today said steps will be initiated to discuss inclusion of Jarawa tribes of
Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the mainstream rather than leave them in "beastly condition" in the wake
of a video footage showing semi-naked tribal women dancing before tourists. According to Tribal Affairs

Minister V Kishore Chandra Deo, the tribe needs to enjoy benefits of development but a discussion is
needed with several groups, including Jarawas, to arrive at a conclusion to bring them into the
mainstream. "As far as my personal view is concerned, it would be totally unfair to leave them (Jarawas)
in a beastly condition forever. At the same time I am certainly not the one who would like to expose them
to mall and junk culture," he said. Stressing that the process cannot be done in haste, he said, "They also
have to enjoy benefits of development, but it has to be a gradual and slow process. I think there has to be
a consensus on this after discussions with different groups. I hope we have to start a dialogue on this
issue." Replying to a question on progress in the inquiry which was ordered by the Home Ministry
following alleged exploitation of Jarawa tribals who were forced to dance before tourists in return for food,
Deo said the matter is being pursued and they are trying to identify the videographer. "The Home Ministry
is pursuing the matter. They are trying to locate the person who had videographed the particular scene,"
he said, adding that the video has been sent for technical evaluation. Chief Secretary and Director
General of Police (DGP) of Andaman & Nicobar Islands are personally monitoring the matter and once we
apprehend the person, stringent action will be taken, he added. Terming the incident disgraceful, Deo
said, "Irrespective of the fact when it happened - yesterday or 10 years back - it is something which
should not have happened. It is disgraceful and a shame on all of us." On whether his ministry is planning
to issue directives to ensure such incident do not recur elsewhere, he said, "If there is something specific,
then I will certainly issue orders." To a question on keeping these tribes in isolation, he said, "This is an
ethical and moral question. There are two extreme views on this. One section of people believe they
should be left in isolation, another point of view is that they should be completely modernised." Stressing
that Jarawas have a tradition, the minister said there are many youngsters who have started to speak
Hindi and they everything must be explained to them to ascertain their view. "Are they in a position today
to decide for themselves which route they should take? They will also have to be told about, they have to
be educated about both sides on this matter. On their own they may not be able (to decide), many of
them are not educated," he said. On closing the Andaman Trunk Road (ATR), which passes through the
protected zone inhabited by Jarawas, he said the practical aspect of the option needs to be weighed
before taking any decision. "As far as ATR in concerned, it is the lifeline for the island. Those who
advocate closing it, they say sea-route would be better. For that you have to use helicopters. But how
practical these things are, also has to be seen," he said, adding that he will visit Andamans sometime in
February or March. (DNA 13/1/12)
Declare Assam as tribal state: Pramud Gogoi (6)
The veteran CPI politburo member and ex. Minister of Assam, Pramud Gogoi, in a press meet on Friday
at Sivasagar again tabled his demand for declaration of Assam as tribal state. He raised this year long
demand for protection of identity, literature-culture and assets of our state. Mr Gogoi demands that for the
existence of our historical identity the Article 370 of the Indian constitution should be imposed in our state.
He again mentions due to the imposition that article the existence of Kasmiri people fully under protection
though their population is lower than than the other people. Like in the neighbouring state Nagaland, due
to the article 371 (a) of the Indian constitution, the Naga people has got their right on resources of their
state. He remarks that due to the illegal foreigners and infiltration of people of other parts of India, the
Assamese people have already turned in to minority. Besides in lower Assam the 36 constituencies are
already going out of hand of the Assamese people. The demands the central and state government, to
initiate immediate step for declaration Tai-ahom, Moran, Motok, Chutia, Koch-Rajbanshi and tea
community of the state for scheduled tribe status or to face agitation. (Assam Times 14/1/12)
Andaman and Nicobar police seeks NTRO help in Jarawas case (6)
PORT BLAIR/NEW DELHI: Andaman and Nicobar Police have approached the National Technical
Research Organisation (NTRO), which deals with cyber intelligence, for detecting the computer from
where the controversial footage showing semi-naked Jarawa tribal women originated. With clear

directions from the Union Home Ministry to nail the culprits behind the videography of the Jarawa tribal,
the police sought help of the NTRO in establishing the source computer from where it was uploaded so
that legal action could be initiated in the case. Under the Protection of Aboriginal Tribes (PAT) Act, taking
pictures or video shooting of tribals is banned. The police was also trying to identify the voice of a
purported travel agent whose telephone conversation with a British journalist has been uploaded. This
also, according to officials of the union territory, seems to be a design of some vested interests to prevent
building a road within the jungles of South Andaman. The Centre has already cleared Andaman Trunk
Road (ATR) to connect the Northern part of the island with the southern part. Some portion of the road
passes through the jungles of South Andaman where 383-member Jarwa tribe was located. The officials
reasoned that while utmost care was taken in preserving the geography and jungles but the road was a
necessity to connect lakhs of people in Andaman who used to face acute shortage of food supplies during
the time when the sea was rough. (Times of India 15/1/12)
Adivasi dies in police custody in Chhattisgarh (6)
New Delhi, January 16, 2012: On the day Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh addressed a public
gathering to mark the creation of Sukma district, carved out of Maoist-affected Dantewada, a custodial
death in the Sukma police station underlines the difficulty in winning over a disaffected tribal populace in
the backdrop of a violent counterinsurgency campaign. Podiyam Mara of Kondre village died in the police
station on the night of January 13, just hours after he was presented before a magistrate and remanded in
judicial custody. “Mara hanged himself in the police lock-up using a bedsheet. Four constables have been
suspended,” said a police spokesperson, “He was to be transferred to Dantewada jail, but he was held in
the police station overnight as it was too late to travel on the night of the 13th.” “[Mara] was picked up on
January 12 during a CRPF operation and handed over the police the following morning,” said Inspector-
General Pankaj Mishra of the Central Reserve Police Force, “If we encounter a suspect during an
operation, the CRPF hands him over to the local police.” However, policemen and party leaders from
across the political spectrum say the CRPF picked up Mr. Mara several days earlier, and brutally tortured
before turning him over to the local police. The police and the CRPF have denied these allegations. “The
CRPF caught Mara on January 9, just outside Sukma town. He had come to town to cash a cheque for
money earned by collecting tendu leaves,” said Kowasi Lakma, vice-president of the Chhattisgarh
Congress Committee and Member of Parliament from Konta, of which Sukma is a part. “I personally
called everyone from the thana in-charge upwards to get him released. He was tortured to death... the
CRPF electrocuted his genitals and poured petrol up his anus.” “The police story of suicide is completely
false. Mara was brutally assaulted in the CRPF camp in Sukma. There has to be a probe and the guilty
must be brought to book,” said Manish Kunjam of the Communist Party of India and former MLA from
Konta, over telephone. As per a January 16 report in the Indian Express, post mortem confirmed that Mr.
Mara had “swelling over the penis and lateral part of the anus.” The Indian Express also quoted a
policeman who said Mr. Mara's genitals had been doused with petrol and set on fire. Sources in the
Intelligence agencies confirmed that the CRPF had played a role in Mr. Mara's death. “He was picked up
as it was suspected that he was a Naxalite. He was subjected to harsh interrogation and may have died
of internal haemorrhage,” said the source, seeking anonymity. The source stopped short of commenting
on Mr. Mara's innocence. “The fact that there were no follow-up operations suggests that he did not
provide any information of value,” said the source. In September last year, The Hindu reported a similar
instance in which Madkam Jogarao, a tribal, died of brain haemorrhage soon after he was arrested and
interrogated by the CRPF and district police. “The new district of Sukma was created to bring the
administration and the justice system closer to Adivasis of Bastar. This will be possible only when the
ordinary citizen feels free and secure,” said Nandkumar Sai, a senior tribal leader and BJP Rajya Sabha
MP. “The medical report confirms that Mara was tortured. Suspending constables is not enough, a free
and fair investigation must affix responsibility and punish the guilty.” (The Hindu 16/1/12)

Tribal women's rape: Madras HC flays government (6)
CHENNAI: Stating that it was "shocked" to hear that neither the investigation into the alleged rape of four
tribal women by four Tamil Nadu police personnel had been completed nor had any further action been
taken in the matter, the Madras High Court today charged the state government with not taking the issue
seriously. Following a submission by the state Advocate General that the government "is serious in the
matter," the First Bench comprising Chief Justice M T Eqbal and Justice T S Sivagnanam said "but we
are of the view that the government is not at all serious in the matter". The case relates to the alleged
rape of four women belonging to the Irular community, who were arrested by the police at about 8.00 pm
on the night of November 22 last. They were taken in a police van from their residence in T Mandappam,
located in the jurisdiction of Thirukkovilur police station to a nearby eucalyptus grove. Next they were
allegedly taken to a place called Sanhdhapettai and brought back to the grove where they were allegedly
raped by policemen around midnight and brought back to their home at about 2.00 am. Before passing
orders on a petition filed by P Pugalenthi, advocate and secretary of Tamil Nadu Peoples' Right Forum,
seeking a CBI probe into the incident, the Judges said, "we direct the Director General of Police and the
Home Secretary to file separate affidavits and to satisfy this court as to why action has not been taken till
date and investigation has not been completed". Meanwhile,in a report to the court, Dr D Gitanjali,
Assistant Professor in the Department of Forensic Sciences at GVMC Villupuram, stated that the women
had been examined on November 29 pursuant to the court's directions. Stating that hymenal tears usually
healed within five or six days, the doctor said that since the victims were examined after seven days she
did not find any evidence to suggest the occurance. The Bench posted the case for further hearing on
January 31.(NIE 18/1/12)
Video showing Jarawa women shot in Sept-Oct 2008 (6)
Port Blair : The controversial video showing semi-naked Jarawa tribe women dancing before tourists was
shot sometime in September-October 2008 and the police sought the help of the Defence establishment
in ascertaining the identity of the man shown in the film in Army fatigue. According to sources privy to the
probe, the police sought the help of Adim Janjati Vikas Samiti (AAJVS), the interface between the local
administration and tribals, which helped identify the dancing women and children. The members of
AAJVS could establish the identity after talking to the tribal people who had danced in front of the tourists
and that the video was shot sometime in September-October 2008. The police had expanded the pixels
of the video to help the members of AAJVS identify the tribal people and later various teams of the Samiti
fanned into the jungles of South Andaman to trace them, the sources said. The issue had sparked
controversy when London-based newspaper "Observer" reported the incident and also uploaded a video
and a recorded conversation between the journalist of the newspaper and a purported travel agent. The
police also sought the help of Defence officials in the islands to help identify the man who appeared in
Army dress on the video. Andaman Police registered a case on January 12 against unnamed persons in
connection with the shooting and uploading of the video under the Indian Penal Code, Information and
Technology Act and Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes and Protection of Aboriginal Tribes.(DNA
18/1/12)
Jharkhand tribals agitate against forceful land acquisition (6)
Ranchi, Jan 19 : Tribals in held are agitating against the forceful acquisition of 227 acres of land by the
state authorities for a proposed law college. Hundreds gathered in Ranchi on Wednesday and shouted
slogans and burnt an effigy of Jharkhand Chief Minister Arjun Munda. Interacting with mediapersons, the
protesters said the land had been acquired illegally by the state authorities, and without the consent of the
farmers who own the land. "The state government had forcefully acquired our land few days back. They
have acquired approximately 227 acres of tribal land with the help of the police in the area. The state
government says that it has legally acquired the land and will use it to build a law college, these claims
are not true," said Prabhakar Tirkey, an activist. Veteran tribal rights activist, Dayamani Barla condemned

Munda for failing to understand tribals sentiments. "The state government under the governance of Arjun
Munda has done injustice with tribals by forcefully acquiring their lands. The government is using police
force to pressurize tribals and forcefully acquiring their farmlands. We condemn the state government and
its activities in the state," said Barla. According to an Annual Report of the Ministry of Rural Development
of the Government of India, Jharkhand topped the list of Adivasi land alienation in India in 2004-05, with
86,291 cases involving 10,48,93 acres of land. (ANI) (New Kerala 19/1/12)
Two questioned in Jarawa tribe video case (6)
Port Blair, January 19, 2012: Andaman and Nicobar Police have questioned two persons including the
taxi driver who drove the Observor journalist through the jungles on the pretext of showing him Jarawa
tribal people and also arrange for their photography discreetly. According to official sources, the two
persons Rajesh Vyas alias Raju, proprietor of Vyas Brothers gift shop and Guddu, the taxi driver,
featuring in the article which appeared in 'The Observer' were questioned by Police. During the course of
their interrogation, Guddu said that he had arranged for taking the reporter of the British newspaper to
different places in Port Blair and also to Middle Strait through Andaman Truck Road. Further, Vyas said
he arranged the vehicle and driver for the reporter of the Observer and also told the reporter that he
would organize Jarawa tourism and the photography of the Jarawas for a handsome amount. Police
claimed that he was trying to dupe the foreigner by hiking the amount on the pretext of paying the police.
Various police teams are questioning several tour operators and taxi drivers of the city in an effort to track
down the source of the video, the sources said. Police have carried out searches at various video, CD
and souvenir shops in the city and adjoining areas to recover any offensive video concerning the
Jarawas. The controversial video showing semi-naked Jarawa tribe women dancing before tourists was
shot sometime between September and October 2008. The issue had sparked controversy when "The
Observer" reported the incident and also uploaded a video and a recorded conversation between the
journalist of the newspaper and a purported travel agent. (Hindustan Times 19/1/12)
Focus on tribals' problems to win anti-Maoist battle: Jairam Ramesh (6)
Hyderabad: Opposing mining, power and irrigation projects that cause mass displacement of tribals,
Union Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh today said the battle against Maoists cannot be won
without addressing issues like resettlement and rehabilitation of those affected. "Our approach to mining
is causing serious ecological and social havoc across the country. Over 20 million tribals have been
displaced across the country in the last 50 years because of various projects. "We have been totally
insensitive to the tribals' problems and unless we are serious about resettlement and rehabilitation which
accompany industrialisation, I am afraid we are not going to win this battle," he said while addressing a
programme organised by MV Foundation (MVF) here. Ramesh noted that the battle against Maoists was
not that of guns, drones, planes and helicopters. "This is a battle for the minds... a psychological warfare
we are involved in. Unless we change the way our forest administration and tribal administration
work...unless our approach to mining, which is causing such serious ecological and social havoc across
the country, is changed, we are not going to win this battle." One of the emerging features of Maoist
ideology was the progressively reducing age of the recruits, he said. "This is a matter of grave concern for
us that Moaists cadres are comprising young boys and girls in age group of 12-15 years." "If in the long
run we are going to make a dent on the attractiveness of Maoist ideology for young boys and girls who,
because of the force of economic circumstances, are forced to join the cadres, it's only through the
involvement of groups like MVF (fighting against child labour)," he said. Ramesh said his ministry was
focusing on transforming the way development programmes were implemented so that "people begin to
see the difference".Ramesh Ramesh noted that Andhra Pradesh has demonstrated how to combat
Maoist violence and ideology through a combination of political activity, development interventions, and
effective intelligence gathering and police action. All three have to go hand-in-hand, the minister said.
Providing an environment in which children have meaningful opportunities for going to school and for

eing retained in school and also actually achieving tangible outcomes "is a huge challenge ahead of us",
he observed. Youth needed to be mobilised towards a constructive channel that took them away from the
path of violence and destruction and brought them on a normal path, Ramesh, a former Environment and
Forest Minister, maintained. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy said his Government
has enrolled 1.30 lakh children, who were out of school, in the last one year and efforts were on to
increase this number. National Commission for Protection of Children's Rights Chairperson Shanta Sinha
and several others spoke on the occasion. (DNA 21/1/12)
Adivasis to launch movement (6)
Guwahati, Jan. 21: The All Adivasi Students Association of Assam (AASAA) today decided to launch a
yearlong movement from next month to secure the rights of the community, including demand for ST
status and a better deal for tea garden workers. Talking to The Telegraph from Doomni in Baksa district,
the venue of the ongoing Adivasi Mahasabha, the association’s president, Raphael Kujur, said they were
also planning to move the United Nations in this regard as the government’s approach towards their
community was still more or less colonial in nature. “The government woos the tea community during
elections but looks the other way when it comes to meeting its genuine demands. But we Adivasis are
one on our demands,” Kujur said, adding the movement would include mass gatherings, dharnas and
road blockades from the block to state level. Kujur reasoned that if the government could spend Rs 130 a
day per person under the NREGA scheme, which hardly gave “any returns”, why were a tea labourer’s
productive efforts rewarded with a meagre Rs 71? “Moreover, a tea garden worker goes to work at
7.30am, while others go between 9 and 10am. Is it justified? If the government does not come up with
concrete steps before the budget session, we will intensify our protests, including dharnas in Delhi,” Kujur
said. There are around 70 lakh Adivasis/tea community members who play a decisive role in the state’s
politics. Around 20 Adivasi groups are participating in the Mahasabha, which is being organised by the
AASAA. Among the five Adivasi rebel groups laying down arms on January 24 at the Sarusajai Stadium in
presence of Union home minister P. Chidambaram and chief minister Tarun Gogoi, only the Birsa
Commando Force’s top brass participated in the event. During the Mahasabha, which will conclude
tomorrow, it has been decided that 10 committees would be formed to look into the problems plaguing the
community and to work on solving these. “The committees will look after 10 different issues, including
education, health, socio-economic conditions, langu-age, culture and sports status, among others. A
framework has been created to bring the community on the development path by 2020 as part of the
Assam Adivasi Vision 2020, which will publicly declared tomorrow. Laxmi Orang, who was stripped during
the 2008 Adivasi rally in Guwahati, will lead a procession,” Kujur said. (Telegraph 22/1/12)
Odisha denies Bonda tribes' exploitation (6)
Bhubaneswar, Jan 25: Authorities in Odisha Wednesday denied that primitive Bonda tribes in the state
were in any way exploited by tourists. The denial came after a section of media reported that some tour
operators have been advertising their holiday packages stating that Bondas are 'naked people' and
tourists can go for an excursion to the area where they reside. The report has intensified the country's
already raging controversy over the Jarawa tribals in Andaman Islands who were allegedly exploited and
forced to dance semi-naked for food as shown in a video footage recently released by a British
newspaper. The primitive Bondas only live in Maoist-affected Malkangiri district of Odisha and their
population is around 2,000. “We are not allowing any one to the area without permission. This is not a
case like Jarwa. We are not allowing anyone for recreation purpose,” district collector Balwant Singh told
IANS, adding he has not come across any such allegations so far. (IANS) (New Kerala 25/1/12)
HRC urged to stop forced migration of Dalits, tribals (6)
GANDHINAGAR: A representation made to the State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has demanded
urgent action from Gujarat government in certain villages, where the authorities have failed to take

"appropriate action" to prevent extreme cases of social boycott and forced migration of Dalits and tribals.
The representation followed a public hearing of Dalits and tribals here on Tuesday, where a five-person
non-governmental organization (NGO) jury, which included senior human rights activists Martin Macwan
and Gagan Sethi, heard tens of such boycott and migration cases. Made by a team under Manjula
Pradeep, who heads state-based NGO Navsarjan Trust, the representation to SHRC said, "The jury
particularly stressed on quick action on six incidents of social boycott (four of Dalits and two of tribals), 11
incidents of forced migration and one incident of social boycott and forced migration of Dalits in Gujarat."
The hearing was organized by Navsarjan Trust and Gujarat Human Rights Committee. Dalits and tribals
from the seven districts - Ahmedabad, Surendranagar, Rajkot, Mehsana, Banaskantha, Patan and
Vadodara -- came to Gandhinagar to relate how the dominant castes' pressure on the complainants to
settle down cases of atrocities has resulted in their forced migration. A list of cases of social boycott and
forced migration submitted to SHRC chairman J N Bhatt along with the representation enumerates social
boycott and forced migration in 78 villages of Gujarat and their presentation said some of the issues -such
as those of Pati and Lundhara villages of Bhavnagar district - are as old as 1992 and 1994 and they
remain alive even today. While resistance to untouchability practice was the main reason for social
boycott and forced migration, other related issues, included Dalits not being allowed to enter temples
(Bhadreshi in Rajkot district, Rampar in Surendranagar district and Vanthal and Kundal in Ahmedabad
district), dispute during elections, land-related issues, forced dragging of dead animals, rape of Dalit
women, minimum wages, refusal to excess to drinking water and so on. During the hearing, Harishbhai
Ratnottar said how in Vanthal village of Ahmedabad district in May 2009 the Dalits were made to
participate in building a new Ram temple, but were refused entry when they wanted to pray. "A tussle
ensued, and a social boycott, such as ban on shopkeepers to sell goods and employment of Dalits on
wage labour, was imposed," he added. (Times of India 26/1/12)
Odisha reports to Centre on Bondas (6)
BHUBANESWAR: The Odisha government recently submitted an interim report to Centre about its
preliminary inquiry into the alleged vulgar projection of primitive Bonda tribe by some tour operators. The
Union ministry of tribal affairs had sought a report from the Odisha government following media reports
that some tour operators put up titillating reports about Bonda tribals on their websites to woo foreign
tourists. "We have informed the Centre about steps being taken to prevent such practice. We are
discouraging tour operators from painting tribals in poor light. A final report about the inquiry would be
presented soon," said an officer of SC & ST development department. Recently, the Bhubaneswar police
had booked two tour operators on charges of selling tribal packages in an obscene manner. (Times o
India 1/2/12)
Probe report on Bondas ready (6)
BHUBANESWAR: Senior bureaucrat Usha Padhee on Wednesday submitted a report to the state
government after visiting the Bonda area in Malkangiri district. She was asked to collect information from
ground zero following media reports that some tour operators uploaded objectionable information about
Bonda tribals on their websites to lure foreign tourists. Padhee, who was former district collector of
Koraput, a neighbouring district of Malkangiri, submitted her reports to the chief minister and chief
secretary, sources said. Finding of the report was not known as she was immediately not available.
Padhee submitted the report a day after the state Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe development
department apprised the Centre of its preliminary inquiry into the alleged titillating projection of primitive
Bonda tribe by some tour operators. "In our interim report, we told the Union ministry of tribal affairs about
the steps being taken to prevent such practice. A blue print would be created in consultation with the tour
operator and tourism department," SC and ST development secretary Santosh Sarangi said. Tourism
department director H S Upadhyay said the department would scan the brochures and writings prepared

y tour operators on different tribes in Odisha. Notably, the Bhubaneswar police recently booked two tour
operators on charges of selling tribal packages in an obscene manner. Sources said Padhee, who is
director of Trupti (targeted rural initiatives for poverty termination and infrastructure) Project under the
panchayati raj department, in her 12-page report highlighted the long-term and short-term suggestions to
maintain the dignity and cultural ethos of the Bonda tribe in the region. (Times of India 2/2/12)
One held for raping tribal woman (6)
KEONJHAR: A 50-year-old man was arrested by Keonjhar police on Wednesday for allegedly raping a
25-year-old pregnant tribal woman. The man was identified as Maharag Giri of village Kasipal in
Jhumpura police station area. The woman is eight months pregnant. "The incident took place on January
21, but FIR was lodged on Tuesday. After medical examination, the accused was sent to court," said IIC
(Jhumpura) Tilottama Mohanata. According to the complaint, the accused went to the house of the victim
in Talahundula village on January 21 with some cakes, when her husband had gone outside. He
identified himself as a friend of her husband, and raped her. After the incident, the husband of the victim
allegedly drove her out of the house. The illiterate woman lodged a complaint with Jhumpura police on
Tuseday, on the advice of village elderlies. (Times of India 2/2/12)
Jarawas need to be immunised: Tribal Affairs Minister (6)
New Delhi: The government has stressed on the need to immunise members of the Jarawa tribe of
Andaman and Nicobar Islands against diseases and genetic disorders to ensure that their numbers do
not dwindle further. The 2001 Census put the Jarawas count at 241. The tribe first came in contact with
the civilisation in late 1997 when some Jarawas started coming out of their forest to visit nearby
settlements. But soon there was an outbreak of measles epidemic though the number of casualties was
not known. Recently the tribe was in news after it was reported that some of its members were made to
dance in front of foreign tourists in return of food. "Jarawas need to be immunised and probably medical
experts and anthropologists will have to study and tell us how they existed all these years and what
needs to be done now," Tribal Affairs Minister V Kishore Chandra Deo told PTI. On whether the
government is planning to form a team of experts to conduct studies on the Jarawas, he said, "Lot of
people have already gone into these areas and lot of studies have been done and papers written. "Now it
is a question of contacting them (the experts) and having some intellectual discourse with them before we
come to some kind of decision." He said that utmost importance should be given to increase their
immunity, adding, "Probably nutrition is another thing which can do this and their existence. "Their health
and food needs have to be looked into and it can be done there itself. They are very few in numbers and
it is important to see that they don't dwindle further, that their population itself is not at stake," Deo said.
(DNA 5/2/12)
Parishad plans fresh protest (6)
Siliguri/Jaigaon, Feb. 5: The Akhil Bharatiya Adivasi Vikas Parishad will launch a cycle rally along with
some other organisations and political parties to oppose any move to include the Dooars and the Terai in
the new administrative set-up for the Darjeeling hills. The rally would start from Sankosh on February 13
and end at Nagrakata on the 19th. The protest has been planned under the aegis of the Dooars Terai
United Movement Committee that was revived at a meeting in Nagrakata today. Apart from the Parishad,
the other members of the committee are the Kamtapur Progressive Party, CPI-ML (New Democracy),
Jana Jagaran, Bangla O Bangla Bhasha Banchao Committee, Senior Citizens’ Committee and the
Dooars Millat-e-Islamia. It was formed on August 20 to protest the demand to bring the Gorkha-populated
areas in the plains under the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration. “At least 100 cyclists will set out from
Sankosh (along the Bengal-Assam border) and reach Shamuktala on February 13. They will traverse
Alipurduar, Gayerkata, Jalpaiguri, Fulbari, Bidhannagar, Batasi, Naxalbari, Bagdogra, Matigara, Gulma,
Siliguri, Sevoke, Odlabari, Malbazar and Chulsa before reaching Nagrakata on the seventh day,” said a

Parishad leader. Today’s meeting in Nagrakata, 70km from Siliguri, was attended by Parishad general
secretary Rajesh Lakra and senior leader Nicodin Minz. The meet was organised by the Dooars-Terai
regional committee of the Parishad. The regional committee was revamped last week following the
expulsion of John Barla and the suspension of a few other leaders from the organisation. They faced
action when they joined hands with the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha and mooted a proposal for the inclusion
of the entire Terai and the Dooars in the GTA. Lakra said each cycle would have a common flag of the
United Committee, along with placards, posters and banners. “Upon the completion of the rally, the
organisational structure of the United Committee will be given a final shape with the induction of new
leaders.” (The Telegraph 6/2/12)
Munda calls upon tribals to be aware of their rights (6)
Jamshedpur: Jharkhand Chief Minister Arjun Munda on Sunday called upon the tribals and weaker
sections of the society to be aware to get benefit of the welfare schemes launched by the state
government while ensuring that his government would focus to promote agriculture sector. Addressing as
chief guest at the Adivasi Maha Sammelan, organized by the BJP (Schedule Tribe cell) East Singhbhum
district committee, at Agrico ground, Munda said the state government was seriously working to achieve
all round development and ensure that the poor tribals and weaker sections living in remote areas should
also get the benefits whether it was education sector, health as well as to protect their constitutional and
fundamental rights. However, the goal of all round development would not possible unless we bring those
deprived sections into the mainstream of the society, he said adding that innocent tribals, who had raged
war against Britishers several times to protect their "Jal, Jungle, Jameen" (Water, Forest and Land), were
today leading a miserable life due to failure of the successive government to protect their rights. You will
have to be literate, aware about your constitutional and fundamental rights, he advised while calling on
them to be united to take advantage of the schemes. The Jharkhand Chief Minister admitted all round
development was possible only with the involvement of people. "We have a record paddy crop production
and the state government has paid support price for the first time to procure one lakh metric tones till
yesterday," he said. (CNN-IBN 6/2/12)
Jarawa population on the rise (6)
New Delhi: After the disturbing pictures and reports of exploitation of Jarawa women, there is something
to cheer about as official figures reveal that the population of the tribe, said to be stagnant for years, is on
the rise. Population of the Jarawas who are one of the hunting-gathering Negrito tribes of Andaman
Islands has gone from 240 in 2001 to 383 in 2011, Government today said. "Last 10 years the Jarawa
population has gone up by 40 per cent," Tribal Affairs Minister Kishore Chandra Deo told reporters.
"There are 141 children below 10 years and 99 in the age group of 11 to 20," he said quoting an official
document. Terming it as a "positive sign", Deo said his Ministry along with the Andaman administration
would see that they get proper living facility, "their food needs are met, see that culture and tradition is
well protected". Citing the exploitation of Jarawas that came to limelight recently, he said the Government
would also ensure that "there is no exploitation of this sort." (Zee News 7/2/12)
ST status to few Adivasi groups likely (6)
GUWAHATI, Feb 8 – The Government of India is likely to grant the status of Scheduled Tribes to a few of
the Adivasi communities of Assam immediately after receiving the formal proposal from the State
Government in this regard. Highly placed sources in the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) told The Assam
Tribune that some of the Adivasi tribes enjoy the status of Scheduled Tribes in the states like Bihar,
Orissa, Jharkhand, Chattisgarh etc and there is no problem in granting the same status to them in Assam.
Sources pointed out that earlier the State Government sent proposals for declaring more than 90 tribes as
Scheduled tribes by clubbing them as tea Tribes, which was not found to be feasible. Sources said that
the State Government has been asked to submit a fresh proposal for ST status to the tribes of Adivasi

community which enjoy the ST status in other states of the country. The ethnography study in this regard
has been carried out and the Government of India would start the process immediately after receiving the
formal proposal from the State Government along with the study reports. Sources said that as majority of
the nine militant groups, which laid down arms in presence of the Union Home Minister P Chidambaram
and Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi recently belong to the Adivasi community, granting of ST status would
solve the problem to a great extent. MHA sources said that the Kuki and Hmar militant groups, which also
laid down arms recently, also submitted their charter of demands and the State Government has been
asked by the Centre to study the demands and submit its recommendations to the Government of India
for necessary action. Sources expressed the view that solution of the problems raised by the Kuki and
Hmar militant groups should not be a major problem and the MHA would act on their demands
immediately after receiving the recommendations of the Assam Government. (The Assam Tribune 9/2/12)
Police torture tribal schoolboy in Katni (6)
BHOPAL: For more than a week, a 15-year-old tribal boy and his parents went from door-to-door
narrating the harrowing story of how four policemen allegedly gave electric shocks accusing him of
stealing Rs 600. The incident occurred on February 2 but till Friday evening the police maintained there
was no evidence to nail the perpetrators. Ramadhar Gond, class VIII student and his parents from village
Karoudi Khurd, 50 km from Katni town, first took the complaint to the local SC-S/T atrocities police station
to register a case against the offenders. But the police there refused to entertain the complaint. The victim
then went to the office of the superintendent of police. Here too, they received no favourable response.
Then late on Thursday evening, the boy walked into the district collectorate. Here, in front of
commissioner Jabalpur range Ravindra Pastore, he told his story and showed the wounds. ``I saw a
wound and immediately instructed the collector to send the boy to the hospital and get a medical
examination done to find out the truth,'' commissioner Jabalpur Ravindra Pastore told TOI. ``The medical
examination has been done. Both the inspector general and the SP are in Bhopal for a conference. I am
waiting for them to return. The culprits will not be spared,'' he asserted. The alleged torture was after the
loss of Rs 600 from a hutment in the victim's village. Two persons, identified as Sukhlal Kachhi and
Ranajeet Kachhi, claimed to have found the money from one of their shirt pockets missing. Suspecting it
was Ramadhar, they caught the boy and locked him up in their house. Villagers gathered to thrash the
boy alleging he was a thief and regularly stole valuables from neighbours' homes. Then they took the boy
to the Barhi police station. Ramadhar told commissioner Pastore that he was locked-up and beaten by the
policemen there. When he kept denying having taken the money, four policemen allegedly inflicted
electric shocks to his genitals. Seeing that the teenager was in a critical condition after the third-degree,
the police took him back to the village and left him a few metres away from the hamlet. The police,
however, denied the incident. Inspector-in-charge of Barhi police station NK Pandey said: ``The boy was
brought to us at 11 am and he left at 1 pm. There was no power supply between 8 am and 3 pm that day.
How is it possible to inflict electric shock during a power cut? Besides, this boy and his father are
professional thieves. The villagers brought him to us and we had let him go after interrogation.''SP of
Katni, Manoj Sharma said he was in Bhopal for an official conference. ``The additional SP has been
asked to conduct an inquiry into the allegation. The boy's claims need to be verified,'' he said. (Times of
India 11/2/12)
Face of Salwa Judum killed in Maoist ambush in Chhattisgarh (12)
New Delhi, February 11, 2012: On Thursday evening, cadres of the outlawed Communist Party of India
(Maoist) opened fire on a Mahindra Scorpio vehicle in Chhattisgarh's troubled Sukma district and killed
Kartam Surya, a 29-year-old police constable, absconder from the law and alleged rapist, who had come
to symbolise the excesses of the State's counter-insurgency campaign. Described as the “Scourge of the
Maoists” in obituaries in local newspapers, Mr. Surya began his career in law enforcement as Special
Police Officer [SPO] during the Salwa Judum and rapidly grew to head the “Surya Group”: a band of

approximately 100 SPOs who were dubbed ‘Koya Commandos' and who operated under dubious legal
cover as the vanguard of the State police's counter-insurgency effort. Mr. Surya was one of the three
informal SPO commanders. In January last year, Ismail Khan, head of the Ismail group of Industries, was
fatally shot at point-blank range by a Maoist guerilla as he watched a rooster fight in Sukma town, while
Kicche Nanda of the Nanda group was injured in the Thursday ambush that claimed Mr. Surya. CRPF
officers and policemen who operated alongside the three men described them as brave and committed
soldiers. Since its inception in 2005, the controversial Salwa Judum has been described as either a
spontaneous peaceful tribal upsurge against the Maoists, or a violent government-backed vigilante force.
Thousands of young men were designated as SPOs under the Chhattisgarh Police Act and pushed into
anti-Maoist operations. Petitions filed in the Supreme Court accuse Salwa Judum members and SPOs of
over 500 murders, 99 rapes and 103 acts of arson. Villagers and local journalists in Sukma said Mr. Surya
was intimately involved in the Salwa Judum and could have been responsible for at least some of the
incidents listed in the petitions, but was never held accountable as he wielded tremendous influence
amongst the SPOs and was an accomplished trooper. An article in The Indian Express , for instance,
described Mr. Surya as the “mentor and first leader of SPOs.” In 2009, Mr. Surya and another ‘SPO
Commander' Kicche Nanda were accused of raping three tribal women, aged between 19 and 23, at Sam
Setti village in the summer of 2006 and charged with rape, criminal intimidation and wrongful
confinement. On November 17, 2009, a sessions court issued warrants against Mr. Surya and his
cohorts, but counsel for the State said the police were unable to track down the accused, even as both
men continued to participate in police raids and search operations. The following day, Mr. Surya and Mr.
Nanda were declared absconders. In April 2011, villagers from Tarmetla, Timapuram and Morepalli
accused the Koya Commandos of raping three women, killing three men and burning close to 300 homes
and granaries in the course of a five-day operation. It is unclear if Mr. Surya participated in the operation,
but policemen and local journalists have confirmed that he was present when a mob of former and
serving SPOs attacked a convey carrying emergency rations to the affected villages. In July 2011, the
Supreme Court took cognisance of the multiple allegations of rape, murder, and arson levelled against
Chhattisgarh's SPOs and ruled that the use of SPOs like Mr. Surya in anti-Maoist operations was
unconstitutional. The Chhattisgarh government responded by inducting Mr. Surya as a constable in the
State police force and incorporating his men into a newly created Chhattisgarh Auxiliary Armed Police
Force. The men continued to report to Mr. Surya, making him one of the few police constables in the
country to command a company-sized force of armed men. The Chhattisgarh police deny the formal
existence of a “Surya group” and maintain that SPOs do not head operations but work under the
supervision of senior policemen. Senior officers have maintained that any such ‘groups' could be a
remnant of the Salwa Judum days when SPOs organised themselves on the basis of village affiliations.
The Chhattisgarh police are unable to offer any information on the 2009 warrant pending against Mr.
Surya, despite this correspondent mailing them copies of the court order. A police spokesperson was
unable to state if Mr. Surya had in fact appeared before court and received bail, or if he had continued to
participate in police operations two years after being declared “absconder” in a court of law. (The Hindu
11/2/12)
Rights forum says Saranda plan aiding World Bank agenda, multinationals (6)
NEW DELHI, February 12, 2012: Under the garb of Saranda Action Plan (SAP), the United Progressive
Alliance government is pursuing the agenda of the World Bank and multinational companies with mining
interests and heaping atrocities on tribals living in a dense forest in Jharkhand, civil society and human
rights activists have alleged. The Union Ministry of Rural Development launched the Rs. 250-crore SAP to
construct roads, provide cycles, solar lamps, blankets and houses, among other things. Union Minister of
Rural Development Jairam Ramesh twice visited the forest now under the control of the Maoists. The
Jharkhand Human Rights Movement (JHRM) has accused the police and paramilitary forces of killing
innocent Adivasis and looting their meagre belongings, which are then exhibited as articles recovered

from Maoist camps they claim to have busted. The JHRM successfully petitioned the National Human
Rights Commission to have the atrocities probed and wrote to Mr. Ramesh as well to point out how the
local people had been excluded from the SAP at all levels. The JHRM regarded the SAP as a “very good
initiative” if implemented honestly and appreciated Mr. Ramesh's visit to the rural areas which even local
leaders dared not. The fact that SAP had been drafted with the help of the World Bank was “quite
dangerous” to the local community, feared JHRM general secretary Gladson Dungdung. The JRHM has
questioned the purpose of constructing 130 km of roads at a cost of Rs. 104 crore in the forest when the
7000 families targeted to benefit were being given just bicycles. The ulterior motive behind the move,
according to it, was to help companies such as Mittal, Tata and Jindal, who had been awarded lease to
extract iron-ore, from the surrounding 56 villages identified under SAP. Underscoring Mr. Ramesh's
‘keenness' to include World Bank members in drafting the SAP, the JHRM wondered why he had not
involved even one head of the gram sabha or the tribal advisory council in the process, despite the fact
the area came under the Fifth Schedule Area of the Constitution. The JHRM viewed the exclusion as a
‘ploy' to protect the World Bank's role from being exposed and questioned. By doing so, Mr. Ramesh had
violated the Panchayat Extension to Scheduled Areas Act, 1996, the Chotanagpur Tenancy Act, 1908
and the Constitutional provisions for the Fifth Schedule Area, it charged. The Movement also alleged
rampant human rights violation in the forest under “Operation Anaconda” carried out jointly by the State
Police and Central forces in August 2011. On its request, the NHRC sent a five-member team headed by
Deputy Inspector General Mamta Singh to probe the matter. The JHRM alleged that Central forces laid
siege to 25 villages inside the forest for the entire month when 500 tribals were brutally tortured, 15,000
Adivasis subjected to police atrocities and about 1.25 lakh of them were denied basic services and
facilities such as health, education, drinking water, road and electricity. The memorandum cited the
alleged murder of two Adivasis in police custody, both of whom were shown as killed in crossfire during
an encounter with the Maoists. Denying any kind of encounter, the memorandum alleged that the Central
forces had killed the duo, Mangal Honhanga and Soma Guria, and there were witnesses to testify to the
killings. The report charged five jawans of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) with occupying the
house of 30-year-old Sukhmi Bankira and gang-raping her for almost a week, though she did not testify
before the NHRC probe team fearing for the safety of her son who had been arrested on charges of being
a Maoist. But another tribal Muni Guria testified that the CRPF jawans tried to rape her but her aunt
rescued her. As many as 33 Adivasis of Saranda have been arrested by the police and booked under the
Unlawful Activities(Prevention) Act, Arms Act and Criminal Law Amendment Act, which the JHRM claimed
was a clear example of victimisation of innocent villagers. The security forces destroyed land entitlement
papers, ration cards, education certificates, voter identity cards and job cards in at least five villages and
closed down schools and suspended mid-day meal schemes in 25 villages during the anti-Naxal
operation, according to the memorandum. (The Hindu 12/2/12)
Rajasthan: SC/ST Commissioner Concerned Over Tribals' Safety (6)
Chairman of National Commission of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, Ramashawar Umrao
today voiced concern on the safety of tribals, especially women, in Hadoti region here but assured that he
will raise the issue with concerned officials. Umrao, on a two day visit to the region, said at the Circuit
House here that the Commission would write to concerned officials on the issue of rising crimes against
women from scheduled castes and tribes. "Most of such cases are pending at police stations and at
courts. Commission would write to the concerned state officials soon," he said. Umrao also expressed
concern over the rising number of child marriages among tribes in Rajasthan and said the tribal
community must be educated and made aware of the repercussions of early-age marriages. Unhappy
over the poor and grim health facilities in the tribal areas like Bundi and Baran, Umrao said, "Medical
facilities in the tribal areas of Rajasthan are not available and even Auxiliary Nursing Midwife (ANM) do
not visit the areas." He also said the tribal villages in Rajasthan are not connected to the main roads as
the 'Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana' has not yet been implemented for tribal villages. Asked about

the tribal mining workers suffering from tuberculosis in Dhabi area of Bundi district, Umrao said he would
ask the divisional commissioner to prepare a report on the matter and direct them to provide immediate
medical facilities. (Outlook 13/2/12)
Child sex ratio declining in tribal districts as well (6)
AHMEDABAD: Tribal districts, which were the torch-bearers for the girl child in Gujarat, boasting of a far
healthier number of girls in 0-6 age group, too have shown a decline in the past decade. Sociologists see
this trend as alarming as almost all non-tribal districts in Gujarat are already reeling under a skewed sex
ratio. All the tribal districts including Dang, Dahod, Panchmahals, Tapi, Valsad, Narmada and Bharuch,
have posted a decline in the child sex ratio in 0-6 age group as per figures of Census 2011. Child sex
ratio in Gujarat has improved marginally from 883 to 886 per 1,000 boys. Since the focus was on rogue
districts in north Gujarat, much awareness about skewed sex ratio was created in these districts. Tribal
districts were not targeted in the beti bachao campaign of the state government. Here, it needs mention
that the child sex ratio in the tribal districts is still above 900, higher than many other districts of the state.
It is also a reality that all the districts have recorded a decline in child sex ratio in 2011 as compared to
2001. Madhusudan Mistry, tribal leader and former Congress MP, said that incidence of death of a girl
child in 0-5 age group is higher in the tribal districts. "A big number of girl children in the tribal districts are
under-weight. When they fall ill, their incidence of mortality too is higher. Over 19 per cent of the girls in
tribal districts suffer from malnourishment", said Mistry. Sociologist Gaurang Jani says that the
urbanization is also sweeping the tribal districts where most couple do not favour to give birth to four to
five children like the earlier generation. Most of the youth are educated, desirous of employment and limit
their families to two to maximum three children. "Family planning has caught up with the tribal families as
well. This is one of the chief contributors to the declining sex ratio in the tribal districts. (Times of India
15/2/12)
Human safaris: UN appealed to take up issue (6)
London, February 16, 2012: Amidst concern and inquiries in India, a London-based tribal rights group
today appealed to a UN committee to renew its call to close the key Andaman Trunk Road to stop
"human safaris" in the islands. The UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD)
had sought the closure of the road in 2007. After recent exposures in the UK media and inquiries
instituted by the Indian government, Survival International (SI) has asked CERD in a letter to take up the
issue again with India. In 2007, CERD had urged India to "implement the 2002 order of the Indian
Supreme Court to close sections of the Andaman Trunk Road".Survival's Director Stephen Corry said:
"All eyes are on India and what it will do next. Closing the road is not about isolating the Jarawa, but
upholding their right to control their own land and choose if, and how, they interact with outsiders." He
added: "Far from meddling in India's affairs, Britain, Europe and the UN's concern shows the gravity of
the situation, and the need to respect human rights by closing the road." Earlier this month, MPs tabled
an early motion in the House of Commons on the issue, while MEPs in the European Parliament are also
raising the issue with the EU's Foreign Affairs Representative, SI said. (Hindustan Times 16/2/12)
'State govt callous on welfare of SC/ST welfare' (6)
Jammu: With reported delay in submission of tribal sub-plan to the Planning Commision by the NC-
Congress government in the state, BJP today accused it of being callous towards the welfare of SC/ST
communities. "Non-submission of the tribal sub-plan to the plan panel in time is a very serious issue and
the delay shows that the present NC-Congress coalition is not committed towards the welfare and uplift of
the SCs and STs in the state," state BJP chief Shamsher Singh Manhas told reporters here. The most
unfortunate part of the whole issue is that such things are happening in the state at a time when the
deputy Chief Minister himself belongs to the Scheduled Caste, he said. Not only this, the state cabinet
also has ministers who represent the ST majority constituencies, he said. (Zee News 17/2/12)

Tribal bodies condemn AR assault on villagers (6)
Imphal, February 18 2012: All India Tribal Students Association, Delhi (AITSA) has expressed shock and
anguish on the reported excesses committed by 36 Assam Rifles personnel to Somtal villagers on
February 15 . A press release issued by its president K Zou said that the association is mentally and
legally prepared to take up the matter at the national level if the family of the victims and KSO formally
approaches its Grievance Cell in the interest of national integrity. The release alleged that AR personnel
promptly displayed their excellence in racial chauvinism upon the poor mongoloid tribes of Indian origin
living in Sehlon village, New Somtal in Chandel district near the Myanmar border with Manipur, to avenge
death of a non local. The non-local was a salesman in the Army canteen, who was allegedly killed by
another non-local salesman on February 14, it added. The press release further said, when the
Government of India is fully committed to the integrity of the nation and protection of its citizens, AR
personnel acted in such a barbaric and antinational manner by taking advantage of AFSPA to satisfy
themselves and their eccentric mainland Indian ego. It alleged that 10 innocent tribal villagers were
brutally beaten up and molested 17 young tribal women including two pregnant women. The president
added that such conduct of AR troops led by a learned Commander completely defeated the conduct of
the outlaws. The Association deplored that most Army officers posted in the NE region has been taking
advantage of the innocence of tribal people in the name of counter insurgency several times. It is time
that any unlawful conduct of the Army must be brought to the Ministry of Home Affairs for inquiry and the
erring personnel must be booked under the relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and Prevention of
(ST/SC) Atrocities Act read with the relevant Army Rule, it added. Women's body alleges: Contending that
about 27 civilians, including 17 women, suffered injuries in the assault by personnel of 36 Assam Rifles at
Sehlon village of Chandel district on February 15, All Tribal Women's Organisation, Chandel has
demanding that the guilty personnel be punished and the AR post be shifted from its present location. A
statement issued by the Association alleging that the AR personnel also prevented KSO and Kuki Chief
Association volunteers from taking the injured villagers for treatment also demanded that AR authorities
bear treatment cost of the injured persons. (Manipur E-PAO 19/2/12)
Cop in video footage on dancing Jarawa identified (6)
New Delhi: Andaman and Nicobar Island police have identified one of its personnel who was allegedly
involved in the controversial 'human safari' episode where members of Jarawa tribe were made to dance
in return for food by foreign tourists. Strict action will be taken the cop, sources said here. The cop was
recently identified after a through examination of the video footage and the sound sample as he had
briefly appeared in one of the video footages, they added. The video was shot in September 2008 and the
inquiry is on to identify another man who had appeared in it in military overalls, the sources said. Though
the name of the accused has not yet been divulged by the cops, sources said the Andaman and Nicobar
administration has informed the Tribal Affairs Ministry and National Commission for Scheduled Tribes
(NCST) on the development. Initially, Andaman police had denied the involvement of its personnel in the
episode. A special team was formed by the Andaman police under a Deputy Superintendent of Police
(DSP) to seek the help of cyber cell of central agencies in cracking the computer through which the video
was first hosted on social networking websites. While the Tribal Affairs Ministry had ordered a probe in
the case, NCST had issued a notice to the Andaman administration demanding a report on the action
taken by them to stop 'human safaris'. The incident had come to the fore last month when video footages
showed some of their members, including women, in semi-naked conditions. The group was allegedly
exploited by foreign tourists who made them dance for food. Following the episode, the Tribal Affairs
Ministry had suggested stringent action against the people involved in such acts and recommended
punishment for the tour operators involved in such safaris. Government is also looking at the options of
closing down the Andaman Trunk Road (ATR) which passes through the protected forest zone inhabited
by Jarawas. Meanwhile, to prevent unscrupulous elements from exploiting the presence of the Jarawas,

the administration recently increased the size of the Jarawa reserve from 847 sq kms to 1,028 sq kms in
2004. To ensure safety and dignity of Jarawa tribes, it has also completely banned photography and
videography in the area and outsiders are not allowed to interact with the local population there. (CNN-
IBN 20/2/12)
Alleged rape against 4 tribals not made out, court informed (6)
CHENNAI, February 21, 2012: The Tamil Nadu government submitted before the Madras High Court on
Monday that it would appear that the alleged offence of rape against four tribals in Villupuram district in
November last year was not made out. In his affidavit, consequent to a court order on a writ petition, State
Home Secretary, R. Rajagopal, said that medical examination was done on the victims at Government
Medical College Hospital, Mundiyambakkam, on November 29 last year. The doctor who conducted the
medical examination had given a report that there was no medico-legal evidence to suggest that the
victims had a recent sexual intercourse. The government had paid compensation of Rs.5 lakh to each of
the four women on “compassionate grounds.” Five police personnel, including the Inspector, Thirukoilur
police station, had been placed under suspension. The Home Secretary submitted: “From the report of
the investigating officer, it appears that the offence of rape is not made out. However, the enquiry of the
Judicial Magistrate is going on and the findings are awaited. The government will conclude its views once
the findings of the judicial enquiry are available.” He said women and children had been taken into
custody by police personnel in an unwarranted manner. The government will not shield the guilty. In a
separate affidavit, Director-General of Police, K. Ramanujam, stated, “It would appear that the offence of
rape is not made out.” He said the Assistant Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine, Government
Villupuram Medical College, had opined that “there is no medical evidence to suggest that the victims had
recent sexual intercourse”. The Director and Professor of the Institute of Forensic Medicine, MMC, had
said after analysing the documents that there was “no evidence suggestive of forceful physical restraint
on the body of all the four alleged victims; there is no evidence for forceful sexual intercourse in any of the
four alleged victims.” (The Hindu 21/2/12)
Chotanagpur Tenancy Act: What next (6)
The Chotanagpur Tenancy (CNT) Act, enacted in 1908 after the Birsa Movement to govern land issues
and prevent land alienation, is supposed to be the Magna Carta for tribals. The blueprint of the act was
prepared by John Hoffmann, a missionary social worker. Its operation is effective in North Chotanagpur,
South Chotanagpur and Palamau divisions, including areas under various municipalities and notified area
committees. What is its key provision on land? Section 46 of the CNT Act restricts transfer of land
belonging to Scheduled Tribes/Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes. However, a tribal may transfer
his land through sale, exchange, gift or will to a fellow Scheduled Tribe member and residents of his own
police station area. Similarly, SCs and BCs can transfer land to members of their own community within
the limits of the district in which the land is located with prior permission of the deputy commissioner.
What is the high court’s latest ruling? On January 25, Jharkhand High Court asked the state government
to follow the CNT Act in its true spirit, making it clear that in addition to tribes, its also applied to those
belonging to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Why did the court rule so? Although the act was
followed in respect of tribals — though not in letter and spirit — its provisions for SC/BC remained virtually
dormant. These provisions were also challenged in court from time to time with Patna High Court
declaring it constitutionally valid in 1996. Tribal organisations are opposed to any changes in the law. But,
non-tribals want the act amended to relax curbs on sale of land imposed on Scheduled Castes and
Backward Classes. Pro-CNT outfits, mostly tribal organisations, have constituted CNT Act Bachao
Morcha to ask the state government not to make any changes in the law. They allege past amendments
have weakened the Act and created more loopholes for “usurping” tribal land. Various non-tribal outfits
have come together under Jharkhand Bachao Sangharsha Morcha to pressure the state government into
amending the law. They claim some provisions of the act are a stumbling block to development. The real

estate sector, besides suppliers of construction material and labourers, is the worst affected. Since the
major chunk of land belongs to backward classes and tribals, it has brought all construction activity to a
halt. Banks have stopped disbursing funds and loans for ongoing housing projects. Under the CNT Act,
land belonging to ST/SC/BC can be mortgaged only for five years. So, banks will lose the right to recover
loans after five years. Since housing loans are for longer terms, 15 to 20 years, the banks are taking
precautionary measures, explained S.K. Singh, the convenor of State Level Bankers Committee, an
umbrella organisation of all banks. Approximately, Rs 160 crore has been blocked to around 100 ongoing
projects in Ranchi, according to real estate expert Rajesh Mishra. The state government has two options
to defuse the politically surcharged atmosphere. First, it may review the list of backward classes (Bihar
govt, 1962) and identify the extremely backward among them so that they can remain under the purview
of the act. The others may be exempt. This may be done by the state government without going to the
Assembly. Second, it may recall the amendment of 1981 by which the act was extended to municipal and
notified areas committees. This way, the land available under municipal areas will be free for transfer and
exempt from the rigours of the act. Also, since the 1981 amendment does not talk of municipal
corporations constituted under a separate 1951 law. So, the CNT Act may not be applicable in municipal
corporation areas in Ranchi and Dhanbad. Constitutional position. Legal experts say the CNT Act may be
amended by the state legislature on the recommendations of the Tribes Advisory Council (TAC). But the
assent of the President will be required since Jharkhand comes under Schedule V of the Constitution.
Also, CNT Act has been listed in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution, which implies it is beyond judicial
review (Telegraph 23/2/12)
Migrant Gutti Koyas in a piquant situation in State (6)
KHAMMAM, February 24, 2012: Aggrieved members of the Gutti Koya migrant tribal families living in
several temporary habitations in the mandals adjoining Chhattisgarh are facing difficulties in seeking
justice and relief under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989,
in the absence of ST community certificates. Thousands of Gutti Koyas fled their homes in Chhattisgarh
and settled in various tribal sub-plan mandals in the district unable to cope with the volatile conditions due
to the armed conflict between the police and the Maoists in their home State. Though classified as tribals
in Chhattisgarh, the Gutti Koyas have been denied ST certificates in the district. Revenue officials have
been refusing to issue ST certificates to them as Gutti Koya tribal group is not included in the list of
Scheduled Tribes in the State, sources said. As a result, the migrant tribals are facing a peculiar situation.
They can neither obtain ST certificates from their strife-torn native villages in Chhattisgarh nor secure the
same here in their temporary habitations. The issue came into sharp focus during the district-level
vigilance and monitoring committee meeting held here on Thursday to review the cases under the SC/ST
(POA) Act. The meeting was held under the aegis of Officer on Special Duty of State SC/ST Commission
R Subba Rao. A police officer of Kothagudem division brought to the notice of Mr Subba Rao and district
Collector Siddharth Jain that a rape victim of Gutti Koya tribal community of Palvancha mandal was
unable to claim compensation under the SC/ST (POA) Act for want of a ST certificate. Taking a note of
the issue, the Collector directed the District Revenue Officer to immediately write a letter to the revenue
officials concerned of Dantewada, Sukma, and Bijapur districts of Chhattisgarh seeking their cooperation
for provision of ST certificates to migrant Gutti Koya tribals residing in the district. Responding to a plea
from a member of the committee, the Collector promised suitable employment to a family member of a
dalit girl who was brutally hacked to death by a youth here last year. Mr Subba Rao appreciated the
divisional level meetings being conducted by the district administration to monitor the cases under the
SC/ST (POA) Act. He suggested that mandal level meetings be conducted on similar lines to ensure strict
enforcement of the act and prevent atrocities against SCs and STs. (The Hindu 24/2/12)
M.P. tribals ‘forced' to pay for UID-linked PDS (6)

BHOPAL, February 26, 2012: While the Madhya Pradesh government is very excited about linking the
State's crumbling Public Distribution System (PDS) to the Unique Identification (UID) scheme,
beneficiaries are clearly not happy with the new arrangement which not only makes it mandatory for them
to register for the UID, but also pay for it. Several beneficiaries from the backward tribal-dominated district
of Barwani have approached Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan requesting him to scrap the existing
system and initiate a comprehensive consultation programme with beneficiaries, failing which they would
launch a mass agitation. The new system, put in place last year, is being implemented by a corporate
consortium led by HCL Infosystems with Edenred India Private Ltd — a subsidiary of corporate meal
voucher provider and multinational hospitality giant Accor — and Virgo Softech Pvt. Ltd, an Indore-based
IT firm as the other two members. The Hindu was the first to report on the new system, which is a country
first, last year. Under it, PDS will be implemented by way of food coupons linked to the UID. However,
tribal beneficiaries from Barwani have objected to it after they were asked to pay up Rs. 275 for the
registration. Further, they have been “told” registering for the UID was mandatory without which they
would not be eligible for the PDS. “UID is supposed to be free, but not the food coupons. But since food
coupon surveys are being used to capture data for UID, effectively, beneficiaries are also being charged
for the UID cards. Peculiar situation “This has resulted in a peculiar situation whereby, for example, a
well-off executive from New Delhi gets the UID/Aadhaar card for free, but poor adivasis from Madhya
Pradesh are forced to pay for the same card,” says Madhuri Krishnaswami of Barwani-based tribal-rights
group Jagrit Adivasi Dalit Sangathan. “Further, due to irregularities in the BPL survey methodology and
implementation, thousands of poor families have been wrongly categorised as APL and therefore cannot
afford to pay for a service they were till now getting for free. Many families have had to sell off their
poultry, minor cattle, etc. to meet this new expense,” said Ms. Krishnaswami. The authorities confirm the
situation but say this is a minor glitch that will solve itself out soon. Till that happens, the beneficiaries will
have to pay up. “According to the contract, the government was supposed to pay the service provider [the
consortium] Rs. 275 upfront for UID enrolments, to be reimbursed to us by the UID Authority of India
[UIDAI],” State Food and Civil Supplies Commissioner Dipali Rastogi told The Hindu . “Recently, the
UIDAI suddenly stopped the reimbursements and so the beneficiaries will now have to pay the amount
only for the period till the UIDAI starts the reimbursements again, which they have told us should be done
by April,” says Ms. Rastogi. Once the UIDAI starts reimbursing the State government again, the fee will
be returned to the beneficiaries, she said. However, she also admitted that the State government was not
clear how much would be reimbursed by the UIDAI. “Earlier the amount to be reimbursed to us was
Rs.275, but now if the UIDAI lowers it, then there is nothing we can do about it,” she said. (The Hindu
27/2/12)
Tribal woman raped, two held (6)
SURI: A 38-year-old tribal woman was allegedly robbed of her ornaments and raped by a gang of
miscreants at Salkhana, 3 km from Suri, on Sunday night. The victim, a construction worker, was waiting
for a bus back home, along with a mason, Seikh Siraj, when the gang attacked, police said. The
miscreants reportedly beat up Siraj and snatched his valuables and mobile phone. Police arrested two of
the miscreants and detained one person for interrogation. The victim has lodged a complaint with Suri
police. A senior police officer said that after the incident, the woman went back home and made no hue
and cry about it. It was Siraj who along with other villagers informed Suri police. More police personnel
reached the spot and initiated a search for the gang. Meanwhile, the victim was brought from home and
sent to Suri hospital for treatment. She is a widow and mother of three children. On Monday, Gangeswar
Singh, IG, Western range, reached Suri. Singh interrogated the miscreants and spoke to the woman and
the mason. "Two persons were arrested and one detained for further interrogation. Police will make all the
necessary arrangements to provide the woman with security. The district administration has been asked
to rehabilitate the woman," said Singh. The IG later held a meeting with Birbhum DM Jagdish Prasad
Meena. Rishikesh Meena, SP, Birbhum said, "As soon as the incident was reported our force reached the

spot and arrested the miscreants. A senior officer holding the rank of DSP has been assigned to
investigate the incident." The miscreants were identified as Seikh Rantu, Seikh Kadam and Seikh Anarul.
Fuleswar Baskey of Birbhum Adivasi Gaota said, "Tribal women from poor families are forced to work to
earn a livelihood. They must be provided with security. In this case, we demand compensation and
rehabilitation for the woman. "The woman made no hue and cry after the incident. Instead, she went back
home. It was Siraj who along with other villagers informed Suri police. More police personnel were
deployed in the area to look for the culprits. The victim was taken to Suri hospital for treatment. (Times of
India 28/2/12)
Rape case: Kiran promises stringent punishment (6)
HYDERABAD, March 1, 2012: Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy asserted in the Assembly on
Wednesday that stringent punishment would be meted out to the accused involved in the gang-rape of a
tribal woman in Vizianagaram district recently. Intervening after TDP member N. Narasimhulu found fault
with the government during Question Hour for not making a statement on the issue in the House, he said
that no government would tolerate such heinous incidents and assured that steps would be taken to
prevent their recurrence. Leader of Opposition N. Chandrababu Naidu said there was no proper reply
from the government on the incident even after four days. He urged the government to act in a
demonstrative manner so that it would be a deterrent. He also sought ex gratia payment to the victim.
Minister for Tribal Welfare P. Balaraju said soon after learning about the incident, he got in touch with the
local MLA, Collector, SP and ITDA Project Officer and sought information. The government was also
equally concerned about the incident and would extend all help, including ex gratia, to the victim after
receiving the report. Minister for Environment and Forests S. Vijayarama Raju said all the accused were
also Girijans and after getting full details a statement would be made in the House. Earlier, replying to
main question by A. Suresh (Congress) on dearth of qualified teachers in educational institutions in tribal
areas, Mr. Balaraju said that a total of 10,742 posts were sanctioned in 10 ITDAs. Of them, 7,761 were
filled and 2,981 were vacant. For 2,151 posts, the court cases were recently cleared and the posts would
be filled in the ratio of 30 per cent for direct recruitment and 70 per cent through promotions. The ruling
and opposition members expressed concern over the delay in filling posts and wanted the process to be
completed in a time-bound manner. Speaker, N. Manohar too pointed out to the Minister that the
vacancies figure was high. (The Hindu 1/3/12)
Munda invites all parties for talks on CNT Act in assembly (6)
RANCHI: Chief minister Arjun Munda on Wednesday invited political parties to hold discussions on
Chotanagpur Tenancy (CNT) Act in the assembly. Addressing the national executive meet of the BJP
Scheduled Tribe Morcha, he said the act was now being used by the opposition to gain political mileage.
"Every party is trying to exploit the issue by blaming the government. But they are not willing to clarify
their own stand," the CM said. "If the parties are concerned about gaining political mileage, they will
continue with fuelling the divide and rule policy but if they are concerned about the tribal community they
must come up with facts and figures and debate elaborately in the assembly instead of adopting
contradictory stand inside and outside the House," he said. Munda stressed on assessment of every act
saying that the pros and cons of law must be studied from time to time. Citing example of the central act
of coal bed methane (CBA), he said it was completely against the interest of villagers. "The act empowers
the government to displace anyone without even complying with the employment clause," he said. Citing
example of the draft proposal of the Mines and Mineral Development Regulations (MMRD) Bill of the
Centre, Munda said the idea to give a share of profit to tribal people seems alluring. But in reality, none of
the public sector firms working in mining sector has ever been profited. "I have written to the Prime
Minister expressing my objections to the act, because we have example of Bharat Coking Coal Limited
(BCCL), which is under the Board of Industrial and Financial Reconstruction because of loss it suffers."

The two-day national executive meet concluded with the resolution of ensuring maximum representation
of the BJP from the 47 reserved parliamentary constituencies in the country. Morcha's national president
Fagan Singh Kulastey admitted that some changes in the act could make it more useful for the tribals .
"We have not studied the act, but as far as rights of tribal for protection of their property are concerned, it
must be in place," he said. The executive committee has also decided to organize a big function at
Mangarh, where over 1,500 tribals were burnt to death by the British rulers. (Times of India 2/3/12)
Survey: 406 houses of Koragas not fit for living (6)
MANGALORE, March 3, 2012: In all, 33 families of Koragas, a Scheduled Tribe, in Dakshina Kannada
are homeless, and 406 houses in which Koragas live are not fit for living, according to a survey conducted
by the State government. As many as 489 families have no sites, the survey found. Koragas are
considered as the most oppressed section of society. Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat conducted the
survey of 935 Koraga families on February 9 and 10in the jurisdiction of 203 gram panchayats, excluding
the jurisdiction of Mangalore City Corporation, according to Y. Shivaramaiah, Assistant Secretary, zilla
panchayat, who is in-charge Project Coordinator, Integrated Tribal Development Project, Dakshina
Kannada. Mr. Shivaramaiah told The Hindu that 33 homeless families lived with their relatives. They were
sharing the houses of their relatives. He said of the 489 families which did not have sites, 305 lived on
government land and 10 on forestland. They did not have title deeds. The remaining 174 families lived on
agricultural land owned by others and worked as agricultural labourers. The Assistant Secretary said that
of the families surveyed, only 446 owned land. He said that of the families surveyed, 406 were in houses
which were not fit for living. They were living either in huts or houses having mud walls in a dilapidated
state. Of the houses in which the families surveyed lived, 298 needed repairs and 198 were in good
condition. Mr. Shivaramaiah said that 477 houses did not have electricity. The panchayat planned to build
houses to the homeless and whose houses were in a bad shape under public-private-partnership. As the
panchayat could not get funds directly from corporate companies, a trust would have to be formed to
receive contributions from the companies. Chief Executive Officer of the panchayat K.N. Vijay Prakash
had sent a proposal to the government seeking permission for constituting a trust. The government's
approval was awaited. (The Hindu 4/3/12)
Tribal development must to curb Maoist insurgency: Jairam Ramesh (6)
Vishakhapatnam, Mar 4 : Union Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh has once again stressed on
the need to secure the cooperation of tribal communities in curbing Maoist forces.Reflecting on the
simmering internal siege across central and eastern India, Ramesh asserted that counter-insurgency
operations had to be supplemented with proactive development initiatives in the backward and tribaldominated
areas of the country. "We can win this battle against Maoist ideologies, Maoist cadres, Maoist
forces, not only through police action. We have to be showing a different development strategy, which is
more sensitive to the needs of tribal communities. We have to have more political action, we need political
activities, political campaigns. Ultimately, we need the cooperation of the people. Unless the tribal
communities are with us, we are not going to win this war on the Maoists," Ramesh told media on the
sidelines of a function here. Ramesh urged Maoists to give up arms and resolve their differences with the
administration through dialogue and be a part of India's political mainstream. "If Maoists want to come
and fight election, win elections through democratic means, not through coercion or intimidation, but
through democratic means, fine, by all means they must be part of the political mainstream. The land of
Mahatma Gandhi cannot become a battleground. The tribals cannot become caught between the
government and the Maoists," said Ramesh. Several analysts and security experts have, at many forums,
suggested a similar two-way strategy to combat the menace, by promoting development in the affected
areas while simultaneously boosting security presence to thwart the ultras. To this end, the central and
state governments have formulated several aid packages and schemes to promote progress and
development in the areas, to ensure the vulnerable tribal and rural populace is not influenced by Maoist

propaganda of the state being 'against their interests.'The schemes aim at holistically spurring progress
and peace by enacting several poverty eradication measures and providing employment, medical care,
education and essential services in the backward regions of the Maoist strongholds. (ANI) (New Kerala
5/3/12)
Tribal youths pour out woes (6)
MYSORE: Twenty five-year-old Anthony, a second year degree student from Jharkand, arrived to the city
to meet the elected representatives and educationists to discuss the problems of the tribal community.
Anthony told TOI on Sunday that tribals don't get a chance frequently to share their grievances and tribes
are getting distracted due to Naxal activities in his home state. "I am in Mysore to request MPs and
ministers to take effective steps to curb Naxal activities. There are schools in tribal areas but there is
shortage of teachers. How can children get educated? The government has earmarked funds for tribes
and has released it. But its not reaching the panchayats," he said. More than 500 tribals from different
parts of the country are taking part in the interaction programme with elected representatives,
educationists and tribal youth activists as part of IV tribal youth exchange programme organized the by
ministry of youth affairs and sports and Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan at Manasa Gangothri. Another
participant Manglu, 26, from Chattisgarh said most of the tribes don't know the schemes provided by both
the state and Central governments. "I am attending this kind of programme for the first time. The
authorities concerned should educate us about benefits available for us," he said. Tribes from
Heggadadevana Kote taluk, which is 45 km from Mysore, shared their grievances about lack of basic
amenities in their respective areas. Saraswathi,37, a tribe from Brahmagiri tribal area stressed the lack of
drinking water facilities and said some adolescent children of tribes do not go to schools and colleges,
because cannot afford bus fair daily. They have started working as labourers, she said. "The governments
don't even give us shelter. Many times we think of going back to forests for our livelihood but today we
can't even enter the forest to collect firewood," she said. A few youths at tribal areas in HD Kote taluk
have completed diploma in education but no one is helping them to get a job, said Bagyamma , 40, a tribe
from Basavanagiri area. "Many people say that the government is providing many facilities like bank loans
for us. Neither the officials nor the representatives of gram panchayat come forward to inform us about
this," she rued. (Times of India 5/3/12)
Congress stages walkout over ‘anti-tribal’ remark (6)
Gandhinagar: Congress members staged a noisy walkout in the House while demanding withdrawal of an
alleged anti-tribal remark by Tribal Development Minister Mangubhai Patel on the second day of budget
discussion in the state Assembly on Wednesday. The walkout followed rejection of a demand for
withdrawal of the remark and an apology from the minister who was speaking on a resolution moved by
Congress MLA Mohansinh Rathwa on tribal projects. As the speech was in progress, Congress members
pointed out that the ruling party had misled tribals into voting for BJP candidates. The minister responded
saying the Congress had managed tribals into voting for its candidates by distributing bidi and bhoongla
(a type of fish) to them. Objecting to this, Congress whip Iqbal Patel raised a point of order and
demanded withdrawal of the allegedly derogatory remark. The Speaker promised to take suitable action
after checking records but the Congress would not budge. Cooperation and Agriculture Minister Dileep
Sangahani was forced to raise a point of order that when a minister was speaking no member can raise a
point of order at that time on his words. Subsequently, Congress members staged a walkout for rest of
the day. Later, senior MLA Siddharth Patel said it was unfortunate that the minister used extremely
insulting words for the tribal community at a time when a serious discussion on neglect of the community,
declining budget and slow progress of projects in their areas was on. (Indian Express 8/3/12)
11-party forum to launch stir on GTA (6)

Kolkata: As many as 11 organisations, including the All Bengal Adivasi Vikas Parishad, have decided to
oppose inclusion of any territory from Dooars and Terai into the proposed Gorkha Territorial
Administration (GTA) as demanded by the Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM). A meeting of the the 11-
party umbrella organization was held in Siliguri today The organisations, including the ABVP, CPI(ML),
Kamtapur People’s party led by Atul Roy and the Bangal Bhasa Bachao Committee, also decided to go in
for a “rail roko” in four different places in Dooars and Terai on April 6 and 7 to press for their demand. It
was also decided to launch an agitation in Dooars and Terai from April 15, the day when a high-powered
committee headed by Justice Shyamal Sen has convened a meeting of all the stake-holders in the
matter. The committee is expected to decide if the new territory will be included in the proposed GTA after
considering the 700-plus claims and objections it has received. The 11-party forum opposing this move
will also submit a deputation to the West Bengal Governor. Meanwhile, the GJM leadership has
denounced the idea of holding any polls of the GTA without inclusion of the new territory as demanded by
them. The GJM has said that if the new territory is not added to the GTA from Dooars and Terai, it would
like to have a nominated or ad-hoc GTA and not an elected one. John Barla, a breakaway faction of the
adivasi community however, said the agitation by the 11-party forum will not have any impact on the GTA.
He said he was working for “peace and development” of the adivasis living in the plans and supports the
inclusion of territory to the GTA. (Indian Express 11/3/12)
WB: Tribal girl raped at gun-point, ostracized (6)
Kolkata: A tribal girl was allegedly raped at gun-point on February 26 in Birbhum, West Bengal and has
now been asked to leave her village by the village chief and elders. Her house was ransacked and she
was threatened that she would be paraded naked if she continued stay in the village. The police has
intervened but the villagers are adamant saying that she has brought a bad name to the tribe and the
village. Earlier two people were arrested for the alleged rape case after the girl filed an FIR. (CNN IBN
11/3/12)
Adivasis powerless as power flows from Attapadi (6)
ATTAPADI: The trek to the hillocks of Nallasingha ooru in Attapadi, more than 90 km from Palakkad,
would convince anyone that the land was uncultivable and that was the reason why the windy terrain
remains uninhabited. Suzlon Energy had purchased 645 acres of this land based on a study by the
Agency for Non-Conventional Energy and Rural Technology (Anert) which found it suitable for setting up
a wind farm. The lands were purchased by Sarjan Realties Limited and Subh Realties (South) Private
limited on which Suzlon set up 31 windfarms. “The process of setting up the windfarm began in 2007-08
and all the 31 windmills were in operation by 2009. While the power produced from 23 windmills was
being transferred to the Agali sub-station and onward to the Mannarkad transmission centre, the power
from the remaining eight was being transferred directly to the common grid through the Kavundikal pool,’’
said the Assistant Engineer of the Mannarkad sub-station of the KSEB, Abdul Nazar. The power
produced from the windmills could vary widely as there was largescale fluctuations. The power produced
by each of the machines was as high as 4,00,000 units per day sometimes and as low as 20,000 units. In
the windy season from June to December, each windmill produced on an average of 2.50 lakh units per
day, he added. “Each machine had a 600 KW turbine. All the 31 units put together had a capacity of 18.6
MW of which at least 16 MW is transferred to the common grid,’’ said KSEB sources. Though Suzlon had
purchased 645 acres, only 36 acres had been allotted to the 31 investors. Each investor was allotted 1.2
acres of land along with each windmill which was reportedly sold by Suzlon for Rs 3.6 crore. A top official
of Suzlon on condition of anonymity said, “We wanted to set up 80 MW of power in Attapadi in three years
but as the adivasi land issue hotted up, most of the investors backed out. The financial institutions were
also loathe to lend to the investors to purchase wind mills in such a situation. Now three years and two
months have passed after commissioning the windmills and we have produced 1305 lakh units of power
and fed it to the KSEB.’’ He added, “We had submitted a proposal to the government to rehabilitate

the displaced tribals by providing them fertile land. We are ready to surrender a portion of the land and
also install pumpsets as part of our corporate social responsibility for distribution to landless tribals who
have lost land,’’ he said. President of the Attapadi block panchayat M R Sathyan of the Congress said, "In
a power-starved state, the issue should be resolved soon and the project allowed to function.’’ Former
Electricity Minister A K Balan said, “During the LDF rule, we had appointed a committee headed by the
Chief Secretary to go into the purchase of adivasi land by Suzlon. Action should be taken on the report
and against those who had connived to facilitate the transfer of adivasi land. Since cultivation was not
suitable due to the high velocity winds, the proposal for a revenue-sharing arrangement with the tribals
from the power generated could also be considered,’’ he said. (NIE 11/3/12)
Tribal body against MLA's wife as samiti chairperson (6)
BHUBANESWAR: Election of panchayat samiti chairpersons passed off smoothly across Odisha on
Sunday, barring a few stray incidents such as in Titlagarh where a tribal outfit opposed local MLA
Surendra Singhbhoi's wife Monika's election as chairperson of Saintala block. State Election Commission
(SEC) sources said elections were successfully held for chairperson posts in 312 blocks (or panchayat
samitis) except Kashipur in Rayagada and Suliapada in Mayurbhanj. While people in Kashipur had
boycotted the three-tier panchayat polls supporting the Jhodia community's demand for scheduled tribe
status, elections could not be held in Suliapada block owing to confusion over presence of the elected
members, SEC sources said. According to unofficial sources, majority of the block chairpersons belong to
the ruling BJD, though party symbol was not used in the panchayat samiti elections. In at least 30 blocks,
the chairpersons were elected uncontested, sources said. In Titlagarh, the Zilla Adivasi Kalyan
Mahasangha (ZAKM) demanded the arrest of Titlagarh MLA Surendra Singhbhoi (Congress) alleging that
he disrupted the law and order by taking out a victory procession for his wife Monika, who allegedly
became a panchayat samiti member from an ST seat in Saintala block although she is an OBC. The tribal
body lodged an FIR against 12 people, including Surendra Singhbhoi, at Saintala police station after the
local legislator and his supporters went in a procession violating prohibitory orders clamped there. The
local administration had clamped prohibitory orders after ZAKM opposed Monika's candidature on
grounds that she was not a tribal. ZAKM president Brajakishor Singhbhoi alleged Monika had married
once before and her name then was Brajeswari Dora. "As she is Dora, she belongs to OBC. After her first
marriage broke down she married Surendra and became Monika Singhbhoi. We have documents to
prove she is not a tribal," he said. Surendra denied the allegation, saying: "Monika was ST. This was
documented in her school records. I have sufficient evidence to prove she is a tribal belonging to Konda-
Dora." Titlagarh sub-collector Biswanath Sahu said the dispute was related to Monika's caste status.
"While Monika claims to be ST, the adivasis say she is OBC," Sahu said. On Saturday, at least five
persons were injured, including one seriously, during election of naib sarpanch in separate clashes at
Chandanpur and Beguniapada in Ganjam district. Hiranya Das, the newly elected naib sarpanch of
Chandanpur panchayat in Beguniapada block, was one of the injured. Police have arrested eight people,
including the Beguniapada sarpanch's husband, from both the places. In Keonjhar, election for naib
sarpanch of Kaunrikala panchayat under Sadar block was postponed after police arrested Gitanjali
Mohanta, a candidate, for allegedly tearing off the panchayat resolution book and locking poll officials.
Election for naib sarpanch of Khajuripat panchayat under Saharpada block was also postponed after
villagers locked the panchayat office and gheraoed election officer and block development officer after
some ward members were not invited. (Times of India 12/3/12)
House to debate CNT change on March 29 (6)
Ranchi, March 12: The state Assembly will debate the Chotanagpur Tenancy (CNT) Act on March 29, a
decision today taken by a House committee to allow all parties to clear their individual position on the
thorny issue of land transfer. The business advisory committee of the House called the special debate
after chief minister Arjun Munda said he was in favour of discussion, even as he denied any pending

proposal with the government to amend the act. Replying to JVM leader Pradeep Yadav during the CM
Question Hour on Day 2 of the budget session, Munda said, “There is a need to hold discussions in the
Assembly on the critical issue. The government, at present, has no proposal to bring any change in the
law which has both positive and negative impacts on the community for whose interests it was framed.”
Munda had ruled out changes to the act last week, a contrary position to the Opposition JVM that has
been demanding amendment. The chief minister, in a tactful response, put the onus of effecting changes
to the act on those influenced by it. “The honourable high court has only elaborated the act, what the law
says and how the government should follow the same. The demand for amending the act should come
from those (read ST, SC and BCs) to safeguard whom the law was framed,” said Munda. The
government is believed to have opted for discussion to allow every party clear its stand on the tenancy
law, which was enacted in 1908 by the British following the agitation led by tribal icon Birsa Munda.
Parties have taken varying stances on the question of amending the act. The government had recently
given a go-ahead to name Raj Kishore Mahto as chairman of the State Law Commission. It is likely to
approach the commission for legal advice on the raging issue. The appointment of Raj Kishore, a former
BJP MLA and the son of JMM’s founder president late Binod Bihari Mahto, is being seen as a politically
wise move of Munda. For, the JMM is against any amendment to the CNT Act. The recent furore over the
act has been the result of a high court verdict. On January 25, Jharkhand High Court made it mandatory
to seek the permission of the deputy commissioner (DC) for transfer of land belonging to Backward
Classes (BC) and Scheduled Castes (SC). The restriction was earlier applicable to land owned by
Scheduled Tribes (ST) alone. According to the act, a tribal may transfer his land through sale, exchange,
gift or will to a fellow ST member and residents of his own police station area. Similarly, a select group of
SCs and BCs can transfer land to members of their own communities within the district following prior
permission from the DC. During the CM Question Hour, Munda also announced that the government
would set up libraries and appoint librarians in public schools. He was replying to a query of Bagodar
CPI(ML) legislator Vinod Kumar Singh. Meanwhile, a massive rally of thousands of supporters of the CNT
Act led by tribal leader and former MP Salkhan Murmu, threw traffic out of gear on the city’s arterial roads
in the afternoon. (The Telegraph 13/3/12)
Tribals threaten hunger strike against illegal mining (6)
LUCKNOW: Tribals and dalits led by social activist Vijay Vinit have threatened to start hunger strike from
March 16, 2012, if illegal mining operating is not stopped in Sonbhadra district. They have also demanded
that all the officials, mafia, politicians, journalists who have been named in the recent mining accident
should also be arrested. Twelve labourers had died and scores injured in the mining accident on February
27. Till now only three persons out of 16 named in the FIR have been arrested. No action has been taken
on any of the erring officials of the district administration, mining department, forest department and
journalists who are said to be hand in glove with illegal mining activity in this area since more than a
decade. Hundreds of tribals and dalits in the district had recently taken out a protest march demanding
CBI enquiry into illegal mining. Many social organisations have also joined Vinit. They have informed the
district administration about their decision to start hunger strike. (Times of India 15/3/12)
HC seeks govt reply on 'sexual exploitation' of tribal girls (6)
CUTTACK: The Orissa high court on Friday took cognizance of growing incidents of the alleged sexual
exploitation of tribal girls in government residential schools and sought response of the state government
on the matter. A division bench of Chief Justice V Gopala Gowda and Justice B N Mohapatra on Friday
issued a notice to the state government and ordered it to file a reply within two weeks. The direction came
in response to a petition filed by human rights activist Prabir Das highlighting the plight of minor girls who
were allegedly being exploited sexually in various government-run residential schools for tribal children.
The petitioner alleged the state government has failed to ensure safety of tribal girls in these residential
schools. He also highlighted the plight of a class IX student of Ramachandrapur Government Girls' High

School in Balangir, who was allegedly raped by two of her teachers inside a toilet of the school last year.
Similar incidents wee also reported from Sunabeda Sevashram in Koraput and Bada Amba Sevashram in
Nabarangpur, where minor tribal girls were allegedly raped by school staff. The petitioner said these
incidents were just the tip of the iceberg, and urged the high court to pass necessary orders for prevention
of sexual exploitation of minor girls in these schools. "I have filed a PIL seeking compensation and
rehabilitation for these victims. I have also prayed the court to pass necessary orders for prevention of
sexual exploitation of minor girls in residential schools," he said. (Times of India 17/3/12)
‘Security forces harassing tribal people' (6)
BHUBANESWAR, March 17, 2012: Tribal activists from Kashipur area of Rayagada district have alleged
that the Central paramilitary forces deployed in their region were harassing innocent tribal men and
women in the name of countering Maoist activities. The paramilitary forces should be withdrawn from the
area to restore normalcy, they demanded. Thousands of people in the villages under Kashipur Block of
Rayagada and adjacent Lakshmipur Block of Koraput districts were living under fear of being harassed by
the gun-toting security personnel who were entering villages in the name of combing operation, alleged
Bhagaban Majhi, convenor of the Kashipur-based Prakrutika Sampad Suraksha Parishad (PSSP).
Talking to The Hindu in Bhubaneswar on Friday, Mr. Majhi alleged that the paramilitary forces had picked
up Jaga Majhi, an innocent tribal man from Barigaon village from a weekly haat at Sankarada on March
13. The police had made false claims that Jaga Majhi was a Maoist and had surrendered before them,
Mr. Majhi said. Such has become the situation that tribal men and women were not stepping out of their
homes apprehending harassment at the hands of the Central forces deployed in the area, said Majhi.
“When we had nothing to do with the Maoists, intelligence officials working in our area are now telling us
to keep away from Maoists or else Basangmali like incidents will occur and we will lose our lives for no
reason,” said Majhi. It was at Basangmali that nine persons were killed by the security personnel in
January last year. Mr. Majhi said PSSP had been continuing its movement against bauxite mining and
establishment of an alumina refinery in Kashipur area for the past 18 years and never ever they were they
were treated as Maoist sympathisers as they were being treated by the paramilitary forces during the past
one year. Another tribal activist, Nabin Nayak alleged that the Central force personnel had gang-raped at
least four women in the area during the past one year period, but local police had not registered any case
saying that they cannot do anything in such matters. Stating that the Central forces had beat up at least
17 tribal men in Barigaon village and another three persons in Karajola village during a combing operation
on March 10, Mr. Nayak said the livelihood of the tribal people in the region had been badly hit as they did
not dare to enter forests to collect produce due to fear of the security personnel on the move. Both Mr.
Majhi and Mr. Nayak demanded that the paramilitary forces be withdrawn from the area to allow the
innocent tribal people live in peace. The government seems to be working to protect the interest of private
companied that have arrived in the area to set up alumina refineries than protecting the interests of the
tribals, they alleged. (The Hindu 17/3/12)
Tribal people turn conservationists (6)
DILABAD, March 20, 2012: If the spirited chirping of the house sparrow can still be heard in Adilabad, it is
due to the culture and unshakeable beliefs of the aboriginal tribes here. Gonds and Kolams consider the
bird to be a sign of good health, which is why they facilitate its nesting in their meagre houses. The
sparrow is one of the main reasons for the tribal people here to shun pucca houses and continue living in
houses with roofs made of tiles or corrugated tin sheets. Such roofs not only have crevices and holes, but
tiny insects in abundance, all of which are helpful to the chirpy birds in propagation. “The openly stored
food grains and lots of chaff produced from the grains everyday makes life comfortable for the sparrows.
The birds also get to play in the airy courtyards without the fear of being preyed upon,” says Durva
Bhumanna, a Gond employee of the All India Radio, Adilabad, hailing from Bhutai village in Talamadugu
mandal. The meagre houses of tribal people often has its women members eating a leisurely meal in the

open courtyards. These women invariably throw a morsel of rice or any other food item towards the
flocking birds making up for some supplementary food for them. In urban areas, the change in designing
of houses has spelt doom for the chirpers. The RRC slab in modern houses has no provision for crevices
or holes which goes against the nesting habit of sparrows. Food is also scarce for the birds in such
homesteads as packaged food grain replaces the raw ones. The quantity of stored food grain is also quite
less in modern homes when compared to the traditional storage. (The Hindu 20/3/12)
ST status call reaches Delhi (6)
Guwahati, March 21: The tea tribes/Adivasi community has taken its fight seeking Sch-eduled Tribe
status to Delhi, with senior community leaders here asserting that “dilly dallying” would result in the
government frittering away the gains made by the surrender of arms by five Adivasi militant groups in
January. Assam Deputy Speaker Bhimananda Tanti told The Telegraph from Delhi that a five-member
team of the Assam branch of the Indian National Trade Union Congress (Intuc) was in the national capital
since yesterday trying to impress upon central leaders, including the Prime Minister and home minister, to
expedite the process of according ST status to the community. “We have already met the tribal affairs
minister and made a strong case in support of our long-standing and justified demand. We are awaiting
an appointment with the Prime Minister and home minister,” Tanti said. The other members of the team
include senior cabinet minister Prithibi Majhi, Jibantara Ghatowar, Raju Sahu and Dileswar Tanti. The
team’s visit comes within months of a joint team of the ACMS and Intuc meeting chief minister Tarun
Gogoi and five senior cabinet ministers on the sidelines of the Assembly session on December 21 last
year to discuss their long-pending demands. Gogoi had agreed to meet a host of their demands, including
raising the number of reserved seats in medical and engineering colleges and a new legislation to
adequately compensate members affected by land acquisition drives for government projects. The
community carries a lot of political weight, their vote impacting results in Upper Assam and Barak Valley.
It has traditionally voted for the Congress. In all, six communities are demanding ST status in Assam, with
the issue figuring prominently in the Assembly. Bhagirath Karan, a senior Intuc member, hoped the
Centre would seriously consider the legitimate ST demand of the community within a stipulated
timeframe. The government, he said, must not lose sight of the fact that when the five rebel outfits had
surrendered weapons, their main demand during talks with a home ministry joint secretary was ST status.
“Even the student organisations want ST status. Dilly-dallying, we fear, would not only lead to a loss of
confidence in the government but also revival of these groups or cropping up of new rebel groups.
Moreover, the fear of Maoism spreading to tea garden areas among the disgruntled lot cannot be ruled
out,” Karan warned. Pallav Lochan Das, member of Intuc Legislature Forum, said, “We have already
moved Dispur to accord extra preference to the community for its mainstreaming in matters such as
employment, education and health till ST status is accorded to us.” (Telegraph 22/3/12)
Tribal leaders seek probe into police crackdown (6)
Raipur, March 24 : Tribal leaders in Chhattisgarh Saturday sought a judicial probe into alleged police
atrocities during a street protest in the state capital by hundreds of tribals to seek higher percentage of
quota in government jobs this week. Former union minister and leading tribal leader Arvind Netam told
reporters that policemen cane-charged peaceful protesters March 19 in which dozens of tribals were
injured. He said the police specifically targeted tribal leaders on instructions of the state government and
a judicial probe would bring out the facts. "It was unprovoked police assault on hundreds of tribal people
who were marching to state assembly to press their demands. I was surprised that dozens of injured
protesters were rushed to central jail instead of hospital after the brutal cane-charge," he said. Netam was
among the 75 tribal leaders who were arrested March 19 while leading the protest rally. The government
released them unconditionally March 22, only after the opposition Congress created ruckus in the state
assembly for two days over alleged police brutalities. Sarv Adivasi Samaj, the group under which the
March 19 protest was taken out, has also demanded high-level probe into the police action while the

Congress has said it would launch a state-wide protest against brutal assault of tribals in Raipur. (IANS)
(New Kerala 24/3/12)
Severe malnutrition among migrant Gotti Koya children (6)
Over four years after the National Commission for the Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) order, a
number of Gotti Koya tribe children who migrated from conflict zone of Chhattisgarh to villages in
Warangal district continue to suffer from severe malnutrition and lack of access to safe drinking water and
education. A NCPCR team had visited these villages in Tadvai and Eturunagaram mandals in Warangal
district along with adjoining Khammam way back in December 2007 acting on a petition on pathetic
conditions of these tribal women and children displaced by extremist-police conflict in Chhattisgarh. The
NCPCR had suggested a slew of State interventions including extension of ICDS, health services with
focus on pregnant and lactating women and infants, issue of ration cards and MGNREGA job cards to
these hapless tribes. But a recent visit by a study team of Solidarity Committee for Internally Displaced
Persons found that the NCPCR's recommendations were being implemented partially and appalling
conditions prevailed in most of the 30 settlements where about 1000 Gotti Koya families have taken
shelter. “Though situation is much better than what it was four years ago, a little more pro-active response
from the government will help them a lot,” said P. Raghu, a member of team. Other members of the team
were V. Rukmini Rao, J. Venkatesh and Badavath Raju. It found that only fifty per cent of these families
possessed ration cards while 40 per cent had MGNREGA job cards. In the absence of land and access to
forest, all of them depended on wage labour. Most of them get work in chilli farms but for a few months
only. For some strange reasons, “which needs to be probed” most of these job cards are with
sarpanches. There were complaints of card holders not getting work and denial of wages after work.
Children were severely malnourished and women were anaemic. Many children were not immunized
while pregnant and lactating women were not getting any attention from public health department. Just a
day before the team's visit, a year-old child of Banjbandh village died of diarrhoea. With no access to safe
drinking water, they survive on muddy water from the local stream. (The Hindu 24/3/12)
Chhattisgarh: Over 100 Congress workers arrested (6)
Raipur: Over 100 workers of Chhattisgarh's opposition Congress party were arrested Sunday in the state
capital Raipur during a street protest over an alleged police assault on tribals March 19. Police say they
were forced to arrest Congress leaders as they defied warnings and jumped police barricades while
marching through the Budha Talab area. Before the arrests, police personnel and the protesters clashed
for a brief period and the cops resorted to a baton charge to control the situation. The Congress workers
were mainly protesting police assault on several hundred tribal men and women here when they were
marching towards the state assembly March 19 to press for higher percentage of quota in government
jobs in the state for the tribal community that forms nearly 32 percent of Chhattisgarh's 2.55 crore
population. Dozens of tribal leaders were injured in the police action while 75 tribal leaders were arrested
and kept in the central jail here for two days and were released only after the Congress created a ruckus
in the state assembly against the assault and arrest. The Congress said the tribal leaders were chased
and beaten up by the police on instructions from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) regime. The Congress
said in a statement that thousands of party cadres participated in the protest rally Sunday. The party also
warned it would intensify the stir against the BJP regime on the issue of alleged police brutalities against
tribals. (Zee News 25/3/12)
Tribal woman shot dead for refusing to withdraw daughter's rape case (6)
Betul, Madhya Pradesh: Madhya Pradesh Women's Commission has blamed the district and police
administration for the incident of a woman allegedly being shot dead for filing an FIR in connection with
the rape of her daughter. A two-member team of the Commission led by Chairperson Upma Rai and
member Jyoti Yevtikar blamed the police and district administration for failing to protect the woman, Imarti

Bai, despite being aware about the threats she was getting from the alleged rapists. "Had the police or the
administration acted on the complaint of the woman that she was being threatened by those involved in
the rape incident, she could have been saved from them," Rai told reporters after holding a closed-door
meeting with the Collector Chandrashekhar Borkar and SP, Bhagwant Singh Chouhan. Ms Rai said that
the victim had also approached SC/ST Police Station and the SP, but they did not bother to act on her
complaint. The Commission submitted its report to the state government with a recommendation to take
strong action against those responsible for the incident. Meanwhile, police have arrested the woman
identified as Rani Yadav allegedly involved in the crime and sent her to jail while the main accused
Rajesh Kirar and three others are absconding. Imarti Bai, a tribal woman, who had accused five persons
of raping her daughter, was allegedly murdered by the latter after she refused to withdraw the complaint
against them, according to police. The incident occurred in Hamlapur area here on March 23 when the
accused barged into the residence of the woman and shot her dead, they said. Two weeks ago, Imarti Bai
had lodged a police complaint alleging that the youths had raped her daughter, who was studying in Class
VII. (NDTV 26/3/12)
Tribal outfit calls strike to protest GTA survey (6)
Kolkata: The Adivasi Vikash Parishad has called a 48-hour strike in the Terai and the Dooars region to
protest against the physical survey of the area by the high-power committee on the Gorkha Territorial
Administration. The survey will be conducted by the district magistrates of Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri
districts this month, as ordered by Justice Shyamal Sen, chairman of the committee set up to determine
the territory of the GTA. All tea gardens in Terai and Dooars will be shut during the bandh and dispatch
will also be stopped. Birsha Tirkey, president of Adivasi Vikash Parishad, said, “We have been ditched by
the state. We had given enough time, but the government did not understand our problem. So, if a
movement is needed to prove our point, we have to start a movement. We will not let our land go to the
GTA. We will not allow the committee to conduct a survey here.” The AVP will organize a movement from
April 1, demanding immediate dissolution of the committee. They will hold rallies every day in the region
to stop the Gorkhas from holding meetings in the area, said Tirkey. “We will never go to the hills and clash
with the Gorkhas. But if they come here and threaten our existence, we will not sit idle. The tribal
population in the area is feeling deceived.” Police and administration will be on alert from April 1. AVP
leader Rajesh Lakra said, “We have submitted a written letter to the district administration saying that if
the Gorkhas make a forced entry here, there will be a law and order problem.” (Indian Express 27/3/12)
State moves a step towards Bosusco Paolo's release (6)
BHUBANESWAR: The Odisha government on Saturday assured the two Maoist-named negotiators, B D
Sharma and Dandapani Mohanty, to release some incarcerated persons to secure release of Italian
Bosusco Paolo, resulting in the duo announcing a virtual halt in talks, official sources said. However, the
government was still struggling on how to initiate a dialogue with the kidnappers of Laxmipur MLA Jhina
Hikaka, with hectic back channel efforts to rope in the Chasi Muliya Adivasi Sangha (CMAS), which the
government describes as a Maoist front, for talks. Sources said some ruling party politicians are trying to
persuade CMAS leaders to respond positively to chief minister Naveen Patnaik's appeal on Friday to
come to the discussion table. "Nothing positive has emerged so far," a source disclosed. Sharma and
Mohanty, who have since March 22 been mediating on behalf of the Sabyasachi Panda-led Odisha State
Organising Committee of CPI (Maoist) to free Paolo, said they had communicated the rebels' demands to
the government. As the government wants more time, they saw no point in waiting any longer, they
added. "For the past three to four days I am only sitting," Sharma remarked. "The issues are complicated
and the talks are yet to yield result. Since the government needs more time to examine the demands we
need not wait here," Mohanty added. Both said they would come for discussions whenever the
government would ask them to. Hoping that the state government would consider the 13-point demands
placed by Maoists, the mediators appealed to the abductors to let go of Paolo on humanitarian
consdierations. "We appreciate the state's effort in taking a serious view of complex issues plaguing
tribals," Sharma said, adding, "We will be happy if the most important chapter concerning justice begins
with withdrawal of cases against those struggling for their legitimate rights as citizens." The negotiators
made the announcement after discussing with three government officers led by home secretary U N
Behera. "We told them that the demands are being examined," Behera said. Official sources said, the

government and the mediators broadly agreed to certain socio-economic issues like tribal tourism,
development, human displacement and et al. Besides, the government has assured to release some
persons currently in jail to free Paolo, sources added. "Wait for a day or two," quipped an insider. (Times
of India 1/4/12)
Killings bare ugly face of tribal justice system (6)
Dumka, April 1: The gruesome lynching of two persons, at the orders of a traditional Santhal outfit, at
Dumka’s Hethgrahan village on Friday has exposed the clout that traditional tribal outfits still exercise in
rural pockets of the state. The police, who recovered the charred bodies of Bhim Tudu (40) and Shankar
Kisku (36) yesterday and sent them for forensic tests, have by and far remained indifferent to the
functioning of Disom Manjhi — the topmost body for the traditional tribal system of self-rule — that
ordered the killings. Sources said that Disom Manjhi members had held both Tudu and Kusku captive for
three days before dragging them to a trial at a kangaroo court. The duo had allegedly kept away from a
panchayat trial concerning a murder last week, earning the ire of the tribal body. So infuriated was the
tribal mob, sources said, that they not only killed the duo, but also set fire to their houses before tossing
their bodies in it. Police later claimed that most of the villagers who took part in the murders were heavily
drunk and armed with traditional weapons. Taking strong exception to the incident, former Mayurbhanj
(Odisha) MP Salkhan Murmu told The Telegraph that it was sad to see the tribals still leading a savage
life. “It is high time the tribals embrace reforms and give up their age-old practices. No member of the
society has the right to go beyond the Constitution of the country on the pretext of sticking to age-old
norms,” the firebrand tribal leader said. Murmu, who has also launched the adivasi sengel
(empowerment) abhiyan in five states of the country to try and introduce reforms in tribal lifestyles and
culture, also blamed the tribal leadership of Jharkhand for the prevailing state of affairs. “The tribal
leaders have not done enough for the progress of their kind. All they care for are their political vote bank.
They fear losing their support if they confront the tribal community leaders and try to bring about reforms
in their social behaviour,” Murmu said. He added that the representatives of traditional tribal systems were
often hand in glove with political leaders and hence often enjoyed immunity from prosecution. Though the
tribal bodies have been long known for meting out justice their own way, Friday’s incident of lynching was
one of the very rare instances when the body had awarded death sentences to the accused. The tribal
bodies otherwise usually tend to demanding that the accused pay monetary compensation or enforce
bithlaha — a kind of social boycott, which involves punishing the accused by attacking and damaging
their tangible property. Sources claimed that it was in fact the first instance in memory where Disom
Manjhi punished the accused with death penalty. Meanwhile, police registered an FIR late yesterday
evening in which one Anand Tudu was implicated for allegedly organising the Disom Manjhi hearing.
Apart from Tudu, the complaint also names 60 unknown people who were allegedly involved in the
killings. Raids so far at Hethgrahan and its adjoining areas have drawn a blank with most of the villagers
having fled their homes anticipating police action. A junior police officer, on condition of anonymity, said
that the mob involved in the killings were not locals but mostly comprised villagers from other hamlets.
Dumka SP Hemant Toppo said that they were offer protection to Betka Kisku, the father of Shankar, who
had managed to escape the wrath of the villagers. (Telegraph 2/4/12)
Hostage crisis: Maoists set govt 96-hr deadline (6)
Bhubaneswar, April 06, 2012: A day after Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik announced the names of
27 persons to be set free from jail in exchange for the release of Italian citizen Basusco Paolo (55) and
MLA Jhina Hikaka (37) from Maoist captivity, rebel leader Sabyasachi Panda issued a fresh audiotape on
Friday saying that Paolo would not be released for now as the government had been insincere in its
approach to solve the problem. "The government has made a farce out of the talks with the mediators. If
the government does not fulfill our demands in the next 96 hours (four days), we will be forced to take
extreme steps," Panda said in the audiotape released to the media. Panda said they had asked for
release of 'innocent' persons, who were languishing in jail due to fabricated cases and re-arrest after
being freed by courts, and for action against erring police officers involved in cold blooded murders as per
court and human rights commission orders. "But the government has announced release of only three
persons and has not even done any agreement with the mediators," he said, adding that he had released
one of the Italians, Claudio Colangelo (60), on March 25 as a 'goodwill' gesture, but the government had
yet to reciprocate. Home secretary UN Behera told reporters that they were examining the contents of the
audiotapes. On Thursday, Patnaik said the government had decided to facilitate the release of 27 people
from jail as demanded by the rebels in exchange for the freedom of the hostages. They included 15
activists of leftist tribal outfit Chasi Mulia Adivasi Sangha, 8 Maoist cadres as demanded by the abductors
of Hikaka, and 4 persons suggested by the mediators for Paolo's release. Prominent among them are

Subhasree Panda, wife of Sabyasachi Panda, who heads the Odisha State Organising Committee
(OSOC) of the CPI (Maoist); Suka Nachika, brother of CMAS chief Nachika Linga; and Maoist couple
Setu Parangi and Murla Neelam Reddy. Following the chief minister's announcement, the Andhra Odisha
Border Special Zonal Committee extended its deadline from Thursday to Saturday for fulfilment of all its
demands for the MLA's release. On the other hand the two Maoist backed mediators holding talks for
Paolo's release on Friday sought a clarification on how the government would facilitate the release of the
people in jail. Social activist Dandapani Mohanty told the Hindustan Times: "I am trying to understand
what the government meant by the word 'facilitate'. I will be doing a research on it." Sources said the
government's announcement does not exactly mean swapping of prisoners with the hostages. The word
'facilitation' involves legal process for the release of people in jail and may take a bit longer which may
have put off the Maoists, they said. OSOC, headed by Sabyasachi Panda abducted Paolo and compatriot
Claudio Colangelo (60) from Kandhamal district on March 14, while Hikaka was abducted by the
AOBSZC, headed by Ramkrishna, on March 24. Panda freed Colangelo on March 25 as a "goodwill
gesture". (Hindustan Times 6/4/12)
Tribunal restores tribal land to original owner (6)
GONDIA: The Backward Communities Tribunal has directed the Gondia district administration to restore
0.30R hectare land to original owner Rama Farde of Kudwa village near Gondia. The land was sold to
several non-tribals without the permission of the government which is illegal. According to information,
Farde had agriculture land of 0.30R in Kudwa. Around 21 years it was sold to a non-tribal without
government nod. The sale was deemed illegal as from 1971 permission of government was required for a
tribal land to be purchased by a non-tribal. After changing couple hands it was finally purchased by
Suresh Katre. Suresh's father Bholaram of Nagpur had taken permission for MS Shivankar Aurvedic
Medical College and at present a huge building of this college has been constructed on the land. In due
course of time the heirs of Rama Farde started claiming their right on this land. On December 31 2010,
they lodged a case before Backward Communities Tribunal. On January 11, 2011, the tribunal sought a
report from district administration. Tehsildar of Gondia SS Potdukhe was summoned to Mumbai on
February 28, 2012. After hearing him the tribunal directed district administration to restore the land to the
original tribal owner - Farde family - and make the necessary corrections in the revenue records and
report the matter to the tribal. During the inquiry talathi Arun Pandey was suspended and an inquiry is
going on against some others. (Times of India 7/4/12)
Maharashtra tribals on hunger strike (6)
MUMBAI, April 8, 2012: More than 50 tribals from Maharashtra's Melghat region are on a hunger strike in
the city since April 2, demanding decent wages and permanent jobs at the Ashram shalas (residential
schools for tribals) in the area. They alleged the State preferred outsiders to the local tribals for work
opportunities in the area. “We have approached both State Tribal Development Minister Babanrao
Pachpute and Nationalist Congress Party leader Supriya Sule. But they have only given us promises.
This time we will not end our hunger strike on the basis of only assurances,” Chikhaldara resident
Narayan Bilawekar, 27, told The Hindu on Saturday. “There are hardly any employment opportunities in
Melghat. We have been working in the ashram shalas as cooks on temporary basis since the past six to
seven years. We earn only Rs. 1,000 per month. We were told that we will be given permanent jobs if we
serve as temporary labourers for five years. But now, the State has recruited new persons from
Karnataka. What will happen to the local tribals? How will we feed our children?” said Jarida resident
Shanta Krishna Alokar. Ram Kailas, 29, walks three kilometres to Biju Dhawdi from Mansu Dhawdi
everyday where he works as a cook at an ashram shala. “What all can we do with Rs. 1,000 a month?
We have no school education. But why do you need to appoint cooks on educational merit? Ask us to
give any practical tests for the job. We know it much better than the new recruits who have come from
Karnataka on the basis of their educational merit. Those who are permanent get Rs.18,000 to 19,000 per
month. When we have served for so long here, why can't we be absorbed in the service?” Most women
protestors claimed they were the only earning members as their spouses did not have any other
employment opportunity in the region. “ (The Hindu 8/4/12)
Tribal land benefit law push to states (6)
Hyderabad, April 7: Union tribal affairs minister V.K.C. Deo today regretted that several states were yet to
implement the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act almost 16 years after it was passed to
allow tribals forest land benefits. Deo, who also holds the panchayati raj portfolio, was speaking at an
event to mark the launch of a rural development fellowship scheme here when he made this observation.
“Fifteen years have lapsed since Pesa (the acronym for Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act)

was enacted. I have visited most Pesa states. In many, the rules have not been made,” Deo said. The
minister added that some states had misinterpreted the gram sabha concept and equated the gram
panchayat meeting to the gram sabha. Deo said he had issued a circular saying that Pesa treats each
village as a unit so each village meeting should be treated as a gram sabha, not just the gram panchayat
meeting where representatives from several villages gather. Under Pesa, only a Scheduled Tribe can buy
or take land on lease in any Fifth Schedule area, a place dominated by tribal presence. The act allows
gram sabhas in Fifth Scheduled areas to decide by majority whether or not to allow land to be used for
mining or other projects under that panchayat. The law, when passed in Parliament in 1996, extended
panchayats to tribal areas of nine states — Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh,
Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha and Rajasthan. If any violation is reported, the act
provides for restoring the land to the original owner. However, in the absence of Pesa rules, the gram
sabhas have remained toothless in the face of plundering of forest land and resources by non-tribals.
Only Madhya Pradesh and Andhra have notified the rules till now. (The Telegraph 8/4/12)
Kandhamal: Maoist leader Sabyasachi Panda losing his Dalit support base? (6)
Kandhamal: It seems likely that Naxal leader Sabyasachi Panda, who has kept the Italian national Paolo
Bosusco hostage to force the government to agree to his demands, may just have committed a big
blunder and in fact, put his own safety at risk. CNN-IBN has learnt that the local Dalit community, which
was his main support base in Kandhamal up until now, is not supporting him on the hostage issue. At a
local church in Daringbadi on Good Friday, a special prayer was in fact organised for the early release of
Bosusco. Many locals have known the Italian national for two decades, and are deeply hurt by the fact
that he was kidnapped by the Maoist leader. Chandrabati Nayak, a local resident, says, "If Naxals indulge
in such abduction, they will lose our support. We pray before God that Bosusco may be released soon."
Panda has, in the past, admitted to having killed VHP leader Swami Laxmananda Saraswati for
reconverting Christians to Hinduism. This killing had triggered the Kandhamal communal riots of 2008.
Since then, it is believed, Panda had built a support base in the converted Christian 'pana' community.
But the abduction of the two Italians by Panda shattered the trust they reposed in him. Father Dushmant,
the priest at Daringbadi church, says, "Perhaps the Naxals did not realise that Bosusco was so popular
among the locals here. According to the released Italian hostage Claudious, the Naxals perhaps took
them as hostage by mistake. I am sure Bosusco will be released soon, unharmed." The hostage crisis
has, however, rested the population of Kandhamal for a more practical reason: the absence of Naxals
and security forces will help them lead a normal life. Satyabati, a tribal woman, says, "We are fed up of
the police and the Naxals here. We do not want any of them here. The Naxal presence here will only lead
to police harassing us. We want to live peacefully." Kandhamal is a highly communally sensitive area and
the Naxals have used this divide to their advantage. Many believe that it was because of the huge local
support base here that Panda was able to operate safely for so long. However, this safety nest may be
beginning to disintegrate slowly. (CNN-IBN 9/4/12)
Odisha tribe to continue battle against Vedanta 'regardless of Supreme Court ruling' (6)
Bhubaneswar, Apr 9 : The Indian tribal group Dongria Kondh, who have been struggling for years to
preserve their ancestral lands from exploitation by British mining corporation Vedanta, has vowed to
continue their fight irrespective of Supreme Court's decision today. The Supreme Court will decide today
on an appeal by Vedanta against a ministerial decision in 2010 that stopped work at the site in the
Niyamgiri hills of Odisha. An alliance of local tribes has now formed to defend the Dongria Khondh.
According to The Guardian, Kumity Majhi, a leader of the Majhi Kondh adivasi, said local communities
would stop the mining 'whether or not the supreme court favour us'. "We, the Majhi Kondh adivasis, will
help our Dongria Kondh brothers in protecting the mountains," the paper quoted Majhi, as saying. The
paper also quoted Lingaraj Azad, a leader of the Save Niyamgiri Committee, as saying that 'the Dongria
Kondh's campaign was not just that of an isolated tribe for its customary rights over its traditional lands
and habitats, but that of the entire world over protecting our natural heritage'. Vedanta, which wants the
bauxite for an alumina refinery it has built near the hills, requires clearance under the country's forest and
environmental laws. It had obtained provisional permission, but failed to satisfy laws protecting the forests
and granting rights to local tribal groups. A government report accused the firm of violations of forest
conservation, tribal rights and environmental protection laws in Orissa, a charge subsequently repeated
by a panel of forestry experts. According to the report, the Supreme Court may decide to send the case to
the newly constituted national green tribunal, a body of legal and technical experts, to consider once
more. (ANI) (New Kerala 10/4/12)
Tribals taught to utilize mahua better (6)

ROURKELA: Tribals were taught to make food products from 'mahua' flower at a workshop organized by
the forest department and some NGOs. Around 300 tribal men and women learnt to make jams, jellies,
'chikki', chutney and squash from it. "Mahua" flower is a forest produce on which tribals are hugely
dependent. They earn their livelihood by selling it to traders, apart from preparing 'Mahuli', an alcoholic
drink. Often researchers of tribal development have pointed out that this forest produce is detrimental to
the growth of tribal community because tribals spend a lot of time in collecting "Mahua" from the forest
and preparing "Mahuli". They hardly earn anything for it because they use most of the "Mahuli flowers
they collect for self-consumption. An NGO working for tribal development after a thorough study found out
that the tribals can earn well from "Mahua"."There is no denying the fact that the Mahua flower, which has
been part and parcel of tribal life has been main reason for their backwardness and a stumbling block in
their overall development," said Manoj Patel, the director of the NGO. "During our research we found that
a good amount of "Mahua" is exported to several European countries for its medicinal value," said Patel,
adding that fruit drinks and other food products like jam, jelly, chikki, chutney and squash from it.
"Medicines manufactured from Mahua flower can cure joint pain, stomach-related disease and sexual
problems," Patel claimed. The workshop was conducted at the initiative of forest department and senior
forest officials like DFO A K Behera, assistant conservator of forests Khyama Sarangi and range officer P
K Dhal. "I am confident once tribals know better ways to utilize Mahua flower, their economic status will
become better," said Behera. H. Tumar, deputy director general of foreign trade attended the workshop
as a resource person. He made a presentation at the workshop and explained in detail, how tribals can
change their lives by adopting these new methods. (Times of India 12/4/12)
Tribal bodies want Adivasi leader as 13th President (6)
KOKRAJHAR: Tribal organizations are looking forward to seeing a tribal leader become the next
President of India. The tribal leaders of the Indian Confederation of Indigenous Tribal People (ICITP),
Indigenous World Forum on Water and Peace (IWFWP) of Victoria and Canada, and United People's
Forum of Assam (UPFA) are campaigning in New Delhi to pressurize mainstream political leaders to
consider nominating a suitable tribal leader for the post of President of India. A delegation of the tribal
bodies led by ICITP (NEZ) president Jebra Ram Mashahary and general secretary Sanmoni Kemprai
recently met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in New Delhi and submitted a memorandum urging him to
nominate a tribal leader for the post of the 13th President of India. "In India's 65 years of independence,
we have had Muslim, Sikh and Scheduled Caste President from the minority section of society, but the
people of India have never had a President, Vice-President or Prime Minister from the Adivasis
(Indigenous and Tribal Peoples) of this country," the memorandum said. It added, "We, as the weakest
section of the society, have been neglected, suppressed, oppressed, marginalized and exploited over the
years even though we have been contributing equally to the nation-building process"."We strongly feel
that the national political parties must give a chance to a capable person belonging to Adivasi community
as they are equally eligible to compete for the top posts to serve the nation. However, the Adivasis
(Indigenous and Tribal Peoples) have been colonized, dominated, exploited, suppressed, oppressed and
politically marginalized by the privileged section of the society in every respect," the ICITP leaders said.
(Times of India 12/4/12)
Centre to tell states to check crime on dalits (6)
NEW DELHI: The Centre is set to tell states that they are not doing enough to check crimes against dalits
at a special meet called by the Union home ministry to underline the statistics that have triggered
concern. Union home minister P Chidambaram will on Tuesday meet state home ministers and social
justice ministers to flag rising crimes against SCs and STs. The issue has turned serious because the
prosecution system in states remains weak despite stringent demands of the Prevention of Atrocities Act.
Sources said social justice minister Mukul Wasnik and tribal affairs minister Kishore Chandra Deo would
make presentations to exhort the states to address the concerns of socially vulnerable groups. The worry
is evident from home ministry calling the meeting after requests from Wasnik, though social justice
ministry meets state social welfare secretaries annually. The invite to the home ministers is significant as
they are in charge of crime and prosecution while social welfare departments have limited mandate of
welfare schemes and policies. Since chief ministers in most states hold the home portfolio, the
expectations from the gathering are high. The statistics with the Centre underline the seriousness of the
problem. Ten states led by Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh
account for 93% of the crimes against SCs, while MP, Rajasthan, Andhra, Chhattisgarh and Odisha are
among the 10 states which alone witness 95% of anti-tribal atrocities. In contrast, the prosecution
machinery is inadequate to deal with the magnitude of the problem. The conviction rate is as low as
32.5% while pendency of cases in 2008-10 stood at 80.6%.The states have been indifferent in taking the

initiatives laid out by the atrocities law to help these vulnerable sections. Only three states have set up
'special police stations' for anti-SC/ST crimes, with Bihar having nine, Chhattisgarh 12 and MP 48. The
states have been lax in identifying atrocity-prone areas, a measure suggested by the prevention law to
help pre-empt crime against SCs and STs. Importantly, the atrocities law also provides for periodical
review of performance of special public prosecutors and of prosecution of cases. Sources said few states
follow up on this provision. (Times of India 16/4/12)
Drought-stricken cattle becoming fodder for Chamarajanagar tribal farmers (6)
Chamarajanagar: As water resources are fast drying up in this border district, cattle are dying due to lack
of fodder and water. About 140 country cows have perished in the last fortnight itself. “We used to find
some fodder even the severest summer in the fringe areas of the forests. But this time, even those areas
have dried up,” said Rangappa Naika, a farmer who lost three cows in the last 10 days in Hannur hobli of
Yelandur taluk. As cattle die, people have started eating their meat. “Most of the carcasses are being
consumed by people who rear them,” he said. The consumers are mostly tribal farmers. “In many hoblis,
cattle are reared by tribal farmers. They are allowed to roam around the fallow land and devour whatever
comes the way. But when they don’t get anything and die of starvation, their meat is consumed by tribes.
The district has reported 12 cattle deaths due to starvation,” said KR Sundar, deputy commissioner of
Chamarajanagar district. Meantime, farmers from three drought-hit taluks - Gundlupet, Kollegal and
Yelandur - have started moving to cities like Mysore, Bangalore and Mangalore in search of water, food
and work. Major water sources of water in these taluks are borewells, dug wells, small grade water
bodies, rivulets and seasonal water bodies. “But this time, due to drought, most of them have dried up.
Water levels in borewells have sunk below 500 feet while water bodies have shrunk into puddles,” Naika
said. People of the district are angry with their leaders who are living comfortably elsewhere. They say
these leaders did not bother to visit the drought-hit areas. Many of the MLAs of Chamarajanagar district
live in posh localities of Mysore. The MP of Chamarajanagar (there is only one MP for the district) R
Dhurvanarayana lives in Gokulum Extension of Mysore. MLA from Gundlupet HS Mahadev Prasad lives
in Kuvempunagar in Mysore. (DNA 18/4/12)
Tribal activist fails to impress Melghat villagers (6)
NAGPUR: Melghat tribals on Friday failed to get carried away by a section of tribal activists from Pune
against relocation of villages inside the Melghat Tiger Reserve (MTR) in Amravati. Last year, three
villages - Amona, Barukheda and Nagartas - from the Wan wildlife sanctuary and this year, Dhargad
(barring a few houses) - were relocated from MTR. In February, TOI had reported how villagers were
better off post-resettlement. Pune-based Kusum Karnik, who works for tribal welfare and runs an NGO
called Shaswat in Manchar near Bhimashankar, was in Kasod near Akot on Friday to meet villagers who
were relocated from Amona in Wan. She was accompanied by some activists whom she introduced as
villagers from the Bhimashankar sanctuary in Pune. Karnik raised the issue of water and bad roads in
Kasod. She also asked people whether they were happy and why they opted for relocation. Villagers did
not like it as it was like rubbing salt into their wounds. "The water problem has already been solved.
Earlier, villagers used to walk three km to fetch water but now there are bore wells and wells in the village.
Roads are being made under EGS," said honorary district wildlife warden of Akola Devendra Telkar.
According to Telkar, people told Karnik that there was no point in staying in the tiger reserve as there
were no education and better healthcare facilities. To this, Karnik said tribals don't need much education
and health facilities. Talking to TOI, Karnik said that tribals have been living in the forests since ages. On
education, she said that ashramshalas can solve the problem. She accused the officials of forceful
relocation. "Tribals were never told about the third option of co-existence," she added. It implies that
tribals should live in the tiger reserve only. Karnik didn't come out with any alternative package. As
present, resettlement of Dhargad is on and NGOs from Akola and Amravati are busy helping tribals to
resettle smoothly. NGO representatives Uday Waze, Amol Sawant, Nilesh Dehankar and Anant Gawande
were also present during Karnik's visit. "Karnik's statement has shocked us. Tribals themselves are
demanding resettlement as they know that they don't have a future in the reserve. Besides, they are
getting a package of Rs 10 lakh per family," Waze said. After seeing that resettlement was not an issue in
Kasod, Karnik left for Somthana, a village inside Wan which is in the process of being relocated. She was
accompanied by Akot deputy conservator of forests VM Godbole and others. In Somthana, Karnik told
villagers that she visited resettled village Kasod and saw their problems. Why do they want to
rehabilitate? Villagers told her that Nagartas and Barukheda were remotely situated and were isolated
from the outside world. "We too are not safe as we see tigers in the day time. Besides, wild animals
damage our crops," they said. (Times of India 23/4/12)

Arunachal tribe troubled by too many suicides (6)
ITANAGAR, April 22 – The colourful Idu-Mishmi community, concentrated in the Dibang Valley and
Lower Dibang Valley in Arunachal Pradesh has possibly the highest suicide rate in the country. With a
population of over 13,000 as per the 2011 census, the Idu-Mishmis have reported 226 suicides in less
than four decades. They are a tribal community distinctly identified by their unique hairstyle, typical
costumes and artistic patterns embedded on their clothes. Tarun Mene, a research scholar, who has
been just awarded a PhD by the Rajiv Gandhi University here, in his doctoral thesis “Suicide among the
Idu Mishmi tribe of Arunachal Pradesh”, revealed that women surpassed the men in committing suicides.
From 1971 to 2010, the years under review, 115 women ended their lives while the number for its
opposite sex is 103. According to a recent report, seven cases of suicide were registered during the year
2011, while a case has been registered at Anini, headquarters of Dibang Valley, in January, this year.
“The total number of suicides may be more considering the fact that there are areas in the two valleys
they inhabit have no police station where they can report suicides,” Mene pointed out. The total
male/female suicide ratio stood at 47:53 against the national ratio of 64:36 and the State ratio of 70:30.
The overall male/female ratio for youth in the 10-29 age groups stood at 41/59 and are the prime group
contributing (about 59.1 per cent to the total suicides). The analysis of annual incidents of suicide for the
decade 2001-2010 shows a mixed trend with the annual average rate of 6.2 suicides per year. As per the
record, the spring season remained most favourable. Irrespective of genders, the frequency of suicides
among the unmarried Idus is 49.6 per cent, followed by married persons at 40.8 per cent and 9.6 per cent
for the widowed. Mene said in most cases, the suicides had roots in love affairs between young males
and females. “While young people want to choose their life partners, the closely-knit community has
numerous barriers erected by generations,” he pointed out. Mene said suicide is a serious issue in the
community and social customs, norms, religious beliefs, practices, values and socio-political aspects have
greatly influenced and determined the suicidal tendencies among them. The State Women’s Commission
in a study found that the limited scope for marital relation because of the small size of the community was
a major reason for frustration in the younger generation of the community,” Gumri Ringu, chairperson of
the Commission, said. For the Idu women, when it comes to marriage, they have to face various
traditional problems, the most important being forcible marriage,” pointed out Ringu. “We will take up the
issue with the State Government for creating awareness in the community,” Ringu said. In the Idu-Mishmi
society, a woman, once widowed, can be married by her deceased husband’s younger or elder brother
without any question of consent. A man may marry his step-mother (other than his mother’s sister) after
the death of his father. And in case the step-mother refuses to remarry, she or her parent or guardian has
to pay back the bride price, Mene pointed out. As regards the solution of the social problem, Rajya Sabha
member from Arunachal Pradesh, Mukut Mithi, who represents the community, said, “Two things were
immediately required: First, a serious intervention by the government and social groups and second, there
was the need for further documentation and research.” – PTI (The Assam Tribune 24/4/12)
Menon abduction: Chhattisgarh names mediators (6)
RAIPUR/NEW DELHI: Chhattisgarh government today named two former chief secretaries as its
nominees for talks with Naxals for release of abducted Sukma Collector Alex Paul Menon even as
activists--Prashant Bhushan and Manish Kunjam--declined to mediate on behalf of the Maoists. Former
chief secretaries of Madhya Pradesh and Chhatisgarh--Nirmala Buch and S K Mishra-- have been
deputed by the state government for talks with the abductors of the 32-year-old 2006 batch IAS officer,
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh told reporters in Raipur. "Buch and Mishra have been spoken
to. They have stated that they will mediate with the Maoist mediators on behalf of the state government,"
he said. "Because the talks process will be starting, there should not be any deadline for resolving the
issue," Singh said. The Chief Minister said even though the president of All India Adivasi Mahasabha
Manish Kunjam had refused to mediate, the activist has responded to an appeal by him to carry
medicines for Menon, whose condition had been described by the Naxals as "critical"."We have been told
by the family members that he (Menon) is an asthma patient and his health is deteriorating. Kunjam has
agreed to send the medicine kit to Tarimetla village as soon as possible. We are constantly in touch on
phone and we are getting information," the Chief Minister said. Earlier, Menon's wife Asha had said that
Menon was not carrying adequate medicines when he was abducted on Saturday. Meanwhile, Team
Anna member and Supreme Court lawyer Prashant Bhushan declined to mediate on behalf of the Maoists
but appealed to them to unconditionally release the Sukma District Collector. He also said in Delhi that
the demands of the Maoists were "justified" and the government should address the issues facing them.
Hours after the Maoists named him as one of three mediators for negotiations with the government,
Bhushan said that he would not mediate on the issue. "No, I am appealing to the Maoists to
unconditionally release the collector. I agree to most of their demands which are justifiable but the

Collector should not be used as a bargaining chip," Bhushan told PTI when asked if he would act as a
mediator. "Menon is an innocent officer. If the government is serious about addressing the root causes of
Naxals, I am quite happy to be part of any negotiations then," he said. The lawyer said the demands for
ending operation 'Green Hunt' and release of innocent tribals are "justified". The government should also
address issues facing them like handing over large tracts of land to big corporations, he said. After the
Chhattisgarh government offered to hold talks to secure the release of the Sukma district collector,
Maoists had last night named three mediators, including former National SC/ST Commission chairperson
B D Sharma and Kunjam. Kunjam has declined the Maoists offer citing regional circumstances and party
obligations. In a statement, the Maoists had termed Menon's health as critical and asked the mediators to
bring medicines along with them. The Maoists had asked the state government not to indulge in "delaying
tactics" as Menon's health was deteriorating. They had also said only the three persons named by them
will be allowed to negotiate in Tarimetla village and asked them to accept the invitation to act as
mediators. Sharma said, "There is a dispute. It needs to be resolved. Their (Maoists') demands are
obvious." Asked on how should the government react in such a situation, Sharma said, "We would wish
both parties to sit down and discuss. That is what should be done and that is happening." He said, "The
government is guilty of greater crimes... After all what is the government doing? Why there is so much
unrest in the tribal areas? This is the question they need to answer." (NIE 24/4/12)
Centre, States depriving tribals of their due: Brinda (6)
CHENNAI, April 25, 2012: CPI(M) Polit Bureau member Brinda Karat on Tuesday alleged that the Centre
and the State governments, with a few exceptions, deprived tribals of the funds allotted to them under the
tribal Sub-Plan. “The governments are not ready to recognise tribes and it is being used as an instrument
to deny tribals their resource,” she said, participating in a protest organised by the tribals here. She said
tribals in Erode were being denied community certificates after the district was carved out of Coimbatore.
She said minerals such as bauxite and iron ore were available aplenty in tribal areas, but the country's
mineral wealth was being looted with the resources going to corporate houses, domestic and multinational.
“In many parts of the world, tribals are stakeholders not only in the surface land, but also subsurface
minerals. But [in India] a Bill pending before a Parliamentary Standing Committee seeks to give
funds to the District Mineral Foundation and not to the tribals who are direct stakeholders.” Meanwhile,
the Tamil Nadu government late on Tuesday agreed to launch a special recruitment drive to appoint
teachers for tribal residential schools in the wake of the protest organised by the Tamil Nadu Tribals
Association in Chennai. Ms. Karat, who led the protest, said she and the tribals would not leave the city
until the government agreed to their demands. Even as she was sitting with the protesters, a team of
CPI(M) leaders, including Legislature Party leader A. Soundararajan, whip K. Balakrishnan, another MLA
Dillibabu, and association president P. Shanmugam held talks with the government. The government side
was represented by Speaker D. Jayakumar and Adi Dravidar Welfare Minister N. Subramanian. As the
first round of talks failed to make any progress, Revenue Minister K.A. Sengottaiyan held another round
of meeting and ended the stalemate. “The government has agreed to fulfil many of our demands,
including special recruitment to select teachers for tribal residential schools,” said Mr. Shanmugam,
pointing out that 50 per cent posts were remaining vacant. When the leaders raised the issue of 21,000
applications, pending with the government, for rights to pattas and use of forest produce vested on the
tribals under the Forest Rights Act, the government said over 3,000 applications had been processed and
finalised. But the CPI(M) leader wanted the government to consider all the applications. Mr. Shanmugam
said the government would take a decision on providing compensation to the Vachathi victims in two days
after getting a report from the Dharmapuri Collector. (On June 20, 1992, forest and police officials
descended on Vachathi, a tribal hamlet, and committed atrocities on villagers in a raid said to be against
sandalwood smuggling.) After the protest, the government agreed to issue community certificates to
children if the parents produced genuine certificates. (The Hindu 25/4/12)
Land & the people: ‘Injustice still being perpetuated by govts’ (6)
Bangalore | Agency: DNA: State governments across the country have been both callous and tardy in
implementing the Forest Rights Act. Claims are being rejected on flimsy grounds, with the rejection rate in
as many as 11 states being over 50%. Karnataka stands fourth in the rejection rate with 95.66%,
according to a compilation released on Monday by the Delhi-based Asian Indigenous and Tribal Peoples
Network (AITPN). As of January 31 this year, 31,68,478 claims have been received and 27,24,162
(85.98%) disposed of. In terms of rejection, Uttarakhand is on the top with 100% followed by Himachal
Pradesh (99.62%), Bihar (98.12%), Karnataka (95.66%) and Uttar Pradesh (80.48%), The Scheduled
Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 is popularly
referred to as the Forest Rights Act. There are numerous reasons for this. Paritosh Chakma, director of

AITPN, explained, “Forest Rights Committees have not been constituted at the gram sabha level in
several states while the forest officials have been obstructing the process of verification and decision
making at various levels. The claimants are denied proper hearing of their cases and opportunity to file
appeal against the rejections.” The nodal ministry i.e. Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA)has washed its
hands off by maintaining that its role is limited to “facilitating and monitoring the implementation”. On the
other hand, the nodal departments at the state level do not understand the provisions of the FRA and
have been reduced to performing a ‘post office’ job of collecting statistical information and forwarding it to
the higher levels. The reason for Karnataka being high on the list was explained by Srikanth, the state
convener of the Tribal Joint Action. He said, “Officials in the state government have not had a proper
orientation about FRA. They do not even understand what the law implies and they have just been
rejecting all the applications, stating reasons like ‘they do not live in forests’ and ‘they are not doing
agriculture on the land’. They have missed out on the what the Act exactly means. It is because of the
lethargy and negligence of all these people in power - forest and revenue officers - that several people
are suffering.” The problem has been complicated by the fact that the Scheduled Tribes and Other
Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Rules, 2007 (better known as the Forest Rights
Rules, 2007) notified on January 1, 2008 actually overrules the Forest Rights Act to deny rights to the
beneficiaries. VS Roy David, national convenor of the National Adivasi Alliance, said “The central
government had allotted lots of funds to organise training programmes to create awareness about the Act
among forest and district officials, but very few training programmes have been held (which were poorly
attended). Most higher officials who are supposed to implement the law are not even clear about what the
law means.” The AITPN report ‘The State of the Forest Rights Act: Undoing of historical injustice
withered’ categorically says that there has been little willingness to implement the FRA in letter and spirit.
The MoTA especially had been shirking its responsibilities. In 2010, the MoTA had claimed that “Though
the Act was passed by the central government, the primary responsibility of implementing this Act lies
with the state governments” and that its role is limited to only “facilitating and monitoring the
implementation” of the Forest Rights Act. Roy David said, “There is no political will to implement the law.
Forest officials look at forests as commercial sites from which they extract resources. If the law is
implemented, the people in power worry that they will not be able to enjoy the same powers anymore.
Moreover, there is a lot of political interference; many areas are being declared as ‘tiger sensitive’,
‘heritage sites’ and ‘elephant corridors’ even before the Forest Rights Act is implemented. This clearly is
the violation of law.” There are other issues too. Contended Chakma, “The community forest rights
(CFRs) are not being recognised and in many states even the forms are not supplied. The claims under
the FRA are not being recognised in the protected areas such as national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.
The ‘Other Traditional Forest Dwellers’ are being denied rights under the FRA.” The president of the
Karnataka Adivasi Forum, JP Raju, said, “The forest and district officials are supposed to conduct
community surveys to understand the status of the forest dwellers, but they are not doing that. Most
applications are being rejected stating that there are not enough evidence(s) and documents supporting
the application.” (DNA 1/5/12)
Kerala to honour tribal personalities every year (6)
MANANTHAVADY: The Kerala government will honour renowned personalities from various tribal
communities in the state every year, said minister for welfare of scheduled tribes and youth affairs P K
Jayalakshmi. Addressing the media at Gothrayanam 2012, the national tribal festival which began on
Monday, she said 15 personalities have been selected this year. Health minister V S Sivakumar will
honour them at a special event, Aadaraneeyam, during the valedictory function of the festival on Friday.
The function will be held at a specially arranged Gothrayanam tribal village in the Sree Valliyurkavu
temple grounds at Mananthavady in Wayanad district. "The contribution of people from the scheduled
tribe community to the cultural scene of Kerala is immense and the government will recognize them by
honouring 10 such personalities every year," said Jayalakshmi. Five among the 15 persons to be
honoured this year are the brand ambassadors of Gothrayanam. They include Narayan, the first tribal
novelist from south India and the author of award-winning novel Kocharethi, tribal healer Appachan
Vaidyar of Mananthavady, tribal cuisine expert N Vellan of Ambalavayal, Dr Kamalakshi, the first MBBS
holder from the Muduka community in Attapadi, and Eeswaran Kani a, researcher and tribal healer from
Thiruvananthapuram. They were selected by an expert panel based on their contributions to fields like
arts, sports, traditional knowledge and service to the society. The minister also said tribal healing is
gaining popularity among the general public and many youngsters are making a living out of this and the
government would extend all possible support to them. This year, the government has so far provided a
grant of Rs 10,000 each to 120 traditional tribal healers.The five-day national tribal festival is aimed at
showcasing the treasure of tribal art and culture.The Kerala government will honour renowned

personalities from the tribal communities in the state every year, Minister for Welfare of Scheduled Tribes
and Youth Affairs P K Jayalakshmi has said. Addressing the media at the national tribal festival,
Gothrayanam - 2012, which began on Monday, she said 15 personalities are selected this year and
health minister V S Sivakumar would honour them at a special function, Aadaraneeyam, during the
valedictory function of the festival on May 4, being held in the Sree Valliyurkavu temple grounds at the
Gothrayanam tribal village here. "The contribution of the people from the scheduled tribe community to
the cultural scene of Kerala is immense and the government would recognise this contribution by
honouring ten such personalities every year," she said. This year's list of renowned personalities
comprise 15 people, including novelist Narayan, the first tribal novelist from south India, who wrote the
award-winning novel Kocharethi; tribal healer Prof Appachan Vaidyar of Mananthavady; tribal cuisine
expert N Vellan of Ambalavayal; Dr Kamalakshi, the MBBS holder from the Mullakuruma community from
the Muduka community in Attapadi, and Eeswaran Kani from Thiruvananthapuram, who is a researcher
and tribal healer. All the five are the brand ambassadors of Gothrayanam. These people were selected by
an expert panel based on their contributions in various fields, including art, sports, traditional knowledge,
service to the society etc. The minister also said tribal healing is gaining popularity among the general
public and many youngsters are making a living out of this and the government would extend all possible
support to them. This year the government provided grant of Rs 10,000 each to 120 traditional tribal
healers. This five-day national tribal festival, which is aimed to showcase the treasure of tribal art and
culture to the societal mainstream, and also to give tribal people a platform to exhibit their skills and
talents in various fields, is jointly organised by the Kerala Scheduled Tribes Department and the State
Youth Welfare Board. (Times of India 3/5/12)
Salwa Judum never existed: Raman Singh (6)
New Delhi, May 4 : Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh, who arrived here Friday after the release of
abducted district collector Alex Paul Menon a day earlier, said there was nothing like Salwa Judum
against the Maoists in the state. Addressing a press conference, he said words like 'Greenhunt' and
'Salwa Judum' did not exist in the dictionary of the state government or in any dictionary of India. "'Salwa
Judum' and 'Green Hunt' do not exist," Singh said. "There are no such words in the dictionary of the
Chhattisgarh government." Asked about the activities that took place in the name of Salwa Judum, he
said: "People stepped out for their protection, they just called it something, Salwa Judum does not exist."
He ruled out disbanding the outfit -- since it "never existed".Salwa Judum, which means "peace march" in
the local language, was a movement which armed rural and tribal youth against the Maoists. On July 5,
2011, the Supreme Court declared the militia unconstitutional and asked the Chhattisgarh government to
disband it. Green Hunt was the name given to the security forces operation against the rebels. Raman
Singh welcomed the release of district collector Menon, and appreciated the work done by the
interlocutors. Singh stressed that no ransom was paid and no Maoists were freed in exchange for Menon,
adding a high powered committee will now look case by case into bail application of those arrested for
rebel activities. He said he will talk to Home Minister P. Chidambaram to formulate a policy to prevent
such kidnappings as the problem was there is several states. "I will ask him to call a meeting after
tomorrow's (May 5) meeting to discuss the formulation of a policy against such kidnappings," he said.
Singh is here for a meeting of chief ministers on the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC). He
refused to speak on the issue however, saying he will present his views on the amended NCTC at
Saturday's meeting. (IANS) (New Kerala 4/5/12)
UN urges US to tackle indigenous issues (6)
New York, May 5 : The United States needs to adopt more robust measures to address the issues
affecting its indigenous peoples, an independent United Nations expert said on Friday, stressing that such
policies must be developed in partnership with Native American, Alaskan Native and Hawaiian peoples in
the country. "Continued and concerted measures are needed to develop new initiatives and reform
existing ones, in consultation and in real partnership with indigenous peoples, with a goal towards
strengthening their own self-determination and decision-making over their affairs at all levels," said the
Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples, James Anaya, at the end of his first visit to the
country, which finished on Friday. "Securing the rights of indigenous peoples to their lands is of central
importance to indigenous peoples' socio-economic development, self-determination, and cultural
integrity," Anaya said, underscoring that continued efforts should be made to resolve, clarify, and
strengthen the protection of indigenous lands, resources, and sacred sites. Anaya drew special attention
to the need for measures of reconciliation to overcome "the legacies of a history of oppression" in the
country, according to a news release issued by the UN human rights office. "In all my consultations with
indigenous peoples in the places I visited it was impressed upon me that the sense of loss, alienation and

indignity is pervasive throughout Indian country," he said. "I heard almost universal calls from indigenous
nations and tribes across the country that the Government respect tribal sovereignty, that indigenous
peoples' ability to control their own affairs be strengthened, and that the many existing barriers to the
effective exercise of self-determination be removed," Anaya added. During his 12-day visit, Anaya met
with indigenous peoples in the capital, Washington D.C., as well as in the states of Arizona, Alaska,
Oregon, Washington, South Dakota and Oklahoma, in addition to government officials. He said that
during his mission he learned that many tribes across the country already have capable institutions of
self-governance and tribal courts in place, as well as self-administered social and economic development
programmes that have had significant successes and which also help to promote and consolidate
indigenous cultures and values. The expert noted that he had collected enough information to assess how
the standards of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples are reflected in US law, policy
and programmes at both the state and federal levels, and to identify needed reforms. Adopted in 2007,
the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples establishes a universal framework of minimum
standards for the survival, dignity, well-being, and rights of indigenous peoples around the world. The US
endorsed the Declaration in December 2010. Independent experts, or special rapporteurs, are appointed
by the Geneva-based Human Rights Council to examine and report back on a country situation or a
specific human rights theme. They work in an independent and unpaid capacity. (IBNS) (New Kerala
5/5/12)
“Rights of tribals at the core of Maoist conflict” (6)
NEW DELHI, May 6, 2012: The conflict between the government and the Maoists in the tribal areas didn't
start with the abduction of Sukma Collector Alex Paul Menon and it would not end with his release,
observed B.D. Sharma, the mediator who secured Mr. Menon's freedom after two weeks in captivity.
Addressing a press conference here on Saturday, Mr. Sharma said: “At the core of the clash between the
governments and the Maoists lies the question of ownership of jal, jangal and zameen of the tribals, who
used to be the owners of the mineral-rich region, and the model of development which the governments,
State as well as the Union, are thrusting upon them.” Referring to the “understanding” reached between
the Chhattisgarh government and Maoists, he hoped the temporary ceasefire in Operation Green Hunt
will lead to an era of peace. However, he added: “Only astrologers can predict the longevity of the current
‘ceasefire.” The former District Magistrate of Bastar talked about the situation prevailing in the tribal region
while highlighting the government's failure in protecting the rights of tribals. “When I asked a local tribal in
Bastar about the difference the Maoists' presence has made to his life, he replied that the tribals don't get
troubled by the patwari and the daroga,” Mr. Sharma said. Talking about the “inherent contradiction” in the
government's policy on tribals, Mr. Sharma said instead of resolving core issues like rights over forests,
forest produce, people's rights over land and resources, and the trader-contractor-politician nexus,
governments have signed hundreds of memoranda of understanding with foreign and domestic
companies for exploitation of minerals without the consent of the local people. “Our Prime Minister calls
the tribal people poor! How can you call the community poor which historically and naturally used to own
and cultivate the mineral-rich region and its resources?” he said. Mr. Sharma regretted that the Bhuria
Committee's 1996 recommendation regarding community ownership of industry had not been adopted
still. He said tribals had not been given any stake in the present model of development despite the Centre
having envisaged carving out a zone to ensure the partnership of tribals in development. He highlighted
the “open violation” of the provisions of the Panchayat (Extension to Schedule Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA)
— the PESA had envisaged that “every Gram Sabha shall be competent to safeguard and preserve the
tradition and customs of the people, their cultural identity, community resources and the customary mode
of the dispute resolution.” (The Hindu 6/5/12)
“Tribals' rights at the core of Maoist conflict” (6)
NEW DELHI, May 7, 2012: The conflict between the government and the Maoists in the tribal areas didn't
start with the abduction of Sukma Collector Alex Paul Menon and it would not end with his release,
observed B.D. Sharma, the mediator who secured Mr. Menon's freedom after two weeks in captivity.
Addressing a press conference here over the weekend, Mr. Sharma said: “At the core of the clash
between the governments and the Maoists lies the question of ownership of jal, jangal and zameen of the
tribals, who used to be the owners of the mineral-rich region, and the model of development which the
governments, State as well as the Union, are thrusting upon them.” Referring to the “understanding”
reached between the Chhattisgarh government and Maoists, he hoped the temporary ceasefire in
Operation Green Hunt will lead to an era of peace. However, he added: “Only astrologers can predict the
longevity of the current ‘ceasefire.” The former District Magistrate of Bastar talked about the situation
prevailing in the tribal region while highlighting the government's failure in protecting the rights of tribals.

“When I asked a local tribal in Bastar about the difference the Maoists' presence has made to his life, he
replied that the tribals don't get troubled by the patwari and the daroga ,” Mr. Sharma said. Talking about
the “inherent contradiction” in the government's policy on tribals, Mr. Sharma said instead of resolving
core issues like rights over forests, forest produce, people's rights over land and resources, and the
trader-contractor-politician nexus, governments have signed hundreds of memoranda of understanding
with foreign and domestic companies for exploitation of minerals without the consent of the local people.
“Our Prime Minister calls the tribal people poor! How can you call the community poor which historically
and naturally used to own and cultivate the mineral-rich region and its resources?” he said. Mr. Sharma
regretted that the Bhuria Committee's 1996 recommendation regarding community ownership of industry
had not been adopted still. He said tribals had not been given any stake in the present model of
development despite the Centre having envisaged carving out a zone to ensure the partnership of tribals
in development. He highlighted the “open violation” of the provisions of the Panchayat (Extension to
Schedule Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA) — the PESA had envisaged that “every Gram Sabha shall be
competent to safeguard and preserve the tradition and customs of the people, their cultural identity,
community resources and the customary mode of the dispute resolution.” (The Hindu 7/5/12)
Adivasis occupy land at two places in Wayanad (6)
KALPETTA, May 7, 2012: A group of tribesmen under the aegis of the Adivasi Kshema Samiti (AKS), a
feeder organisation of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), encroached on vested forest land at two
places in the district on Monday and claimed their rights on the land by erecting huts. As part of an
ongoing agitation, 115 tribal families from different parts of the district occupied a teak plantation at
Cheeyambam near Pulpally under the South Wayanad Forest Division, while 25 tribal families occupied a
vested forest land at Vanjiyode near Vellamunda under the North Wayanad Forest Division. They
demanded that the government provide land for all the landless Adivasis in the district. Though the Left
Democratic Front government had handed over Rs.50 crore two years ago to the district administration to
purchase land for the purpose, the United Democratic Front government was yet to utilise it, P.
Vasudevan, AKS district unit secretary, said. S. Harikishore, Sub Collector, held a discussion with AKS
leaders at the agitation centre at Cheeyambam and assured them that nearly 1,000 acres of land had
been identified by the district administration for the Adivasis. The government had issued an order
recently to acquire the land in three months under a fast-track process, he told the leaders. However, they
demanded an assurance from the government in this regard. Mr. Vasudevan said the agitation for land
would be intensified, if the government failed to give the assurance. (The Hindu 7/5/12)
Ramesh asks Odisha to free innocent tribals (6)
SUANPAL (ODISHA): Union Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh on Sunday blasted the State
government for keeping innocent tribals in jails without verifying their credentials. After interacting with the
tribals and members of Self Help Groups (SHGs) at Suanpal village under Jashipur block, a Maoists
affected area in Mayurbhanj district he said thousands of innocent tribals were now languishing in various
jails in Odisha and the State government should review the cases and initiate release them. “Every tribal
should live with dignity and with self-esteem. The forest officials and police should also allow the tribals to
do their jobs safely and freely. The government should return the lands to tribals and direct forestofficials
not to lodge any case against them,” he mentioned besides insisting the government to properly
implement the Gramin Vikash Yojanas in the tribal dominated areas in the State. Many areas in the State
are affected in Maoists activities and people are here sandwiched between the police, the Government
and Maoists, the Union Minister said. Every day there are incidents of Maoists attacks. “Like the elephant
corridors, the Maoists have made their own corridor.” Jairam urged the local tribals to join hands with the
government to put an end to Maoist menace and make their villages ‘Maobadi Mukta’ (Maoists free) area.
He said pallisabhas can play a pivotal role in rooting out Maoist problem and bring them into mainstream.
The Union Minister called upon Maoists leaders to take part in the electoral process. They can rule their
area if they are elected like in many other states, said the minister. Jairam Ramesh however expressed
his anguish over tardy progress of MGNREGA and PMGSY schemes in the State. He said job card
holders in the State are not getting their wages for six to seven months. “We are allotting funds in time but
people here are not getting in time. The State government should look into the matter seriously,” he
added. (NIE 7/5/12)
‘Forest right a far cry’ (6)
Social welfare, women and child development minister Vimla Pradhan on Wednesday conceded that laws
meant for protection of tribal rights had not been implemented in Jharkhand, which directly caused
women to migrate to big cities in search of livelihood. Speaking at a seminar on Forest Right, Minor

Forest Produce (MFP), Livelihood, Land, Nutrition, Health, Community Rights and Women, the minister
said, “The Scheduled Castes and Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, which was framed to
prevent atrocities SCs and STs, has not been executed in our state. A state-level cell should therefore be
formed to dispose of cases of atrocities against tribals.” The two-day national seminar, being jointly
organised by the National Commission for Women (NCW) with its Jharkhand chapter, attracted around
200 women from various states — mainly Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha and Madhya Pradesh — who
have been fighting for their ownership over forestland. Pradhan added, “Since tribal women spend ample
time in forests collecting produce like sakhua and chironjee seeds, medicinal plants, kendu leaves and
mahua fruits, which fetch good market prices, efforts should be made to secure their rights and restore
forest cover.” Vouching for legal ownership for tribals over forestland, she said, “Tribals should be given
permanent land pattas (deeds) under the Forest Right Act, as they do not have legal right over the land in
which they have lived for years.” Echoing Pradhan, guest of honour and NCW member Charu Wali
Khanna said tribals who are identified with jal, jangal, zameen (water, forest, land) were unable to fulfil
their demands, as they did not have any claim over the resources. Earlier, Pradhan launched the meet
after minister of state for women and child development Krishna Tirath was unable to arrive due to other
engagements. In a written message, Tirath urged everyone to “conserve forests, which tribals identify with
as their source of livelihood”. (Telegraph 10/5/12)
Brinda Karat speaks for tribals in Jharkhand (6)
Ranchi, May 12 : Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) politburo member Brinda Karat on Saturday
said the forceful acquisition of land of the tribals is a burning issue in Jharkhand, and added that their
lands are being snatched away by the private companies despite the prevailing laws. "Our main issue that
the land of the tribals are being snatched away despite the prevailing laws. The land of the tribals is being
given to big corporates. Here, no gram sabha was held, nor permission was taken from any of the
farmers. But the land is being taken from Sonahatu in the name of Jindal and Birla and their companies,"
said Karat. "Even near Ranchi, the land of the tribals is being taken in the name of (setting up of)
educational institutions. We are not against any educational institution. But is only the land of the tribals
available? This is a burning issue in Jharkhand," she added. Karat, who has so far visited many villages
in Sonahatu region of Jharkhand's Ranchi District, had earlier alleged that all natural resources are being
handed over to big corporate houses and on the other hand, farmers are being deprived of their land,
which helps them earn a living. (ANI) (New Kerala 12/5/12)
Chasi Muliya Adivasi Sangh goes back to land grabbing (6)
KORAPUT: Renewing their land grabbing spree, the Maoist-backed Chasi Muliya Adivasi Sangh (CMAS)
forcibly occupied non-tribal land at Bandhugaon block on Sunday. Sources said the CMAS organized a
meeting at Kumbhariput which was attended by hundreds of activists with their traditional weapons.
Following the meeting, the Sangh by occupied over 30 acres of non-tribal land in the area by putting redflags
around it. Even the Sangh ploughed the occupied land claiming it to be their own to which the nontribals
have taken by deceit. "These land belong to us which the non-tribals had taken by deceit from our
forefathers. We have occupied these lands and have started ploughing them," said a CMAS activist who
had attended the Sangh meeting. Since 2009, the Sangh has forcibly occupied over 3,000 acre of nontribal
lands in the area citing it to be their own. Sources said non-tribals of the area are panicked over the
recent development in the area. Meanwhile, the Koraput-Srikakulam division of the outlawed CPI
(Maoist), which had abducted Laxmipur MLA Jhina Hikaka on the night of March 23, has given a 24 hour
bandh call on Wednesday in protest against anti-Maoist operations in the area. Maoist leader Daya
identifying himself as the secretary of the Maoist outfit informed this by sending letters to mediapersons in
Koraput on Sunday. "We demand a halt of operation Green Hunt, withdrawal of central forces from the
area and release of all political prisoners lodged in the different jails of Koraput and Malkangiri districts,"
the Maoist letter read. "We urge all to cooperate during the bandh period," it added. The Maoist letter also
opposed the proposed National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC). Police said the panicked over the
recently launched massive combing operation in the area, the Maoists have given the bandh call and all
necessary security arrangements will be made to avoid any eventuality. "We are keeping a close watch
on the developments and security men have been kept on high alert to face any untoward incident," said
SDPO Y Jagannath Rao. (Times of India 14/5/12)
Chengara agitators seek alternative land (6)
PALAKKAD, May 15, 2012: Fifty-five Chengara agitators who have been allotted land at Adwanapetti in
Kottathara village of Attappady in the district are waiting for suitable alternative land for nearly a year now.

The 25 acres of land allotted to them was found uninhabitable and uncultivable, and was found inhabited
by wild animals. Though five families had put up temporary sheds on the land last year, they left the area
after a while complaining about attacks by wild animals. They had then met the District Collector, urging
him to allot them alternative land. The land acquired three decades ago for the Attappady Valley Irrigation
Project (AVIP) at Chittur was suggested as an option, as the project had not been taken up yet and was
as good as abandoned. But the government has not yet taken a decision on allotting the AVIP land. The
land allotted at Adwanapetti had other claimants as well, the land had earlier been allotted to tribal
people. (The Hindu 15/5/12)
University for tribal students likely (6)
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, May 17, 2012: The State government is considering the possibility of setting
up a residential university for tribal students along the lines of the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences in
Bhubaneswar, Minister for Welfare of Scheduled Tribes and Youth Affairs P.K. Jayalakshmi has said.
Addressing a press conference here on Wednesday, she said the idea was to provide hostel and study
facilities from the pre-primary stage to the level of post graduation for tribal students in this university. She
said the government proposed to bring in some fundamental changes in its approach to the development
of Scheduled Tribes people in the State. A four-day national tribal festival, ‘Gothrayanam,' conducted in
Wayanad district from April 30 this year had thrown up several new ideas on how to bring in those
changes, she said. (The Hindu 17/5/12)
More tribal forums join stir (6)
KALPETTA, May 17, 2012: More tribal organisations in Wayanad district are joining an agitation for land
in the district. The Pattika Jathi Pattika Varga Aiky Vedi, an independent tribal organisation which
launched an agitation at Ezhupathimoonnu Teak plantation at Cheeyambam near Pulppally, was the
latest to enter the fray. Close to 53 tribal families from Pulpally and Mullankolly panchayats under the
organisation encroached on the vested forest land under the South Wayanad forest division and claimed
their rights on the land by erecting huts. “Though we had submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister
a few months ago, he is yet to make any positive move. This compelled us to encroach on the land,” T.R.
Rajappan, its secretary, said. Moreover, Adivasi Kshema Samithi (AKS) workers who had encroached on
forest land a few years ago got rights on that land and this tempted us, he added. The All India Adivasi
Maha Sabha (AIAMS), a feeder organisation of the Communist Party of India (CPI), and AKS, a tribal
outfit of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [(CPI(M)], have been continuing the land struggle. The
AIAMS workers encroached on a vested forest land at Kolimoola near Chettipambra under the South
Wayanad forest division and the AKS workers encroached on a piece of vested forest land at Kunjome
near Niravilpuzha under the North Wayanad forest division on Wednesday. Thirty AKS workers and 50
AIAMS workers erected huts on these places. The Kerala Adivasi Congress, a tribal outfit of the Congress
party, are also on the protest path, trespassing on to forest lands at Irulam and Cheeyambam near
Pulpally under the South Wayanad Forest Division on Monday. Close to 140 tribal families claimed their
rights on the land after erecting huts. The Kerala Adivasi Sanghom (KAS), a tribal organisation of the
Bharatiya Janata Party had chosen Thakkalippallam near Chundale under the South Wayanad forest
division and Idikkara near Thalappuzha under the North Wayanad forest division to stage their protest a
few days ago. As many as 166 KAS workers occupied the land after erecting huts. Meanwhile, D.K
.Verma, Chief Conservator of Forest, Northern Region, asked the organisations to stop encroachments
on forest land. Mr. Verma told The Hindu on Wednesday that trespassing on forest land was a punishable
offence as per the Kerala Forest Act. The government had held discussions with the tribal organisations
recently and directed the District Collector to speed up land distribution to landless tribesmen in a time
bound manner, he said. The shrinking forests and rising animal population had resulted in more mananimal
conflicts. The encroachment would worsen the situation, Mr. Verma added. (The Hindu 17/5/12)
Tribal unrest in Wayanad gets political colour (6)
KANNUR: Land agitations by tribals in Wayanad seem to have been usurped by political parties. The new
phase of stir has been launched by the pro-CPM Adivasi Kshema Samiti (AKS) in the first week of May
has now been taken up CPI, Congress, BJP and the Kerala Adivasi Forum, an independent organization.
"Our demand is that every tribal family should get at least an acre of land. Till this demand is met we will
continue to protest," said E A Sankaran, the AKS state committee member. A group of tribal families have
already encroached forest land at a few places including Cheeyambam in Irulam village and Vanjot in
Thondarnadu panchayat. However, the main focus of the agitators is the teak plantation in Cheeyambam
where AKS claims that more than 600 tribal families have occupied the land. "More than 1,500 families
are part of the agitation," said Sankaran. Currently land agitations are on in nearly 15 places in the

district. Meanwhile, Kerala Adivasi Forum state president and tribal leader B V Bolan has said that CPM
has now launched the agitation to divert attention of masses from other issues. "If they were sincere, they
would have got land to tribals when they were in power," he said. He also alleged that though Rs 50 crore
has been earmarked by the Centre to address tribal issues, not even a paisa has been utilized. Political
parties have no interest in tribal welfare," he said. Incidentally, the forum, with the support of Adivasi
Congress, affiliated to the Congress, has organized the agitation at Cheeyambam 73 and Irulam
Cheeyambam. However, Bolan claims that the forum launched the stir independently. Currently nearly
12,000 tribal families have no land and a similar number live on just five cents of land or even less.
Sankaran said the demand is to provide sufficient land for farming which is central to the survival of
tribals. Interestingly, most of the tribals are not aware of what they are fighting for. "Leader (Sankaran)
told us that we would get land here for farming, so we have built the hut here," said Omana, a tribal
woman from Mananthavady. "Comrade Sankaran has told us not to vacate this land," said Mary, an
agitator from Kolathur in Pulpally. "Three years ago we were evicted out of this place though we fought for
a few months, but this time we will not leave the place till we are given land for farming," she said.Kannur:
In a curious turn of events, almost all political parties in Kerala have turned their attention towards the
adivasis in Wayanad even as the state is passing through a turbulent political situation. The new phase of
agitation, started by pro-CPM Adivasi Kshema Samiti (AKS) in the first week of May, has been taken up
by various organisations, including the CPI, Congress and the BJP, and the Kerala Adivasi Forum, which
is an independent organization. And now land agitation is going on in nearly 15 places in the district.
"Whoever be ruling the state, our demand is that every adivasi family should get at least one acre of land,
and till that demand is met, we will continue the struggle," said E A Sankaran, the state committee
member of Adivasi Kshema Samiti (AKS), a pro-CPM organisation, under the aegis of which one group of
around adivasi families have encroached the vested forestland at a few places in the district, including
Cheeyambam in Irulam village and Vanjot in Thondarnadu panchayath. In the coming days more places
would be occupied, he claims. However, the main focus is on the teak plantation in Cheeyambam, where
AKS claims to have brought more than 600 families. Totally more than 1500 families are part of the
agitation under AKS in various places, claims Sankaran though his rivals say this is an exaggerated
amount. Incidentally, AKS had launched an agitation in 2010 too and encroached the land occupied by M
V Sreyamskumar MLA. But it was called off following the intervention of the then Chief Minister V S
Achuthanandan. The CPM has now launched the land agitation to divert the attention of the people from
many other issues, says B V Bolan, a tribal leader and the state president of Kerala Adivasi Forum. If they
were sincere, they would have got the land to the adivasis when the LDF was in power, he points out.
"Though Rs 50 crore has been given by the central government for the settlements of tribal communities
here, not even a single paisa has been utilised out of it and our political parties have no interest in the
welfare of the adivasis," he alleges. Though the government and district administration have promised to
meet their demands in a couple of months, the Forum would not withdraw from the agitation till is meets
the goal, according to him. Incidentally, the Forum has organised the agitation at Cheeyambam 73 and
Irulam Cheeyambam with the support of the Adivasi Congress, affiliated to the Congress party. However,
he claims that the Forum launched the agitation independently and later the Adivasi Congress too started
agitation in the same place. (Times of India 20/5/12)
Tribal bodies pitch for ex-Lok Sabha speaker PA Sangma (6)
JAMSHEDPUR: With two regional political parties, the Biju Janata Dal and the AIADMK, endorsing former
Lok Sabha speaker Purno Agitok Sangma for the President's chair, the tribal social outfits of the state are
pitching for his candidature. The outfits opined that Sangma, a tribal, has all the merits worthy of a
President of India, hence he should be endorsed by the political parties. "At a time when political parties
across the board are calling for empowerment of the tribals, we think it's an appropriate time to send a
good message to the tribal community by endorsing Sangma's candidature," said Akhil Bharatiya Adivasi
Mahasabha convener Mukesh Birua. An appeal for support to Sangma is being faxed to all political
parties, said Birua. The Kolhan Raksha Sangh, another tribal outfit, said when the Sikh community which
has about 20 million population in the country could represent it in the Rashtrapati Bhavan, what was
wrong in electing a tribal that has about 100 million population in the country. "Although we are identified
as the indigenous populace of India, ironically even 65 years after the Independence a tribal has never
been the first citizen of the country," said Kolhan Raksha Sangh convener K C Hembram. For decades
Hembram has been fighting for the empowerment of the tribals in the Saranda forest region of the
mineral-rich West Singhbhum district. "We hope the ruling parties (in the UPA II government) shall find
answer to these questions," said a member of the Akhil Bharatiya Ho Samaj. The tribal outfits are,
however, unanimous in saying that although they are seeking Sangma's endorsement, they are in
principle talking of "somebody from the tribal community" to be made the President. (Times of India

23/5/12)
500 landless tribal families get pattas (6)
BHUBANESWAR: The Maoist-infested Laxmipur block in Koraput district which hogged the headlines for
the wrong reason was back in the news on Tuesday. In a move that will help resolve the current crisis
over land dispute, nearly 500 landless tribal families were given pattas under the land allocation
programme, initiated by the Odisha Tribal Empowerment and Livelihoods Programme (OTELP). These
tribal families from Minapai, Balingi, Talakotinga, Ledriguda, Chendiaguda, Kenduada, Bhitarguda,
Karaguda, Koijhankar, DP Guda villages of Laxmipur tehasil of Koraput district were living on Government
land for ages. Their age old dreams were realised on Tuesday after securing land rights of homestead
land on which they have constructed houses, OTELP sources said. The State Government has identified
agricultural land for distribution among those families who are either landless or possess land less than
one standard acre. In the first phase, records of rights of homestead land will be given to families who do
not have such land, the sources said. Like Narayanpatna, Laxmipur is the other block of Koraput district,
where the local people are fighting for their land rights with support of the Maoists. The recent abduction
of Laxmipur MLA Jhina Hikaka by the Maoists is a part of the struggle of the Odisha Chasi Mulia Sangha
for land reforms. Earlier this month, the State Government distributed pattas for homestead land among
2,554 landless tribal families of 83 villages in six districts under OTELP. The land allocation programme
initiated by OTELP in collaboration with rural Development Institute will enable the beneficiaries to access
numerous government schemes and benefits meant for the poor and marginalised. Another 600 landless
families from 12 revenue circles of Khallikote tehasil in Ganjam district received patta under various
welfare schemes of the state. These beneficiaries belong to Kandhamula, Sumandal, P Nuagaon, Barida,
Kanchana, Khojapalli, Kanheipur, Keshpur, Rambha, Khallikote, Chikili and Mathura revenue circles.
Many people of the district who have been enjoying the benefit of Gramakantha Paramboke kisam land
for decades but unable to get ownership of the land due to deficiency in the revenue laws are now the
rightful owner after amendment of the Orissa Land Settlement Act, 1962. Persons in occupation of such
land are unable to avail of institutional finance for construction of houses or other purposes by mortgaging
the land. Similarly, a large number of people are in possession of abadi, khasmahal and nazul lands on
the basis of lease granted by the Government. Over eight lakh people of undivided Koraput and Ganjam
districts who are in possession of such lands are facing problems during sale or mortgaging their landed
property. (NIE 23/5/12)
Ahead of Odisha trip, Ramesh wants jailed tribals freed (6)
Bhubaneswar, May 24: Accusing the Odisha government of locking up a large number of innocent people
in jails, Union Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh has asked Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to
ensure their release at the earliest. The move comes ahead of Ramesh's two-day visit to the state's
Maoist-infested Malkangiri and Rayagada districts where he will take a stock of development activities
May 27 and 28. In a letter to Patnaik sent Wednesday, the union minister says he has been visiting some
of the Maoist-infested districts in the state and interacting with officials, non-government organisations
and common people for implementation of rural development programmes. "One point that comes out
loud and clear is that a large number of adivasis are in jail today, for no reason whatsoever. They should
be freed at the earliest," the minister says in his letter, a copy of which is with IANS. "I know that you are
working with the centre to deal with the extraordinary situation that prevails in the Maoist-affected districts.
It is in this background that I have been emboldened to write to you to convey this feed-back that I have
received," reads the letter. "Clearly, something must be done urgently to ensure justice to innocent and
unfairly jailed adivasis or to those adivasis who are in jail on very flimsy grounds," the letter says. (IANS)
(New Kerala 24/5/12)
Tribals reeling under malnutrition (6)
CHENNAI: There were at least 98 dishes, mostly made of wild leaves from the forest, once popular
among the tribal communities in Wayanad in Kerala, but only a couple of them are cooked today. At least
19 varieties of 'yam', one of the oldest cultivated plants, were grown here until ten years ago. But those
good old days have gone. Malnutrition among the tribal population is on the rise, thanks to the rapid
change in the agricultural and economic fields. A two-day workshop on "Addressing household level food
and nutrition security for tribal areas", organised by Vigyan Prasar in collaboration with the MS
Swaminathan Research Foundation, highlighted the importance of understanding the existing scenario of
traditional methods of food and nutrition and prevailing malnutrition among tribals in India. "Malnutrition is
a big problem among the tribals now, particularly among children and women. Our challenge is to
implement the suggestions that we received in the main tribal belts based on the traditional food practices

of that region. We will be launching a nutrition literacy movement soon," said Ajay Parida, executive
director, MSSRF.Scientists, government representatives, nutritionists, academicians, technical managers
and NGOs from various states presented about 27 papers. Mahtab Bamji, emeritus scientist, National
Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, said,"We have to improve homestead production in each tribal hamlet to
improve the nutritional level of tribals. We have to educate them in this direction." (Times of India
26/5/12)
Govt to amend forest Act for tribal rights (6)
NEW DELHI: The tribal affairs ministry is moving fast to amend the Forest Rights Act and bring about
changes in rules that would make it easier for traditional forest dwellers to get their rightful claim over
forest lands and more difficult for the industry to use the green patches without the former's nod. The
move comes with the central government recording serious flaws in the implementation of the Act across
the country. As a precursor to the expected changes, tribal affairs minister Kishore Chandra Deo has
written to CMs pointing out how the implementation of what was UPA-1's flagship scheme had failed,
asking them to remove the shortcomings. The step had been pending for long, with the NAC too
recommending altering the rules and regulations to overcome state prejudices against handing back
lands to tribals and other traditional forest dwellers. After Deo took over the tribal affairs ministry, it was
expected that the changes would come through quickly but the minister, who had earlier been the key
Congress general secretary advocating the passage of the Act, faced an uphill battle against his
bureaucracy, which had also opposed the NAC recommendations. A shuffle of the top bureaucracy within
the ministry saw the opposition against changes in the FRA dwindle and Deo has now agreed to work the
NAC recommendations into the law. The changes in implementation are expected to come at three levels.
The ministry is expected to use its powers under the Act to pass mandatory advisories, amend existing
rules as well as go to Parliament for amendments where required. Deo's letter to CMs is the first
indication of what is in the works. He has said that states have not adhered to rules and tribals still face
harassment, threats of eviction and forced relocation in violation of the Act. He has asked for strict
adherence to the rule that denies industry the right to forest patches unless affected village councils
accept it through a resolution. "Gram sabha meetings... for critical decisions such as diversion of forest
land, should be video taped and videos made publicly available. This will ensure transparency and reduce
manipulation and dispute," Deo wrote. (Times of India 28/5/12)
98 tribal healers given Rs 10,000 each as grant (6)
KOZHIKODE: A Pradeep Kumar, MLA, inaugurated the distribution of Rs 10,000 each to 98 selected
tribal healers for cultivating herbal medicinal plants in their courtyards, here on Thursday. The money can
also be used for improving facilities at their homes to provide better medical care to their patients. This
forms the initial phase of a state-level financial aid distribution scheme for welfare of tribal healers
launched by the Kerala Institute for Research, Training and Development of Scheduled Castes and
Scheduled Tribes (KIRTADS). All together 120 tribal healers have been selected as beneficiaries in the
first phase of the project. The remaining 22 will be given the money at a function to be organized soon,
KIRTADS officials said. The list of beneficiaries was prepared by an expert panel led by N Viswanathan
Nair, president, Indian Indigenous People Service Society. They were chosen taking into account the
exclusiveness of their methods of treatment, as well as their financial situation, the officials said. The tribal
healers who received the grant are from Kottayam, Idukki, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, Kasaragod,
Ernakulam, Thrissur and Palakkad districts. Nine out of the 120 are women. Apart from the 120 selected,
80 more have been identified by the expert panel. They would be provided aid in the second phase of the
project, said P V Mini, deputy director, KIRTADS. KIRTADS, with the help of the expert panel, has also
prepared a directory of tribal healers in the state. The SC and ST Welfare Department will use this
information to extend welfare schemes to more people. (Times of India 1/6/12)
Jarawa region to have buffer zone (6)
New Delhi, June 1, 2012: Five months after two British newspapers released a controversial video film
showing scantily clad Jarawa tribal women dancing for tourists in return for food and money, the
government finally acted on Thursday: the Union Cabinet approved the promulgation of a law that brings
into effect a buffer zone in the 5 km radius around the Jarawa tribal settlements in the Andaman and
Nicobar Islands, and provides for imprisonment up to seven years for those violating government norms
for this area. Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni said the decision to promulgate
the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (Protection of Aboriginal tribes) Amendment Regulation 2012 has been
taken under Article 240 of the Constitution, which empowers the President to take such measures in case
of Union Territories. “This regulation will cover the entire Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Tourist

establishments will be prohibited and other commercial establishments will be regulated in the buffer
zone, which will protect the aboriginal tribes from undesirable outside influences.” The law provides for
tough penal provisions to deter unauthorised entry, photography, videography, hunting, use of alcohol,
inflammable material or biological germs, or even advertisements to attract tourists in the buffer zone. Any
violation can attract a prison sentence of three to seven years and a fine up to Rs. 10,000. An earlier
attempt by the Andaman Union Territory administration to prohibit all commercial and tourist activities,
through a notification on October 30, 2007, within a designated buffer zone was quashed by the Calcutta
High Court on the grounds that the principal Regulation only permitted such notifications for “reserved
areas.” A Special Leave Petition, challenging this, was subsequently filed in the Supreme Court, and it is
in the pendency of this SLP that the Union Cabinet, using Article 240, has approved the promulgation of a
law that will create a buffer zone. Official sources said this meant that the lacuna in the regulation that
saw the Calcutta High Court quash the earlier notification has now been addressed: it was tantamount to
a policy change. The government's decision on Thursday follows the intervention by the Sonia Gandhiheaded
National Advisory Council (NAC) that had mooted an amendment to the Andaman and Nicobar
Islands (Protection of Aboriginal Tribes) Regulations, 1956. A larger buffer zone, it was felt, would mean
increased space for tribals, while preventing outsiders from intruding on their privacy. Simultaneously, the
NAC has also been working on drafting a comprehensive policy for the protection and preservation of
primitive tribal groups (PTGs), including the Jarawas in the Andamans. In India, about 75 tribal
communities have been classified as PTGs, who are the poorest among those listed as Scheduled
Tribes: they are spread across 17 States and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The NAC, flagging the
issue in 2006, had reported on the sexual abuse of Jarawa women and recommended policy
interventions to ensure preservation and privacy of the tribe. Indeed, an NAC experts' sub-group had
suggested eventual closure of the part of the Andaman Trunk Road that passes through the Jarawa
Reserve. Meanwhile, the debate on the Jarawas continues – whether they should continue to exist in their
pristine habitat, cut off from the mainstream, or whether they should be “empowered” through
interventions, especially relating to health and education. (The Hindu 1/6/12)
Is MSP for 13 minor forest produce the next MGNREGS? (6)
NEW DELHI, June 1, 2012: The Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA)'s plan to introduce a Minimum Support
Price (MSP) mechanism for 13 items of minor forest produce (MFP) has been approved by the Planning
Commission. Sources in the Ministry told The Hindu that a detailed financial proposal would be sent to the
Expenditure Finance Committee of the Finance Ministry by June 7 after which it would go to the Cabinet.
Union Minister Kishore Chandra Deo, who is piloting the scheme, would like a MSP Commission to be set
up by January 2013, the sources said. The plan to introduce MSP for minor forest produce is being
described in government circles as the next MGNREGS (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment
Guarantee Scheme) as it has the potential to transform the lives of 100 million forest dwellers, a majority
of whom are tribals and whose livelihoods depend on the collection and marketing of MFPs. The
proposal, the sources said, had reached this stage after a great deal of resistance from sections of the
bureaucracy, especially those in the Forest Departments of various States, and after two committees, one
headed by agricultural economist T. Haque and another by Planning Commission member-secretary
Sudha Pillai, gave their reports on the issue. MFP have significant social and economic value for tribal
communities as they not only provide essential food, medicines and other consumption items but also
cash income. The estimated value of the 13 major MFPs at the first purchase point is worth about Rs.
3600 crore annually, of which tendu and bamboo alone account for Rs. 2000 crore, according to the
Haque Report. The MFPs that will be covered by the scheme will be tendu, bamboo, mahua flower,
mahua seeds, sal leaves, sal seeds, lac, chironji, wild honey, myrobalan, tamarind, gums and karanj. The
scheme, a Ministry document says, will help provide better prices to the MFP gatherers, who now receive
a pittance, exploited as they are by local traders and other vested interests; it will also ensure sustainable
harvesting of MFPs. The proposed MFP Commission will be an autonomous body under the MoTA. The
scheme envisages undertaking procurement and marketing operations at pre-fixed MSP for selected MFP
by designated State agencies and providing financial assistance to the States for these operations and
subsidies if necessary. The Commission will link the MSP to minimum wages paid under the NREGS,
transportation cost for the tribals to push the produce in the market, value addition to the produce and
local market prices. The MSP of each item would be reviewed annually. The MoTA, the Tribal
Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India and State institutions will be strengthened
suitably to implement the scheme. (The Hindu 1/6/12)
Tribals can help in forest conservation: Expert (6)
COIMBATORE: Tribals living in the forests must not be compelled to leave their abode, AJT John Singh,

well-known conservationist associated with World Wildlife Fund (WWF), said at a seminar organised in
KCT college here on Saturday. Singh added that they have knowledge about the forests and wildlife and
can help preserve flora and fauna. Therefore, they must not be forced out of their homes, if these fall
inside forest reserves. Pointing at the initiatives of the ministry of forest and environment, Singh says the
tribals should be included in the conservation efforts of the government and not asked to relocate outside
the forests. "The tribals could work as watchmen and guides," he said. Commenting on the expertise of
the tribal people he said while the captive elephants in Kerala are known to have killed many mahouts, no
cases of elephants killing mahouts have been reported from Madumalai. This is because the tribal people
live with the elephants all their lives. This is significant when considering the fact the elephants in Kerala
are taken in chains, while these tribes take them relatively freely, he said. "The tribes understand the
animals," he said. Singh also said that several animals and plant species need to be encouraged in the
Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. "The sambar deer is one species which has to be encouraged. They are a
good feed for the tigers. Rise in sambar deer population will help increase the tiger population. Barking
deer also need to be preserved," he added. There are some shrubs which are threatening the lives of the
animals. There are shrubs like the 'erect prickly pear' which are an invasive species and do not put a
control on the growth of grass and the green. "This reduces the shortage of food for the animals. This
must be removed in an aggressive basis, he said. He said some of the efforts of the government have
supported the wildlife. (Times of India 4/6/12)
Finally, nod to tribals rally under ex-CM (6)
Halol (Panchmahals),: After being denied permission twice, organisers have finally got the go-ahead of
local administration to hold a tribal rally under former Chief Minister Keshubhai Patel at Kankoda Koi
village in tribal-dominated Panchmahals district on June 10. The organiser, Vanwasi Yuva Sangathan,
was given permission by the Ghogamba taluka authorities today. The rally was earlier scheduled for June
4 in Patel-dominated Ranjeet Nagar village, but the venue had to be shifted to a government wasteland at
Kankoda Koi, where permission was denied on security grounds. The organisers then shifted the venue
to a private land in the same village for which permission was granted. This is the first major tribal rally
being held under the leadership of Keshubhai in the run-up to the Assembly elections. It is expected to
draw around 15,000 tribals from nearby villages like Navakuan and Rajgadh Palla, organisers said. The
rally is being backed by Mahagujarta Janata Party floated by former BJP leader Gordhan Zadaphia.
Besides Keshubhai and Zadaphia, former Chief Minister Suresh Mehta, ex-minister Nalin Bhatt and other
office-bearers of MJP, including its Parliamentary Board head Fakirbhai Chauhan and regional general
secretary Jayakant Patel, are expected to attend the rally. “On May 25, the Gram Panchayat of Ranjeet
Nagar in Ganghola taluka had given us permission to hold the rally, but refused to entertain us a day after
under political pressure,” said Parbatbhai Damor, a member of Vanvasi Yuva Sangathan. The rally
assumes significance as it is being held on June 10, which will be the second day of BJP’s two-day state
executive meet in Rajkot. (Indian Express 7/6/12)
Chhattisgarh : 148 tribal boys from Naxalite areas crack AIEEE (6)
BHOPAL: Despite being constantly lured or threatened by the Maoists, 100-odd tribal students from the
Naxalite affected areas of Chhattisgarh got selected in the All India Engineering Entrance Examination
(AIEEE) through "Prayas", a special coaching initiative of the state's tribal welfare department. "It's a good
news for the state. 148 out of 222 tribal boys, mostly from Left Wing Extremism (LWE) districts, got
selected in AIEEE this year", Chhattisgarh government spokesman N Baijendra Kumar told TOI over
telephone after the results came in on Sunday morning. Earlier, two tribal students from the Naxalite
affected areas got selection to the IIT. "These students achieved the fete, despite being under constant
pressure from the Maoists", tribal department sources said. Chhattisgarh had launched a programme
titled "Prayas" in July 2010 under which meritorious students from the Left Wing Extremism (LWE)
districts and other tribal areas were kept in tribal hostels in the state capital and imparted coaching along
with the regular studies at the higher secondary level. Sources said the programme was initiated following
a visit of state's then chief secretary P Joy Ommen, along with tribal department officials, Bijapur district,
considered as a Maoist hotbed in the tribal Bastar region. The officers came across a school boy, who
had scored 95 % marks in the 11th class examination, at a village in Bijapur. During conversation, he told
the officers that he wanted to either become a Patwari or a compounder. "The aspirations level even of
meritorious students was so low. Subsequently, the government thought of launching a scheme like
"Prayas" to give such students an opportunity to aim high in life", a senior officer, who was associated
with the project said. Then, 266 meritorious tribal students were identified and picked up from the LWE
districts of Bijapur, Narayanpur, Dantewada, Bijapur, Kanker, Sarguja and from naxalite affected areas of
Rajnandgaon. They were kept at a tribal hostel in the state capital and given special coaching. While 222

students opted for engineering, others appeared for medical and other courses. During the two years of
their study in Bhopal, Maoists did best to lure the boys in the vulnerable age group of 17-18 years back to
their villages on several occasions. "We used to get calls from the Naxalites and their sympathisers on
our mobile phones, asking us to come back to the villages. The rebels used to tell us that we have chosen
a wrong path and we should get associated with them for the cause of our tribal brethren", the students
said. Buoyed with the success of the programme, the state government has now decided to set up a
similar hostel which has a capacity to accommodate 300 students in the state capital. " Our aim to impart
such facilities every year to 300 boys and 300 girls hailing from the Naxalite affected districts of the state",
the sources said. (Times of India 10/6/12)
Tribal outfit wants 18 Terai mouzas already under GTA to be returned (6)
The rival GJM group, Adivasi Vikas Parishad, which met at Malbazaar in Jalpaiguri on Sunday, also
rejected the Sen panel’s recommendation and demanded return of 18 mouzas of Terai region that has
been already included into the GTA. “We have already written to the state government to return the 18
mouzas, which were included into the erstwhile Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council and later made it to the
GTA,” said the outfit’s leader Rajesh Lakra. He said today’s meeting left it to the AVP’s regional units in
Terai and Dooars to decide on the expert committee’s recommendation. The CPM on Sunday demanded
the state government to convene an all-party meeting to decide on the future course of action. “We want
that for the sake of peace and development in the hills, the government should convene an all-party
meeting soon,’’ said CPM state secretary Biman Bose. (Indian Express 11/6/12)
Naxals torch kendu leaf godowns in Khaprakhol block (6)
BHUBANESWAR, June 11, 2012: In an attempt to strengthen their base in forest fringe villages, Left wing
extremists torched nearly a dozen of kendu leaf godowns in Khaprakhol block, adjoining to the Maoistaffected
Sunabenda Sanctuary, in Bolangir district. The incident occurred on Saturday night when
Naxalites strategically targeted godowns (fadis) in 12 villages situated over 20-km-long stretch. The
villages included Khuripani, Rengali, Chaulbanji, and Jamunabadi. About 10 days ago, Naxalites also
targeted ‘fadis' in Sanabanki and Badabanki villages under Tureikela block in the same district. As the
kendu leaf pluckers were nurturing resentment against the State government over fixation of kendu leaf
price, CPI (Maoist) was trying to cash in on the antagonism, opined experts. Naxalites also targeted a
kendu leaf ‘fadi' in Chandupalla village near Khariar under Nuapada district on Friday night.During the
past couple of years, cadres of CPI (Maoist) unleashed a reign of terror in Nuapada and Bolangir districts
by trying to create a corridor joining Chhattisgarh. In Nuapada district, they murdered people's
representatives and government officials. The dense Sunabeda sanctuary makes their job easy as CPI
(Maoist) cadres are able to get support from villagers staying inside the forest.In Odisha, about 15 lakh
people, mostly tribals, depend on plucking of kendu leaves for earning their livelihood. At present, those
pluck the leaves get 2 paise per one leaf. However, they have been demanding minimum 3 paise per one
piece of leaf.“Kendu leaf pluckers are passing through a critical period. When prices of essential
commodities have risen sharply, pluckers are finding it difficult to make their both ends meet due to low
price of kendu leaf. Moreover, our demand of sharing of profit among kendu leaf pluckers has not been
considered by the government,” said Jadumani Panigrahi, an office-bearer of Odisha Kendupatra
Karmachari Sangha. Maoist cadres, who are active in Nuapada and Bolangir districts, mostly hail from
Chhattisgarh. They have been pressing for increase in prices of kendu leaf as well as sharing of profit,
which are in practice in Chhattisgarh. A senior police official said attempt of Naxalites to befriend with
kendu leaf pluckers was a strategic step. “Pluckers are the persons who wander in deep forest. They
could be the first informers of any unusual movement inside the forest,” he said. (The Hindu 11/6/12)
GoM for relaxing Forest Rights norms (6)
New Delhi: A Group of Ministers (GoM) has pitched for relaxing the Forest Rights Act (FRA) norms for
expeditious setting up of power transmission lines, a move to spare project developers from seeking
mandatory concurrence from gram sabhas. It has asked the environment ministry to revise the FRA
norms in consultation with the tribal affairs ministry. The BK Chaturvedi Committee had also suggested
that there should be dilution of the provision of quorum in gram sabha meetings. The committee had also
proposed the expansion of existing projects be allowed without conducting any public hearing. At present,
developers have to secure the concurrence of gram sabhas — with a 50 per cent quorum — under the
Forest Rights Act before they can start mining. “If the meeting of the gram sabha is postponed for want of
quorum, the second meeting may consider the proposal without any restriction of 50 per cent quorum,” it
had suggested in the report submitted on July 26, 2011. The environment ministry had refused to concur
with the panel and instead has asked for including the tribal affairs ministry for its view. While environment

minister Jayanthi Natarajan opposed the contention of the panel, power secretary P Uma Shankar
countered by saying that there is neither acquisition of land nor displacement of forest dwellers. “The
GoM concurred with the power ministry... The MoEF has been asked to issue revised norms in
consultation with the tribal affairs ministry,” government sources said. The tribal affairs ministry is learnt to
be opposed to the Chaturvedi panel’s recommendation on relaxing FRA norms. (Indian Express 12/6/12)
Tribals set BDO office on fire in Purulia (6)
PURULIA: Agitated at an altercation with local officers, tribals under the banner of Majhi Santhal Samaj
Unnayan Samiti ransacked a BDO office and set it on fire on Tuesday. The tribals also alleged that police
had opened fire to ward them off but the district administration denied all charges. Seven people were
reported to be injured in the feud. A BDO office was ransacked and set on fire at Burabazar on Tuesday
after several tribals, under the banner Majhi Santhal Samaj Unnayan Samiti, who'd come to submit a
deputation to the BDO went berserk after picking up an altercation with local officers. The tribals' alleged
police opened fire, a fact denied by the district administration. Seven persons have been arrested in this
connection. Trouble broke out when the members of the Samiti arrived at the BDO's office. They had
earlier sought permission to The issue erupted when the Samiti members who had earlier sought for
permission to meet the BDO to put forward to him some of their demands that include . on a host of
demands from identifying some tribal sub-sects as Santhali, recognition of their language and solving to
resolve the water crisis and other demands. But before they could meet the BDO, they got into an
altercation with some officers. The tribals then went berserk, ransacked the office, set it on fire and
assaulted some officials. This continued for about 30 minutes till police reached the spot and opened fire
on them, alleged the protesters. efore they did so, they had an altercation with some officers. The
immediate provocation wasn't immediately known. This led to the protesters to set the office on fire,
ransack it and assault government officials. This continued for nearly 30 minutes, till police reached the
spot. The protesters alleged police fired several rounds in the air. Purulia SP Shri Sudhakar, however,
said, "The police didn't open any fire. Instead, in face of extreme provocation the police did a very
commendable job in dispersing the mob and bringing the situation under control. Seven persons have
been held for arson." Purulia district magistrate Abanindra Kumar said, "They had an appointment to meet
the BDO in person. Inspite of this, such an incident took place. It appears pre-meditated. Police is already
investigating the matter, if it comes to notice that this was an act of mischief, action will be taken against
all the perpetrators." (Times of India 13/6/12)
Maharashtra tribal development minister provides overview of progress (6)
NASHIK: The development achieved through 20 different welfare schemes of the tribal development
department in the last ten years would be evaluated by Yashada, tribal development minister Baban
Pachpute said at a meeting in Nashik. The minister said that 20,000 tribals had been allotted titles of 6.15
lakh acres of land under the Forest Rights Act. The government had given a package of Rs 50 crore for
tribal land development and this would be distributed at the ratio of Rs 25 lakh per village. The funds
would be utilized for land levelling to make it ready for farming and well-digging therby enhancing water
availability. On the issue of education, Pachpute pointed out that from a former total count of 8 lakh
students the number of students had risen to 18 lakh. "To ensure that teachers and their respective
schools' staff does its task promptly, a bio-metric attendance system will be installed in every school and
office by August 1 . The student grant of Rs 600 will be revised to Rs 900 per month for students
attending school. Bicycles will also be distributedto every student above class VII," the minister said. He
added that the process of giving meals to students would now involve self- help groups who would cook
and distribute food. He said that the department was focusing on naxalite areas by starting a
kindergartedn to post graduate education complex for locals in addition to plans for ten new Eklavya
schools to teach tribal students English. Pachpute said work on sports complex at Igatpuri and Nandurbar
would begin soon and was expected to cost Rs 5 crores to Rs 15 crores. (Times of India 14/6/12)
Barla faction joins JMM for statehood (6)
The John Barla-led adivasis today joined hands with the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha and formed the north
Bengal branch of Shibu Soren’s party, asserting that they would strive for a separate state — Darjeeling
Terai Dooars Gorkha Adivasi Pradesh — if the government failed to bring more plains mouzas under the
hill set-up. The dissident faction of the Akhil Bharatiya Adivasi Vikas Parishad led by Barla today met the
JMM chief at Mongpong, 30km from Siliguri. “At the meeting, it was decided that we will form the Uttar
Bangal Jharkand Mukti Morcha or the north Bengal regional unit of JMM. A 21-member committee, with
Gautam Toppo as president and Raju Bara as general secretary, has been formed,” the deputy chief
minister of Jharkhand Hemant Soren said after the meeting. “The committee will protect the interests of

the tribals and their rights, including their demand for a separate state.” The decision to float the regional
unit of the JMM has given a boost to Barla and his followers, who were ousted from the Parishad after
they joined hands with the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha. “Ever since they were ousted from the Parishad,
Barla and his followers lacked an official platform. They have been since desperately scouting for a
platform. They got that today in the JMM,” an observer said. The JMM, on the other hand, had earlier tried
to work out an agreement with the Parishad. But the alliance did not mature as the Parishad was opposed
to the idea of plains territory being made part of the hill set-up and preferred to tie up with like-minded
forces like the KPP. This went against the JMM agenda of separate state for tribals. “We are very clear in
our intentions and will fight for the rights of tribals. Our decision is to wait till the June 16 meeting between
the Morcha leaders and Mamata Banerjee. If the state government refuses to include more mouzas in the
GTA, we will launch a movement for the separate state of Darjeeling Terai Dooars Gorkha Adivasi
Pradesh under the banner of JMM,” said Raju Bara, a dissident Parishad leader and general secretary of
the JMM’s NB unit. He added that Soren would meet Morcha president Bimal Gurung in Darjeeling
tomorrow.JMM central organisational secretary Supriyo Bhattacharya, who was also accompanying
Soren, said the party was exploring the possibility of its expansion in north Bengal with its strong tribal
presence. “We have already some support base in north Bengal. Through this tour, we are exploring how
to strengthen the support base and expand our party,” Bhattacharya told The Telegraph. The JMM had
contested nine seats in the Dooars the Assembly elections and ended second in three constituencies —
Kalchini, Kumargram and Madarihat. Parishad leaders, however, refused to give much importance to the
development. “It is not the political party but its agenda which matters,” said Parishad leader Rajesh
Lakra. “People here are against the inclusion of their area in the GTA or creation of a separate state. The
party that stands by this agenda will be welcomed by people, others would be rejected.” (The Telegraph
15/6/12)
Tribal leaders endorse Sangma for Prez post (6)
JAMSHEDPUR: On a day when former Lok Sabha Speaker Purno A Sangma gave a clarion call to all
political parties to rise above petty party lines and support him for the presidential election, several of the
state-based political parties here have appealed to the Congress and the BJP to endorse the his
candidature saying the ongoing exercise to elect a consensus candidate for the Rashtrapati Bhavan
should concentrate on a tribal leader. Supporting the senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader, the
Jharkhand Disom Party (JDP) of former Mayurbanjh MP Salkhan Murmu endorsed Sangma's
candidature. "What many of the political parties preach (about working for the tribal's cause) day in and
day out, here's an ample opportunity for them to put their words in practice. Let Sangma earn the honour
of becoming the first tribal President of India," said Murmu whose party has been pursuing the tribal's
cause for the past several years. The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), a coalition partner of the BJP in
the state government, has also called for a tribal President this time around. "The district committee will
pass a resolution in a day or two and send it to the party's central committee for endorsing a tribal
President in the Rashtrapati Bhavan," said East Singhbhum JMM district committee president Ramesh
Hansda. He, however, made it clear that they were not Sangma-specific but they wish to see a tribal
President this time around. Former MLA and Jharkhand Peoples' Party (JPP) president Surya Singh
Besra said the Scheduled Tribe (ST) community comprising about nine to 10% of the country's population
deserves representation in the Rashtrapati Bhavan. "At a time when a whole lot of churning is going on
across the social and political board on the ways and means to integrate tribals with the country's
mainstream, I see every reason why a tribal should be elected to the Rashtrapati Bhavan this time," said
Besra. All India Jharkhand Party (AIJP) president C R Majhi, too, said hundred million tribals of the
country had the constitutional right to seek the President's post and it's high time a tribal candidate should
be elected as the country's first citizen. (Times of India 16/6/12)
Morcha sends Soren signal to tribals (6)
Darjeeling, June 15: Gorkha Janmukti Morcha leaders today met Shibu Soren, the Jharkhand Mukti
Morcha chief and well-known tribal leader, to boost the hill party’s appeal to those adivasis in the Dooars
and Terai who are averse to the demand for statehood. The meeting was held hours before a Morcha
delegation was scheduled to leave for Calcutta this evening for talks with the Bengal government
tomorrow on the Justice Shyamal Sen committee report. The Morcha hopes that its association with the
JMM will act as a bargaining point at the Calcutta meeting. The hill party has been under pressure since
June 9 to revive its statehood agitation after it was revealed that the Justice Shyamal Sen committee had
included only five mouzas in the Gorkha Territorial Administration area, against the Morcha’s demand of
396. The Morcha had termed the recommendations “unjust, insulting and humiliating”. Morcha chief Bimal
Gurung today said: “If the interest of the Gorkhas and the adivasis of Darjeeling, Terai and the Dooars are

not looked after by the state government, the statehood agitation will have to be renewed. We have
requested Shibu Soren and his party to support us in our demand. They will reach out to the adivasi
people in the Dooars and Terai and will talk on the issue.” Soren, who was the face of the Jharkhand
statehood struggle, and his party leaders, including son Hemant, spoke to Gurung and his team for more
than an hour in Darjeeling. “We discussed the political developments in the state and the region. We have
decided to extend all possible political support (to the party). We have the experience of being able to
carve out a separate state of Jharkhand,” Soren said. The Morcha has been facing opposition from some
adivasi outfits in the Dooars and Terai on the issue of statehood. The Morcha does not hope much will
come out of tomorrow’s meeting in Calcutta. Hemant, the deputy chief minister of Jharkhand, who spoke
after the meeting said he did not think the interest of the Gorkhas and adivasis would be addressed at the
meeting at Writers’ Buildings. “I do not think that any decision in the interests of the Gorkhas and the
adivasis would be taken in tomorrow’s meeting. We are now ready to fight together in the interest of the
Gorkhas and adivasis and our state committee will co-ordinate (with the hill party) and announce its
agitation in the days to come.,” Hemant said. “We know that the fight for statehood is difficult but we have
formed a new platform today. If we fight together we can get better results,” he said. John Barla, an
adivasi leader from Dooars who is supporting the Morcha’s demand for inclusion of plains in the GTA,
said: “I have no hope of the meeting being fruitful.” Three adivasi representatives will be part of the 21-
member Morcha delegation to Calcutta. It will be led by party general secretary Roshan Giri. (The
Telegraph 17/6/12)
HC quizzes Maharashtra govt over non-release of food-grains to tribals (6)
MUMBAI: Bombay high court on Friday questioned the State government why it was not releasing
subsidised food-grains meant for 8000 families of a primitive tribe in Karjat district. A division bench of
Justice D D Sinha and Justice V K Tahilramani were hearing a public interest litigation filed by Karjat
based NGO Jagruti Sangharsh Manch who complained that food supplies to the Katkari tribe has been
discontinued since October 2010. Their petition urged the court to direct the State government to release
grains forthwith and also direct prosecution of concerned officers for their negligence. The Supreme Court
in 2001 had directed Maharashtra government to provide primitive tribal groups food grains at subsidised
rates to prevent malnourishment and starvation deaths among primitive tribes. Manch's advocate Kranti
LC argued, On one hand the State government has told the High Court in a related PIL that the poor did
not want food grains and yet when applications were made, they were denied the grains. '' He also
referred to the HC 's order where the court was astonished at the State government's submission that the
poor did not want subsidised food grains and had directed the Principal Secretary, Food and Civil
Supplies Department, to file an affidavit disclosing the reasons for such remark. Addressing the
government advocate, Justice Sinha said , Do not wait for us to pass orders. If the case of the petitioners
is genuine, then ensure that the food-grains are released forthwith.'' The judges also directed that
thereafter the State should file an affidavit within three weeks stating what corrective steps it has taken.
(Times of India 22/6/12)
Tribals decry Soren-Gorkha truck (6)
Ranchi, June 25: A seven-member tribal delegation called upon Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) chief
Shibu Soren in Ranchi today, urging him to desist from supporting Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) in its
battle for statehood. Members of the Bengal and Jharkhand chapter of Akhil Bharatiya Adivasi Vikas
Parishad urged Soren to instead back their fight for autonomy of the Terai and Dooars regions under the
Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. They also urged the ageing tribal leader to refrain from supporting
GJM’s demand to include as many as 396 mauzas in the proposed Gorkha Territorial Administration
jurisdiction. “We handed over our demands to Guruji. Our effort was to highlight the fact that his party’s
support to GJM will go against the interest of the tribals of Bengal, many of whom migrated more than 200
years ago from Jharkhand,” said Birsa Tirkey, the Bengal state unit president of the Parishad. Soren is
said to have assured the delegation that he would only act in the interest of tribals. “Guruji has asked me
to study the memorandum given to him. He assured them that our party will take only such a stand that
will be in the interest of the tribal people,” said Vinod Pandey, a JMM core committee member, who was
present at the meeting. Tirkey said the tribals of Bengal who either live in the hills of Darjeeling or in the
plains of Terai and Dooars, do not want a separate state as projected by GJM and its chief Bimal Gurung.
Neither do they want the Gorkha Territorial Administration area to be formed. “Tribals like Lepchas,
Oraons and Santhals number around nine lakh against three lakh Gorkhas, most of whom are not people
of Indian origin and do not posses Indian citizenship. But, these men will call the shots in the Gorkha
Territorial Administration, which we cannot accept,” Tirkey said, arguing why the tribal outfit wants Soren
to be wary of the GJM. Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee had promised a new council for the

Gorkhas as they constituted majority population in the hills. However, GJM is demanding many areas
from the plains — Terai and Dooars — that are inhabited by other tribal groups, most of Jharkhand origin.
On June 15, Soren along with son Hemant and a few party leaders visited Darjeeling, meeting GJM
leaders, including Gurung. As JMM is experienced in fighting for separate statehood, the Gorkha leaders
urged Soren to extend his support to their cause and Soren agreed. “We discussed the political
developments in the state and the region. We have decided to extend all possible political support. We
have the experience of being able to carve out a separate state,” Soren had then said. JMM, which traces
its roots in the statehood movement in Jharkhand, wants to expand to the tribal areas of Bengal.
However, the very tribals who have their roots in Jharkhand, see it going against their interest. (The
Telegraph 26/6/12)
Nine more tribal languages to be included in MLE programme (6)
BHUBANESWAR, June 27, 2012: The State government is all set to facilitate teaching in nine more tribal
languages for benefit of tribal students at primary schools under its multilingual education (MLE)
programme from this academic session (2012-13). In coordination with Scheduled Caste and Scheduled
Tribe Development Department, linguistic survey has been undertaken in 14 tribal languages, including
Gadaba, Bhumija, Ho and Kolha, Gond, Banjari, Paraja and Bhumia, Kharia, Mirdha, Mahali, Bhunjia,
Didayi, Bhuyan, and Bhinjali to assess the multi-lingual education intervention in these languages,
according to School and Mass Education (SME) Department. According to sources, out of the 14
languages surveyed, nine languages have been identified for inclusion in MLE programme in 2012-2013.
“District-level surveys have been undertaken in the existing as well as new districts to identify the schools
with monolingual situations in the existing 10 languages for upscaling the MLE programme. Altogether
200 schools from 14 districts have been selected for initiation of MLE programme in 2012-13,” says a
senior officer of SME Department. Odisha is home to the largest diverse groups of tribal communities in
India having 62 ethnic groups. It is to be noted that to address the issue of systemic marginalisation of
tribal children from the educational process and to build the scientifically-proven foundation in mother
tongue, the State government has been adopting the MLE programme since 2006. At present, 10
languages such as Santhali, Munda, Koya, Kui, Kuvi, Kishan, Oram, Saura, Bonda, and Juang have been
selected for adoption as a medium of instruction at the primary level in the first phase. In a phased
manner during 2007 to 2010, 544 schools with 100 per cent tribal children (monolingual) were adopted
with MLE approach in eight districts. In the last academic session, as many as 33055 tribal students were
enrolled. As many as 100 schools in Mayurbhanj district have Santhali language as a medium of
education at primary level. Similarly, classroom teaching is imparted in 60 schools in Saura language in
Gajapati district. Other tribal languages include Kuvi in 65 schools of Rayagada, Kui in 60 schools of
Kandhamal, Koya in 50 schools of Malkanagiri and Oraon in 37 schools in Sundargarh district. Children of
primitive Bonda community are being taught in their mother tongue in 10 schools in Malkanagiri district.
According to sources in the SME Department, strategy to facilitate transition from 100 per cent tribal
language in Class I to 100 per cent Odia by Class VI over a five-year period will be developed. Odisha
Primary Education Programme Authority (OPEPA) has been entrusted with the responsibility of initiating
and developing the programme. A State Resource Group, comprising 60 persons (linguistics,
educationists, tribal experts, tribal teachers and tribal language resource persons), has been formed for
the development of orthography, literature, transition plan, instruction manual, and curriculum in select
tribal languages. Selection of schools is based on child census. Curriculum material and books in 10 tribal
languages have been printed for Class I and II while the same, which has been developed and is being
used in Class III, IV and V, are yet to be printed. (The Hindu 27/6/12)
Farm machinery brings cheer to tribal farmers (6)
PANAJI: Tribal farmers from remote areas of the state's southernmost taluka of Canacona and also from
Dhulapi in central Goa had smiles on their faces as eight groups were distributed agricultural machineries
by Indian council of agricultural research (ICAR) Old Goa. N P Singh, director, ICAR Goa said the
assistance has been provided under the tribal sub plan and from a budget of Rs 75 lakh. Farm
mechanization is a major issue in the state due to lack of manpower and drudgery of manual work. "The
project is aimed at uplifting the status of of ST farming community," he said. The beneficiaries should
concentrate on secondary agricultural activities and post harvest processing of the produce to reap better
profits. "The setting up of a modern mini rice mill will benefit rice producers to get value-added products,"
Singh said. Ramesh Tawadkar,Minister for Tribal welfare handed over the power tillers, reapers, sprayers
and accessories to the beneficiaries under the tribal sub plan programme. "Farmers should adopt
improved agricultural practices for their economic upliftment," he said. Datta Prasad Kholker, deputy
chairman, planning commission, Goa government, urged the tribal farmers to incorporate animal

husbandry activities to enhance their income level. In another function at Krishi Vigyan Kendra campus of
ICAR research complex, Old Goa, 42 stakeholders of Sateri farmers club, Dhulapi hamlet of Corlim were
handed over farm machineries,tools and equipments and agriculture inputs such as red kernel rice seeds
and fertilizers. Farmers from Mandur and Carambolim will be considered for distribution of machineries
later. A technical folder in Marathi on "Pest management in black pepper" written by Chidanand Prabhu
(SMS-Plant Potection) was released. Soil health cards of 12 farmers from Dhulapi were also distributed
by M M Pandey, deputy director general, agricultural engineering (ICAR) New Delhi. Singh urged Corlim
sarpanch, Supriya Kerker and corporates in the areas to set up a common market outlet for women, who
stand on the roadside to sell their produce throughout the day. (Times of India 28/6/12)
Odisha snubs Centre take on bamboo rights for tribals (6)
BHUBANESWAR: The Odisha government on Saturday brushed aside the Union government's version
that transit and sale of bamboo by tribals was being denied in the state in violation of the Forest Rights
Act (FRA), saying it had been allowing tribals to collect bamboo from forests for their captive use. "There
is absolutely no restriction on collection of bamboo from forests by tribals for self use. Artisans who
prepare bamboo articles for livelihood are allowed to collect bamboo from forests," chief secretary Bijay
Patnaik told journalists responding to the Union government's advice to the state government to take
necessary measures to allow unfettered rights of transit for sale of bamboo by gram panchayat to local
buyers which is a right given to them under FRA. Union minister for tribal affairs Kishore Chandra Deo, in
a letter to chief minister Naveen Patnaik, said forest authorities were not allowing transit permit to a gram
sabha (Jamguda) in Kalahandi district to sell harvested bamboo, despite FRA giving them a claim over
minor forest produce. "The villagers have direct dependence on bamboo for variety of uses. The villagers
while collecting bamboos have to face a lot of harassment by forest officials," Deo had said. Th chief
secretary said Odisha pioneered in implementing FRA 2006 by settling more than one lakh cases in terms
of recording forest land in name of tribals. "In case of bamboo, the policy is clear. Tribals are allowed
rights to take bamboo for their consumption," he added. (Times of India 1/7/12)
Odisha denying tribals their rights: Centre (6)
NEW DELHI: The Centre has told Odisha that transit and sale of bamboo by tribals was being denied in
the state in violation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA), a complaint which is at odds with CM Naveen
Patnaik's bid to position himself as champion of tribal rights by pushing for P A Sangma for President.
Union tribal affairs minister Kishore Chandra Deo on Thursday wrote a letter to Patnaik, complaining that
forest authorities were not allowing transit permit to a gram sabha in Kalahandi district to sell harvested
bamboo, despite FRA giving them a claim over minor forest produce. The letter said, "Kindly issue
necessary instructions to authorities concerned to allow unfettered right of transit for sale of bamboo by
gram panchayats to buyers which is a right given to them under the FRA." The lament that Odisha was
not implementing the landmark FRA, which seeks to rescue forest dwellers like tribals from oppressive
forest bureaucracy, does not augur well for the ruling Biju Janata Dal which has sought to flag its protribal
credentials by making it an issue in the July 19 Presidential poll. CM Patnaik was the first person to
back NCP dissident Sangma for the President's post by arguing that it was time for a tribal to move to
Rashtrapati Bhavan. Observers said Patnaik's surprise move was aimed at embarrassing Congress while
consolidating his hold over 23% of the state's tribal population. Else, the bid to back Sangma makes little
political sense for Patnaik since the opposition has fewer votes to harbour any realistic hope of victory. In
the backdrop of Presidential poll, the tribal minister's plaint about forest communities" rights in Odisha
contrasts starkly with Patnaik's objective. Observers wondered if the timing of the letter — a day after
Sangma filed his nomination to cross swords with UPA's Pranab Mukherjee — was not well thought out.
The issue pertains to a remote tribal village in Jamguda. The villagers complained they were in danger of
losing bamboo produce worth Rs 30 lakh. The forest authorities turned down gram sabha's request for
transit permit to enable buyers to pick the bamboo, saying the state government had not issued any such
circular. (Times of India 1/7/12)
Dwellers Act to be implemented effectively (6)
NEW DELHI: Wary over naxalites expanding their clout in tribal-dominated forest regions, the Centre has
urged states to implement the Forest Dwellers Act effectively. In a letter to all chief ministers, Union
Tribal Affairs Minister Kishore Chandra Deo said that though, the Act provides certain rights to tribal,
many traditional forest dwellers are being prevented from getting their claims. The minister said tribals
and forest dwellers were facing harassment, threats of eviction and forced displacement which is against
the Act. Despite the demand from tribals, the conversion of forest villages to revenue villages is hardly
being carried out, letter said. Identifying certain procedural lacunae in the implementation of the act, the

minister said lack of awareness among public about the Act virtually denied its benefit to targeted people.
Noting that some states have rejected the claims by tribals for invalid reasons, he said in the letter, “No
claim accompanied by admissible evidence should be rejected on the basis of official records alone.”
“Other community rights, such as access to water bodies, habitats of primitive tribal groups, etc have also
not been widely recognised.” He also asked the State Governments to direct the concerned authorities
that all rights of the forest dwellers should be honoured while implementing the law. (Deccan Herald
2/7/12)
Activists for probe into Chhattisgarh killings (6)
New Delhi: Terming the recent encounter in Dantewada region of Chhattisgarh as ‘fake’ and ‘cold
blooded’ murder of 20 tribals, human rights activists led by Justice Sachar have demanded the
resignation of Union home minister P Chidambaram and a high-level independent judicial probe to
uncover the truth. The activists said they demand a judicial inquiry into the incident as they have no faith
in either CBI or a magisterial inquiry. Justice Sachar said an independent inquiry should be conducted by
a retired judge of the Supreme Court. The activists including Swami Agnivesh, Himanshu Kumar and BD
Sharma sought an apology from prime minister Manmohan Singh for the ghastly and ‘biggest
condemnable incident in India’ and forgiveness from the tribals besides removing Chidambaram for
leading these kind of joint operations against tribals. “We will soon be sending a delegation to the place of
the encounter to unravel the truth, said BD Sharma, adding the delegation will also meet the PM and
president Pratibha Patil. Quoting Congress MLA from Konta Kawasi Lakma, Swami Agnivesh said there
were no Maoists present in the area. The Union home ministry, however, remained steadfast on its stand,
describing the encounter as a well-fought battle by the CRPF jawans despite heavy odds and taken by
surprise by a heavy gunfire. “How can those who are saying that the encounter was fake, can explain
injuries to 6 CRPF by low velocity weapons. It cannot happen in a crossfire as CRPF uses high velocity
INSAS rifles that inflict serious injuries. Moreover, how come the meeting being held late in the night had
an assembly of people from several villages,” a senior MHA official questioned. “We had credible
information that a company of Maoists had entered from Odisha - Andhra border in this area and had
called the village janmilitia for a meeting to decide where to put landmines and set up booby traps to kill
CRPF men,” said the official. Refuting the charges, the MHA and CRPF officials claimed killing three
Maoist leaders - Marakkam Suresh, Marakkam Nagesh and Iruppa Somalu in the encounter. “If it was
simple assembly, how these were killed?The UN has also documented how the Maoists are employing
small children as fighters,” a senior CRPF officer said.(DNA 3/7/12)
Govt plans overhaul of administration in tribal areas (6)
NEW DELHI: Can tribal systems of governance be integrated with state institutions to remove a sense of
alienation among STs? Can there be a common approach to administration of tribal areas, fragmented
under various laws? Could governors lose their powers for direct administration of tribal areas for
inactivity since independence? The Centre plans to order a comprehensive review of tribal-related issues
through a Tribal Commission under Article 339, the third since independence. The move on 'Commission
for Administration of Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes' is dictated by mounting concern to address
tribal grievances that are seen to push them towards naxalism. Union tribal affairs minister Kishore
Chandra Deo is thinking of a new commission with the objective of reviewing the recommendations of
Bhuria Commission which was set up in 2002. Sources said the terms of reference could involve checking
the possibility of recognizing traditional systems of governance in tribal areas and drawing up actionable
points from the Bhuria panel for targeted action. It is felt that imposition of state institutions like
panchayats in tribal areas lead to a sense of alienation among the locals who are used to age-old
indigenous systems. The unacceptability leads to tribals continuing with parallel structures of governance
while government bodies languish without local support. Officials argue that recognizing tribal systems
would remove the sense of being ruled from Delhi and bring about a smoother interface between
government and local institutions. The commission may be asked to probe a common approach to
administration of tribal areas. Presently, they are divided between fifth schedule, sixth schedule for some
north-east states and Article 371 in Manipur. The Centre is also rankled by governors' indifference to
special constitutional powers to directly administer the tribal areas and review or stop the implementation
of legislations if they are seen as inimical to the interest of tribals. Despite special powers, the governors
have not invoked them to check malgovernance in tribal pockets. The Centre recently received legal
opinion which clarified that governor's role in tribal areas was not contingent on the advice of the Cabinet.
A harried Centre has impressed upon governors for more active oversight on tribal areas, with Deo
making it a key point of his address during the last governors' conference. Sources said the commission
could be asked to look into this crucial aspect of tribal governance - if governors' powers could be

delegated to some other institution or the existing system is to be made sharper. (Times of India 7/7/12)
Jharkhand People's Party to take tribal crusade to President (6)
JAMSHEDPUR: The stand-off between the tribal people of Nagri village and the state government over
acquisition of land for construction of educational institution is to reach the President of India with
Jharkhand People's Party (JPP) calling for a March to Delhi on July 22. Former legislator and founder
president of the JPP Surya Singh Besra has announced to lead a delegation to the national capital on
July 22 to meet President Pratibha Patil, seeking her intervention to ensure justice for the people of Nagri.
The party has announced holding a rally at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi and subsequent meeting with
Union home minister P Chidambaram the same day. "Nagri is not an isolated episode to overlook. Large
swaths of tribal land have been acquired by the state government under the garb of development in the
last one decade. It's high time we need to ascertain whether the present model of development is proindigenous
people and inclusive in nature or it is just for the big corporate houses and prospective
business managers," said Besra, a critic of the present government. He said the victims of the Nagri
violence would also be the part of the delegation that would meet the President. "With an aim to provide
first hand account of the ground reality to the President, we are keen to take the Nagri victims with us to
Delhi," Besra said after the party meeting on Sunday. He urged other like-minded parties to join him in his
march to Delhi this month. Mention of the word "Vananchal" alongside the Jharkhand in the government
notification issued by the home department on June 7 directing all district administrations to identify
genuine statehood activists for the proposed financial assistance programme has also angered the JPP.
"How come the government can grant permission to the home department to use the word Vananchal
when the word Jharkhand has been constitutionally accepted," said Besra alleging that to keep the RSS
and BJP in good humor present chief minister Arjun Munda did so. During the separate statehood
movement, the BJP had carried out agitational programmes under the banner of Vananchal Pradesh.
(Times of India 9/7/12)
17 innocent, unarmed people killed in Chhattisgarh (6)
New Delhi: As controversy continues to rage over the last month's killings in Chhattisgarh, Union Tribal
Affairs Minister V Kishore Chandra Deo today said 17 of the 19 slain by the CRPF and state police were
unarmed and innocent. "The fact is, 17 innocent citizens had died. 17 innocent people, who were
unarmed, who were wearing just a dhoti or a baniyan and who did not even have a sickle or a knife. What
else you call them (if not innocent)," Deo told PTI citing "inputs" received by him from various sources.
Asked whether he thought these people were killed in cold blood by the para-military force, he said,
"When I say innocent, I mean they were unarmed people. If they were Maoist, there should be a sign or
something to say that they were Maoist." The home ministry as well as the state government has stated
that 19 people were killed in a "fierce" gunfight in the dense jungles of Dantewada on June 27-28 in a joint
anti-Maoist operation by the CRPF and state police. Soon after the incident, doubts were raised over the
credentials of those killed with allegations that killings took place in a fake encounter. Deo said a
committee headed by Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Mahadeo Singh Khandlea had also reported that
those killed were innocent. "We have got inputs from different sources. In fact there was a committee
headed by our MoS Mahadeo Singh Khandela. He had submitted a report to the Congress president. I
had received inputs from some other voluntary organisations and agencies working in that area. "I think
all the inputs and information I have got has established the fact that, whether they were maoist or not I
don't know, it is not written on one's head that he or she is an extremist. But the fact is, 17 citizens,
innocent people had also died," said the Minister who also holds Panchayati Raj portfolio. When pointed
out that Union Home Minister P Chidambaram had defended the "encounter", Deo said, "what happened
in this case was that the home ministry depended and trusted the state government in good faith."
"Information that they got was from the state government... later it was found that the information the state
government provided was wrong or probably they also had the wrong information. I don't want to point
fingers at anybody. These are tricky situations," he said. The Union minister emphasised that the naxal
situation should not be seen only from law and order angle and there was a need to change the mindset
of people. "We all know that there is a security situation there because of Maoists. But that does not
mean you allow children, women and innocent to become victims of such actions," he said. "I all along
have been saying and would like to repeat now that this problem whether in Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand,
Odisha, Madhya Pradesh or Andhra Pradesh, you can't solve this as long as you deal with it as if it is only
a law and order problem. There are other angles to it as well," he said. He underlined lack of development
in the tribal areas was the root cause of the entire problem. (DNA 11/7/12)
Meet on trafficking menace (6)

New Delhi, July 11: The Centre is planning to hold a comprehensive workshop for tribal women in
Jharkhand to make them more alert to the menace of human trafficking, the decision mirroring its concern
over the rise in number of such victims from the state. Krishna Tirath, Union minister of women and child
development who met Jharkhand Women’s Commission member Vasavi Kiro in Delhi today, said the
workshop would be held sometime in August-September and include sessions on issues related to
human trafficking and buying and selling of girls for prostitution. According to ministry sources, Kiro, while
requesting the workshop, also asked the minister to hold consultative meetings to discuss laws to ensure
safety of women from Jharkhand working in other states, strict action against illegal placement agencies
and other related issues. The Centre, the sources said, has for long been concerned at the trafficking
situation in Jharkhand, particularly in the six districts of Santhal Pargana, Palamau, Garhwa, Chaibasa,
Lohardaga, Khunti, Dhanbad, Bokaro and Ranchi. Activists claim that nearly 10 lakh tribal girls have been
trafficked since Jharkhand was formed in 2000. According to Action Against Trafficking & Sexual
Exploitation of Children (ATSEC), an NGO working among wronged women, most of Jharkhand’s victims
— often children, too — belonged to the Oraon, Munda, Santhal and Gond tribes. Of the total number of
girls trafficked in the state, 77 per cent were from Scheduled Tribes, 12 per cent from Scheduled Castes,
3 per cent from general and 8 per cent from OBC categories. Illiteracy, deplorable living conditions due to
minuscule economic development and life of depravation due to fewer employment opportunities make
them vulnerable. “This menace can only be curbed if we have commitment from NGOs, civil society, the
State Women’s Commission and the state of Jharkhand along with the police and the judiciary,” said an
official in the ministry. “The government has to generate enough livelihoods to check women from seeking
employment elsewhere. The ministry is confident that regular consultations can help Jharkhand,” he said,
adding that the ministry was also organising a meet of all eastern states in Delhi to discuss property and
land ownership rights of women. (The Telegraph 12/7/12)
6000 landless families gain from govt scheme (6)
BHUBANESWAR: More than 6,000 landless families from around 100 villages have received land pattas
in the last one year through the Odisha Tribal Empowerment and Livelihood Programme (OTELP),
government sources said. Land has been allocated in the seven districts of Gajapati, Koraput,
Nabarangpur, Malkangiri, Kandhamal, Kalahandi and Rayagada, where the OTELP is operational. The
programme, with support from Bhubaneswar-based Rural Development Institute (RDI), uses local youths
as community resource persons (CRP) to support revenue officials in ensuring error-free identification of
landless households. "It took me about four decades to get a title to the land that I and my husband
cultivated," says Aster Bhuinya, a 65-year-old widow of Uppar Abasing village in Gumma block of
Gajapati district, who was among 714 Saura tribes to have received titles to their homestead and
cropland recently. RDI state director Sanjoy Patnaik said the OTELP-RDI process starts with collecting
the household list from anganwadi centres and landholding status from the village land records. Then the
CRPs match the list with the landholding status to prepare the final list of landless people. This list is then
submitted to the revenue inspector concerned, who checks it for the final time. OTELP has used about
550 CRPs who have completed identification of landlessness in close to 1000 villages and field
verification in about 500 villages. (Times of India 13/7/12)
‘SC/ST entrepreneurs on rise in Andhra’ (6)
VIJAYAWADA: The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes have progressed well as entrepreneurs if
the statistics doled out at a workshop on ‘SC sub-plan and Tribal sub-plan’ are any indication. The SC/ST
entrepreneurs have increased phenomenally between 2004 and 2012. There were only 178 units owned
by SCs in 2004; and 141 units by STs. The subsidies etc. were Rs. 4.11 crore for SCs and Rs.1.68 crore
for STs in 2004. It, however, rose to Rs.103.40 crore for SCs and Rs.49.09 crore for STs between 2004
and 2012. The number of units set up by the SCs touched 1,464 and 811 units by the STs. The Cabinet
sub-committee elicited opinions and suggestions from people on SC/ST sub-plan here on Saturday. On
the occasion, Major Industries Minister J. Geeta Reddy said the SCs and the STs were unable to reap the
benefits of industrial policy. The government understood the lacunae and revised its industrial policy with
a view to encouraging the SCs and STs to set up their units. The Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure
Corporation (APIIC) was providing incentives to the SC/ST entrepreneurs as per the AP State Industrial
Policy. As per the industrial policy, 16.2 per cent of the total plots to the SCs, and six per cent to the STs
should be allotted in all the new industrial parks and preferential allotments should be considered for them
in the existing industrial parks. The Minister also said a subsidy of 33.3 per cent in land cost, subject to a
maximum of Rs.10 lakh should be extended to the SC, ST entrepreneurs, she said. Primary Education
Minister S. Sailajanath also spoke . Deputy Chief Minister Damodara Rajanarasimha, Rural Development
Minister Dokka Manikya Varaprasad, and Secondary Education Minister K. Parthasarathy were among

those present. (The Hindu 15/5/7/12)
Over 50 tribals assaulted at prayer meet (6)
MUMBAI: A prayer meeting held at the house of a tribal Christian, Madhukar Salve, in Thavalpada village
of Mokhada taluka was allegedly disrupted by a mob on Sunday. Around 11am, over 50 Christian tribals
from Thavalpada and neighbouring villages were singing devotional songs at Salve's house when the
mob assaulted them. Salve has been holding prayer session every Sunday for the past two years. No
arrests have been made yet. Additional superintendent of police, Thane Rural, Sangramsinh Nishandar
confirmed the incident. Indian Christian Voice president Abraham Mathai said cases of assault on tribal
Christians had become frequent. He demanded police protection for the tribals during prayer meetings.
(Times of India 16/7/12)
Tribals protest injustice over dispute resolution scheme (6)
NASHIK: Alleging that villages participating in the tantamukti scheme, designed to resolve petty local
dispute, are pressurising tribals in their jurisdiction against raising concerns, the Akhil Bhartiya Adivasi
Vikas Parishad has demanded that such schemes be stopped at the earliest. A number of tribals led by
the Parishad, marched to the city collectorate and tribal development commissionerate to draw the
attention of the state towards issues facing the tribals. The memoranda presented to the officials, stated
that higher officials must be given charge of cases where injustice against tribal people - especially
women (in crimes like rape and molestation are involved. The memoranda added that the tantamukti
scheme, meant to facilitate conflict-resolution with the help of the grampanchayat, is instead being used
to suppress indigenous groups, forcing them to remain tight-lipped over injustices meted out by other
castes.The morcha also demanded that the gramsabha be given powers to pass resolutions related to
caste certificates when tribals are involved. Setting a deadline for the government to act The Parishad
warned of a hunger strike in Mumbai if no action was taken within three months. (Times of India 18/7/12)
Public Security Act invoked against Chhattisgarh tribals (6)
HYDERABAD:The city police have invoked the provisions of the A.P. Public Security Act against the 18
tribals from Chhattisgarh and two A.P. Civil Liberties activists who were arrested at the Gowliguda bus
station and accused them of coming to Hyderabad to ‘encourage’ people to join the outlawed Maoist
party. The FIR issued by the Afzalgunj police lists out writer Vara Vara Rao, Ganti Prasadam, Padma
Kumari, Raghunath as absconding accused persons in addition to noted Maoist leaders such as
Chandranna, Maoist secretary of NTSZC, Ramanna, secretary of DKSZC, Ooke Ganesh of DKSZC, Hari
Bhushan of NTSZC and many other top naxal leaders. The police took into custody the 18 tribals and two
APCLC leaders at the bus station on Monday morning. Civil Liberties activists maintained that the tribals
had come to participate in martyrs’ memorial meeting to be organised on Wednesday and Thursday and
that APCLC leaders had gone to the station to receive them. They alleged that the police arrested them
only to foil the meeting. Interestingly, the FIR mentions that the APCLC leaders had ‘confessed’ that they
were working for “Maoist extremists and [that]they had come there as per the instructions of their leaders
Vara Vara Rao, Ganti Prasadam, Padma Kumari and Raghunath to take these 18 people from
Chhattisgarh…”The police claimed that they seized three CDs said to be containing videos showing the
‘janata sarkar’ run by Maoists in Chhattisgarh, two photographs of deceased extremists, and three cell
phones from the arrested persons. A local court here on Tuesday remanded them to judicial custody till
July 30. (The Hindu 18/7/12)
Tribal rally at Deori protests neglect of ashram school students (6)
GONDIA: A mammoth rally of tribals was organized at Deori on Tuesday July 17, 2012, to protest the
apathy of the state government towards tribals in the state. The protesters were highlighting the incident
where two students of an ashram school at village Ghumadhawada died on July 12. The leaders
addressing the rally demanded stringent action against the culprits, including the school secretary
Zamsingh Yerne. The rally was by all tribal organizations in the district. It ended in a public meeting in
front of the project office of Tribal Development Corporation at Deori. Addressing this meeting, ZP
member Meena Raut said the government should enquire into the real cause of death of the two students
and also the reason why four more children fell sick but survived. (Times of India 19/7/12)
Adivasi: Where was NCW when I was molested? (6)
GUWAHATI: An adivasi woman, victim of assault and molestation, has criticised the National Commission
for Women for its alleged discriminatory attitude in dealing with such cases. Laxmi Oraon was stripped
and assaulted brutally by a mob on the streets of Guwahati during a protest rally in 2007. Laxmi, then a

19-year-old girl, had come to the city from far-flung Sonitpur district to participate in a demonstration by
adivasis seeking ST status. “I sympathise with the July 9 victim. She deserves all the attention and care,
but was the trauma that I went through lesser than what she is going through now,” she asked. The
reason behind Laxmi’s ire was that she was not properly cared and rehabilitated. On that day, the mob
was so furious that it went on with its attack on Laxmi even after she was stripped. “The attack on me was
perhaps more dreadful. I can never forget that. It happened in daylight but I was ignored. Why this
discrimination? You can’t discriminate against a woman simply because she is an adivasi belonging to a
poor family in a backward village,” Laxmi argued. When asked about the case, NCW chairperson Mamata
Sharma said the Commission would reopen the case of Oraon if need be. “I am not aware of the status of
that case as I took over only about 10 months back. The Commission will reopen it if need be,” she said.
Sharma was in Guwahati to submit the recommendations of the Commission’s fact-finding team, which
looked into the July 9 molestation case, to the chief minister. The Commission asked the media to be
sensitive to cases involving the modesty of women. While demanding that the culprits be booked and
punished as according to law, the Commission recommended psychological counseling for the victim. It
also recommended that the victim should be provided financial and medical aid besides shelter.“The
committee recommends to rehabilitate the victim in government job in accordance with state policy or
otherwise,” Sharma said reading out the recommendations. The Commission also demanded action
against the erring police personnel and those who witnessed the incident as mute spectators. Meanwhile,
Atanu Bhuyan, who resigned as the editor-in-chief of the channel that aired the molestation incident,
found himself in a tight spot after a woman lodged a complaint alleging that Bhuyan had issued threats to
her through text messages. Bhuyan was interrogated by the police and his mobile phones were checked
before he was allowed to go. (DNA 19/7/12)
Will tribals meet for their land? (6)
MARGAO: Shabu Kusado Gaonkar, a tribal from Yeda, Cotigao, Canacona, tills land and rears cattle for
a living. His family has lived there for generations using forest land for grazing purposes. For the past
several years forest personnel have not allowed his cattle to graze in the forest nor permitted him to
plough land. Baju Jano Suzaro from Mollem has been cultivating cashew, jackfruit, mango, millet, paddy,
etc, in forest land as was done by his forefathers. But he does not have any ownership claims on the land
or the produce. His family stays in a hut which is not electrified. About 25 houses of dhangars share
Suzaro's fate. The tribals were among 60 adivasis from across Goa who had deposed before the
'People's Tribunal' in Panaji on May 31, 2009. The tribunal for the restoration of adivasi homelands in Goa
was headed by retired Bombay high court judge, Justice Hosbet Suresh. With the state now taking steps
to implement the Forest Rights Act, 2006, there's hope that the tribals' ownership rights over forest land
they have been traditionally using to eke out their livelihood will be legally restored. Over 5,000 tribals are
expected to benefit. But there's a potential spanner in the wheels. As part of the Act's implementation, all
panchayats in the tribal-dominated talukas of Sanguem, Quepem, Canacona and Dharbandora have
been directed by the district magistrate to hold gram sabhas on July 22. The aim of the gram sabhas is to
set up forest rights committees which will receive, within three months, all claims from tribals of the
respective village. Under a statue of the Act, however, a quorum of 2/3rds of the adult population of the
village has to be present at the gram sabha. Tribal minister, Ramesh Tawadkar, when contacted, said he
has already held meetings with the elected members and sarpanchas of all the tribal-dominated village
panchayats and has asked them to create awareness about the Act and the gram sabha. "If there is
insufficient attendance for the quorum, the meeting can be adjourned till the quorum is achieved. But I am
confident the gram sabhas will evoke the desired response. We have set a time-bound schedule for the
Act's implementation," Tawadkar told TOI. He said once the forest rights committees are constituted the
government will set up facilitation centres in all the talukas to enable tribals to avail the benefits of the
various government schemes. All claims from tribals received by the forest rights committees will be
verified and the committee will prepare a map delineating the area of each claim indicating recognizable
landmarks… (Times of India 20/7/12)
Tribals call for shutdown in Ranchi, want their land back (6)
Ranchi: Tribal organisations, including the Jharkhand Disom Party (JDP) called for a shutdown here on
Wednesday, to mount pressure on the state government to return land acquired by them to set up
professional institutes like Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and Indian Institute of Management (IIM). In
addition to setting up professional institutions, state authorities have acquired land for other projects as
well. One of the protesters informed that they have been incessantly fighting for their cause for the last
couple of months. 'this is not a sudden happening and I want to say that you have been witnessing this
agitation at Nagri since the last seven months. We have been fighting for the last 150 days and sitting in

our fields in order to save our land. We stayed in the fields during the rains as well. We waited patiently,
but we resorted to this violence eventually. One of our supporters lost his life. We are here to urge the
Jharkhand government to immediately stop all this,' Dayamani Barla, a tribal leader, said. Protesters
destroyed and burnt vehicles during the shutdown. Earlier on July 4, a senior police official was injured in
a clash between police officers and villagers. According to media reports, the government has forcibly
acquired land from 34 villages. (ANI) (New Kerala 26/7/12)
Forest rights Act to extend to Goa soon (6)
PORVORIM: The government on Thursday declared that it has "agreed in principle" to provide 27 %
reservation for OBC (other backward classes) and that forest dwellers would be given ownership rights by
December 2013. Minister for tribal welfare, Ramesh Tawadkar, told the Goa assembly on Thursday that
the government is pushing for new schemes for the upliftment of tribals in the state. Replying to a long
discussion on demands for grants to tribal welfare, Tawadkar said that the Forest Rights Act would be
implemented in Goa. He said the act is being implemented in many states and Goa is lagging behind in
giving justice to the tribals living in the forests. Stating that ground work is on for the last two months on
the subject, the minister said officials were brought from Bangalore and Chattisgarh to guide the state
officials for the implementation of the act. He informed the house that forest dwellers committees have
been formed in four talukas and the remaining ones would be done in the next two weeks. He declared
that the government would provide land rights to the forest dwellers by December 2013. "It's a challenging
task for us but we'll do it. The tribal community has full thrust in this government" Tawadkar, himself a
tribal leader, said. He said for the first time in the history of Goa, the budgetary allocation for the
upliftment of scheduled tribes is around 370 crore. For the tribal welfare itself, it has gone up from 25
crore to 170 crore. For tribal welfare, other departments will have around 200 crore. "I assure the house
that we will utilize the entire amount for the welfare of tribals", he said. The focus, the minister said, would
be on education and health of the tribal people. He said that next month, the department will come out
with several schemes for scheduled tribes. The government, he said, intends to provide 100% grants for
education of tribal children right upto higher education and also for housing if the annual income is less
than 2 lakh per annum. Social welfare minister Mahadev Naik said that the government has agreed in
principle to provide 27 % reservation for OBCs in the state. Currently it is 19 %. The reservation will be for
government jobs and also admission in education institutions. He said that the implementation will be only
after the caste census is completed. (Times of India 27/7/12)
Tribal advisory council in Uttarakhand soon (6)
Dehra Dun: After deciding to give Scheduled Tribe status to nomadic community Van Gujjars,
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna on Sunday announced his government would set up a
Scheduled Tribe advisory council before August 15. An announcement to this effect was made by the
Chief Minister during a conference of the Scheduled Tribes Welfare Association here, an official release
said. Bahuguna also promised to provide three bhigas of land for setting up of a tribal welfare building, it
said. He said the new tribal advisory council would be headed by the Chief Minister and would work for
welfare of Scheduled Tribes. Earlier this week, the state government has decided to accord the
Scheduled Tribe status on Van Gujjars. (Zee News 29/7/12)
Tribals observe bandh in Seetampet (6)
SEETAMPET (SRIKAKULAM): The tribal agency area of Seetampet in Srikakulam observed a bandh on
Saturday in protest of the alleged high-handedness of the police personnel when they prevented a group
of protesting tribals from laying siege to the CM convoy. The bandh call was given by the Kannedhara
Konda protection committee. The protesters alleged that they were beaten up and lathicharged by the
cops. The tribals of Seetampet have been agitating for the past two years against the granite mining lease
on Kannedhara Konda given to minister Dharmana Prasada Rao's son Manohar Naidu. Shops and
commercial establishments remained closed in Seetampeta agency while vehicular traffic including
private and RTC buses stayed off the roads. The opposition parties BJP, Lok Satta, CPI, CPM and TDP
extended their solidarity to the tribals bandh. The tribals are demanding that the chief minister announce
his stand on the mining lease on Kannedhara Konda that was given to Dharmana's son. (Times of India
29/7/12)
Sangma plans new party for tribals (6)
Shillong, July 31: The 2012 presidential poll was not an end in itself but the beginning of a new chapter in
the complex Indian political system. This was the message from the man who had never lost any election
in his career until the July 19 presidential poll. After having fought a losing battle in the bitter war for

Raisina Hill, former Lok Sabha Speaker Purno Agitok Sangma today set the tone for the formation of a
new political party, which would be “tribal-centric”, but “open for all”. Sangma was here to thank the
people of his home state, who had supported, voted and prayed for him during the recent presidential
poll. The veteran politician met several state NCP leaders at the residence of leader of the Opposition
Conrad K. Sangma. “The last presidential election had given an opportunity to the tribal people of India to
articulate their aspirations and hope. It has brought political awareness to the tribal people and it will be
the beginning of a united movement of the tribals for their rights,” the former Lok Sabha Speaker told
reporters. He said on August 9, observed as the International Day of the World’s Indigenous People, tribal
leaders from all over the country will be meeting at Raipur in Chhattisgarh. They will take stock of the
presidential poll and chart a “future plan for the tribals”. “I will address the gathering to thank all the tribal
people and also to call for unity,” Sangma said. On reports that he will float a new political party, Sangma
said, “As of now, nothing has been finalised, as discussions are still going on.” “The core committee of the
Tribal Forum of India will meet soon in New Delhi where a delegation will meet the Election Commission
to discuss the possibility of launching a new party, which will be tribal-centric, but open to all,” Sangma
said. The forum had projected Sangma as a candidate during the presidential poll against UPA nominee
Pranab Mukherjee. Moreover, he said post-presidential election, he had met tribal leaders from Arunachal
Pradesh, Nagaland, Meghalaya and Assam and consulted them. Stating that he would never contest any
future state election, Sangma said he was not interested to be elected to the Rajya Sabha, as he desired
to be voted by the people. “I may not even contest the Lok Sabha elections from Meghalaya. There are
around 50 reserved seats in the country. I can contest from anywhere,” he said. Conrad, who is the
former Lok Sabha Speaker’s younger son, said the entire purpose of today’s gathering was to felicitate
the presidential candidate. On whether the Meghalaya NCP would be marching together with the senior
Sangma, Conrad said, “We are still in a consultative mode where a decision would be taken by the
majority. We are discussing with everyone concerned.” The state will be going to the polls in February-
March next year to constitute the ninth Meghalaya Assembly. The state NCP had already announced the
list of several candidates who will contest the polls. (Telegraph 1/8/12)
Dalit organisations demand for amendment in the SC/ST Act (6)
Lucknow: Rising atrocities on the Dalits and tribal followed by lack of political willpower to implement the
Scheduled Caste/ Scheduled Tribes Act(SC/ST) has forced the organisations fighting for the cause to call
a big demonstration in New Delhi on November 26 to highlight the lapses of the Act and to demand its
amendment. As per the National Crime Record Bureau(NCRB) in India there are reports of four dalit or
tribal atrocities in every 15 minutes while everyday three dalits are raped, two dalits are murdered and 11
are being beaten up. Every week, 13 dalits are murdered while houses of 5 dalits are torched and 6 dalits
are kidnapped. Releasing the facts of the NCRB, National Collision for Strengthen SC and ST (POA) Act,
national convener Dr Sirivella Prasad said here today the situation of dalit atrocities in the country is on
increase and with lack of political will power, the SC/ST Act enforced in 1995 is inefficient to prevent it. He
said in Uttar Pradesh, the NCRB record says that only 25 per cent of the dalit atrocities cases have been
registered in 2011 while the national average was just around 33 per cent. " During the 17 years of the
SC/ST Act, more than 1.5 million people have registered their cases under the Act in the country," he
said. However, Mr Prasad, who has called for a national level demonstration in the national capital on
November 26, on the Constitutional Day, said there were at least 154 types of discrimination and
atrocities against the dalits in the country besides now the new developmental programme and schemes
of the Central government has also identified the rise in discrimination. " Denying the dalit to cook the
food of the midday meal and refusing them to give work under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural
Employment Guarantee Act were some of the examples," he said. The dalit leader also criticised the
previous Mayawati government for not looking into the dalit issue even after claiming herself as a messiah
of the community and UP is among the three states, which had refused to reply on the Centre's move to
seek suggestions on the amendment of the SC/ST Act. The other two states are Goa and Tamil Nadu. Mr
Prasad said his organisation has recommended eight-point programme to strengthen the SC/ST Act
which includes making the Act at par of the Indian Penal Code(IPC) including punishment, exclusive
special court and time-bound speedy trial and protection of the witnesses. Meanwhile, the Uttar Pradesh
unit of the organisation would hold a demonstration at all the district headquarters on September 11 while
in October a statewide rally would be organised in Lucknow demanding the amendment in the SC/ST Act.
(UNI) (New Kerala 5/8/12)
Naxals driving Jharkhand tribals out of their villages, homes (6)
Ranchi: Naxals are forcing innocent tribals out of their villages and homes, making them live like
refugees. Shailendra, a contractor from Naxal-affected Kasia Beda village, in Jharkhand's Jamshedpur

district, is one such victim. He reveals that from 2003 to 2006, Naxals continuously visited his home and
tried to force him to join their outfit. Shailendra resisted and had no option but to migrate to Jamshedpur in
2007, leaving behind his village home and agricultural land. "The Naxals were sending feelers to me as to
why I was not joining their organisation. I evaded them, but one day they landed at my home and said that
people in the area had joined their organisation, and questioned why I was not joining them. I told them
that it would not be possible for me to join the organisation, as I had a family to support," Shailendra.
Amrita Pater and her family, too, are victims of Naxal atrocities. In 2011, Naxals came to the village and
brutally killed her husband as they suspected him of being a police informer. The Naxals then decided to
stay back in the village. This forced Amrita to leave the village. Amrita earned her livelihood from
agriculture, but that isn't possible any longer. "In 2011, the Naxals killed my husband, accusing him of
being a police informer. They also threatened us through posters that we should leave the village. The
posters said the Naxals were going to stay in the village, so we left the village in fear, and since then we
have been living in anonymity," said Pater. There are many people like Shailendra and Amrita who are
victims of Naxal atrocities. In eastern Singhbhum District's Ghatshila division, around 20- 25 families have
been forced to lead a life of misery because of a fear of Naxals. Naxals claim to be fighting for the poor,
but it is ironical that the worst sufferers of their activities are those whom they claim to represent. (ANI)
(New Kerala 6/8/12)
Special commission to fix MSP for forest produce (6)
New Delhi: In a move that is expected to benefit millions of people earning their livelihood from the forest,
the government has decided to appoint a special commission for fixing minimum support price (MSP) for
minor forest produce like bamboo, mahua and tendu leaves. The commission is expected to be appointed
by January 2013 under the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation (Trifed), tribal affairs
minister V Kishore Chandra Deo said on Monday. The Planning Commission has already given its
approval for setting up such a commission. “There is a procedure for setting up a commission. We have
received a go ahead from the Planning Commission and Trifed will be its nodal agency,” Deo said. “The
central government will provide financial support for procurement, creation of enabling infrastructure,
training for sustainable harvesting and also provide subsidy to state-level agencies in case they incur any
loss in the transactions,” Deo added. At present, the government has fixed MSPs only for main
agricultural crops and there has been a long-pending demand for a similar minimum procurement price
level for products like tendu leaves, mahua, or sal seed, which provide livelihood to millions of forest
dwellers across the country. Several expert committees have also recommended the fixing of MSPs for
minor forest produce. Last year, then environment minister Jairam Ramesh had suggested to the
Planning Commission that MSPs for minor forest produce be fixed by a central committee to serve as a
benchmark for states. States will be free to fix a price higher than the benchmark. Ramesh had argued
that since these areas fall within the purview of Schedule V of the Constitution, the Centre has the right to
introduce MSPs for minor forest produce. Lakhs of tendu or bidi leaves collectors in Madhya Pradesh,
Chhattisgarh and Orissa, which produce more than 85% of the country’s tendu leaves annually, are
denied even the market price for their produce. In June, FE had reported that the three states receive
close to R1,100 crore as revenue from selling tendu leaves annually. The combined production of beedi
leaves in these key states is estimated to be around 1.5 million quintals. In return, only about 40-45% of
the money goes back to the pluckers and other labourers, while the rest is added into the non-tax
revenue. According to the tribal affairs ministry, the minor forest produce has significant economic and
social value for the forest dwellers. It has estimated that 100 million people, including a large tribal
population, derive their source of livelihood from collecting and marketing minor forest produce. (Financial
Express 7/8/12)
Adivasi Manch hails tribal dialect as teaching medium (6)
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Adivashi Mancha (OAM), a State level forum of tribals and organisations
working with tribals, hailed the decision of the Odisha Government to use tribal dialects as teaching
medium from Class I to Class III in schools that have only tribal students and also use of tribal languages
as medium of instruction in Anganwadi Centres (AWCs). “We are happy that the Chief Secretary
accepted the long standing demand of the tribal population of the State. However, we urge upon the
Government to follow this up with a detailed strategy to make this move effective,” said OAM State
convenor Ido Mandal in a Press release. The OAM has been at the forefront of lobbying for such an
education system which is convenient and caters to the need of the tribals. The Manch believes that this
will ensure equitable opportunities for the tribal children in education. “We have proved this through our
own intervention in nearly 600 schools in 12 districts of the State,” informed Mandal. Under the new
initiative, the Government has decided to prepare bilingual primers in 10 major tribal languages, including

Munda, Santhali, Kissan, Oraon, Kuvi, Saura, Koya, Bonda, Juanga and Saura. They are already under
preparation. According to information available with the OAM, some 544 primary schools in the State will
implement the system. Those include 135 schools in Mayurbhanj, 37 in Samabalpur, 67 in Sundargarh,
95 in Rayagada, 60 in Malkangiri, 30 in Keonjhar, 60 in Kandhamal and 60 in Gajpati. The initiative will
extend to the Anganwadi centres of the tribal dominated areas. Some 20,000 AWCs and Mini-AWCs are
in the tribal areas. The Chief Secretary has directed the OPEPA to customise the study materials
according to tribal culture and language. The stories, rhymes, dance performances, folk-lores of the tribe
concerned will be reflected them. The script will be in Odia but the language will be the language of the
tribe concerned. Though a good beginning, it needs to be followed up by proper curriculum and skill
development of the teachers. “There is a need for developing ample teaching and learning materials to
effectively implement the directive. We welcome the fact that the Chief Secretary has directed the OPEPA
to work in this regard,” said Raygada District Coordinator of the OAM Bidulata Huika. (Pioneer 8/8/12)
Lalgarh tribal leaders gets Political prisoner status (6)
KOLKATA: The Calcutta High Court on Wednesday granted political prisoner status for Lalgarh tribal
leader Chhatradhar Mahato, the spokes person of Maoist backed Peoples Committee Against Police
Atrocities and six others. Nearly after three years after their arrest all these seven has been granted the
status. Gaur Chakraborty, the spokes person of CPI(Maoist) in Bengal is one among six other prisoners.
The other inmates are Sukhshanti Baskey, Shambhu Soren and Sogun Murmu, Prasun Chatterjee and
Venkateswar Reddy. Baskey was one of the key leaders of PCPA and Reddy was a senior member of the
Bengal unit of Maoist rebels. Except Reddy and Gaur Chakraborty, five others are lodged at Midnapore
central jail. All of them were arrested in 2009 and earlier lower court had rejected their plea to consider
them as political prisoner. During the hearing on Wednesday, the state counsel initially opposed against
the petition and argued that all these seven were booked for sedition. But finally Justice Kanwaljit
Aluwalliah granted the petition submitted by defence counsel Subhasis Roy. From now they will get
newspapers, better food, a cot to sleep and better treatment as a first class prisoner. (Times of India
9/8/12)
World Tribal Day observed in capital (6)
RANCHI: On the occasion of 'World Tribal Day', a discussion on 'The existence and development of
scheduled tribe language and literature' was organized by an NGO, Tribal Study Centre, Vikas Bharti
Vishunpur. The speakers in the event stressed on the need to recognize an official regional language in
the state and necessitate education in mother tongue in all state schools. Anita Munda, wife of late Ram
Dayal Munda, said "I would request the state government to implement mother tongue in all schools as
the medium of instruction so that children learn things better. States like Maharashtra have made Marathi,
the compulsory medium of instruction in schools. Even Orissa has implemented it, then why can't we
implement it in our state, atleast in the initial stage, from class 1 to 5." Roop Laxmi Munda, Jharkhand
Child Rights Protection Commission said, "The culture, language, food here is the identity of the tribal
people. At times they are denied their basic rights. I request the intellectuals to help them realize their
rights. I feel our state should have a regional language of its own for which I will try my best to coordinate
with the government and implement it." Ashok Bhagat, secretary of Vikas Bharti said, "Tribals should
become part of mainstream society. They are an important part of Indian society. The concept of Gram
Sabha generates from tribal society. We need to understand their culture. As far as having native
language as medium of instructions is concerned, it should be implemented so that children start taking
interest in studies." (Times of India 10/8/12)
Centre, States indifferent to tribal people’s needs: Brinda (6)
DHARMAPURI: Whether it is the Centre or State governments, whoever might be in power, their policy
towards tribal people is the same, said Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader Brinda Karat here on
Saturday. Addressing a public meeting to mark the inauguration of the Tamil Nadu Tribals Association’s
sixth State conference, she said the Union Government and the Tamil Nadu Government do not bother
about the welfare of the tribal people as they had failed to recognise the 36 tribal communities living in the
State as tribal people. Kurumbars, Malayali, Kuravas and Narikuravas and other tribal communities
continue to be denied the status of tribal people; thus also the welfare measures. Ms. Karat took a shot at
the UPA Government by saying that it is interested in pro-corporate reforms and had never shown interest
in fulfilling the minimum needs of the marginalised people living in forest and hilly areas. She welcomed
the initiative of the Tamil Nadu Government through its free supply of 20 kg rice for ration card holders
and said it was not sufficient to run a family, so the quantum of rice supply to a family should be increased
to at least 35 kg per month. She had a dig at the Centre saying they store foodgrains in Food Corporation

of India godowns only for the consumption of rats and not for humans. (The Hindu 12/8/12)
15 lakh tribal people in Gujarat to be screened in a year (6)
Gandhinagar : The state health department has launched a screening drive under the Sickle Cell
Anaemia Control Programme to identify members of various tribes suffering from the hereditary disease.
Under the programme, the government plans to screen 15 lakh tribals within a year. Sickle cell anemia
(SCA) is a hereditary diseased affecting the red blood cells. It is seen mainly among the country’s various
tribes. The state government plans to cover by 2015 close to 90 lakh tribal people under the programme.
Dinkar Raval, nodal officer of the programme, said that the aim is to ensure that there is no child with
SCA in the state’s tribal districts by 2020. “So far 18 lakh people have been screened, of which 2 lakh
have shown traits of the disease. People with SCA traits are not patients of the disease but they can pass
it on to their children if they marry an SCA patient or someone who has traits of the disease. Currently,
there are 12,267 SCA patients in the state,” said Raval. He said that during screening for the disease, the
tribals are also counselled about the ailment. “Every tribal tested is given a white, yellow or white & yellow
card. White card holders are free of SCA; yellow card holders suffer from the disease while those with
half-white and half-yellow cards carry traits of the disease. Those with yellow cards are advised not to
marry those who have traits or those suffering from SCA to prevent them from passing on the disease to
their children,” said Raval. “We have set up a Sickle Cell Anaemia Control Society, which works to
prevent the spread of the disease through awareness and screening. The disease is seen largely in the
tribal population. We have screened nearly 14 lakh tribal people of the state in the last five years. We
have adopted the public-private partnership (PPP) model for mass screening.” said PK Taneja,
commissioner of health, state health department. He added that they planned to screen around 15 lakh
tribal people within one year. SCA is a genetic disorder which occurs due to an inherited abnormal
haemoglobin (Hb) gene. This gene is responsible for the defective sickle-shaped red blood cells which
cannot carry enough oxygen to the different cells of the body. Moreover, they tend to break up, thus
blocking smooth flow of blood in the veins and arteries. A doctor working with the state health department
cited a survey done by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and said that patients of the
disease suffer a lot of pain throughout their life, right from birth. “Twenty percent of children born with the
disease die by the time they are two years old. According to one survey by ICMR conducted among the
primitive tribes of south Gujarat, including Kolcha, Kotwadia & Kathodi, 30% of the children suffering from
SCA die before they reach adulthood (14 years) and the rest 70% die by the age of 50. The patients have
to undergo regular blood transfusion for survival,” the doctor said. A team from Chhattisgarh will also be
visiting the state to study its SCA programme which has earned laurels even from the Union health
ministry. (DNA 13/8/12)
Focussed on welfare schemes for SC, ST, minorities: PM (6)
New Delhi: The government was giving special attention to the welfare of the Scheduled Castes,
Scheduled Tribes and other weaker sections, including the minorities, by coming out with programmes
that benefit them, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said Wednesday. "Our government has paid special
attention to the welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, minorities, women and other weaker
sections," the prime minister said in his Independence Day speech. "The special needs of our tribal and
backward districts are being met through programmes such as the Integrated Action Plan, Backward
Regions Grant Fund and Tribal Sub Plan," he said while addressing the nation from Red Fort. Through
the Forest Rights Act, he said, proprietary rights had been given to lakhs of people belonging to
Scheduled Tribes on land on which they have been living for generations. "We are formulating a scheme
to ensure that people belonging to Scheduled Tribes can get fair and remunerative prices for the forest
produce they collect," he added. "The government wants to speedily convert the Mines and Minerals
(Development and Regulation) Bill into a legislation. Through this law we want to provide funds for the
benefit of our tribal brothers and sisters in the mining areas," he said. He said the Congress-led United
Progressive Alliance government wants to make the 15 points programme for the minority community
more effective. The prime minister's 15 point-programme has zeroed in on four key objectives for minority
welfare -- enhancing opportunities for education, ensuring equitable share in economic activities and
employment, improving their living conditions and prevention and control of communal disharmony and
violence. The plan is also to improve the representation of minorities in government service and
measures to encourage children's education. The programme was unveiled in 2006 by recasting the
earlier plan for minorities, launched in 1983 by the Indira Gandhi government. The re-launched
programme stipulates that wherever possible 15 percent of targets and outlays under various schemes
will be earmarked for the minorities. The prime minister also said the government will further expand the
multi-sectoral development programme in districts with large minority populations. He also said that the

government has further decided to enhance the amount of post-matric scholarship for children belonging
to the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes and minorities to give them better
opportunities. "Our efforts to make these scholarship schemes more effective will continue," he said in his
ninth address the nation. (IANS) (New Kerala 16/8/12)
Tribals rally for land rights in Ganjam (6)
Berhampur: Hundreds of tribals on Thursday took out a rally at Bhanjanagar in Ganjam district, about 80
km from here, pressing for eight of their long-standing demands and threatening to launch a massive
agitation if those are not met. The demands included giving record of rights (RoR) of forest lands to tribal
people, increase in rice quota under the public distribution system and electrification of tribal villages
under the Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana. Taking up cudgels under the banner of
Ghumusara Taluk Adivasi Kandha Kue Samaj, a unit of Nikhila Utkal Kue Samaj, the tribals walked in the
procession in the sub divisional head quarters town in the district, and submitted their memorandum to
the district collector through the sub collector. Some non-tribals also joined the rally and demanded the
declaration of Bhanjanagar as drought-hit. Trinath Mallick, a leader of the tribals, said the district
administration had failed to ensure the tribals' land rights, even though they applied for the same under
the Forest Rights Act (FRA). In stead, forest officials had arrested innocent tribals for encroaching upon
forest land. "Around 50 tribal people of the region were arrested by forest staff in a year," he alleged.
Mallick added that several tribal people of Gallery, Bramhanapada and Domuhani areas in Ganjam district
were running from pillar to posts to get the RoR for the last three to four years without any avail. Tribal
leaders present at the demonstration also alleged that despite having MGNREGS job cards, tribals were
not getting jobs in the state, and were being forced to migrate to states like Tamil Nadu, Kerals and
Gujarat. (Times of India 17/8/12)
Forest babus block plan to give tribals bamboo rights (6)
NEW DELHI: UPA's initiative to give tribals control over the Rs 20,000 crore forest economy is again
under threat, with the Union environment and forests ministry saying it will continue to treat bamboo as a
tree and not "grass".The ministry's stance on bamboo sets the clock back after the Centre had announced
that bamboo was a "grass", thereby qualifying it as non-timber forest produce. Forest-dwellers can cut
and sell non-timber produce under community rights given by the Forest Rights Act but keeping bamboo
classified as "tree" under the Indian Forest Act would prohibit harvesting of the fast-growing species. The
reclassification of bamboo as "grass" came after protracted efforts to unshackle minor forest produce from
the monopoly of forest bureaucracy for local dwellers. The massive bamboo business is a big revenue
earner as it feeds the paper and pulp industry. While Centre is in the last stages of shifting the control of
bamboo to tribals backed by a commission to fix minimum support price for all minor produce, the tribal
affairs ministry has been jolted by its forest counterpart's U-turn. According to top sources, the
environment and forest secretary this week told an official meeting that bamboo continued to be classified
as timber under Indian Forest Act of 1927. He reportedly said, "Bamboo is a tree but it is grass once it is
cut." The implication: tribals cannot harvest the rich and vast bamboo tracts, but only use dead and fallen
ones. The environment secretary's stance negates the efforts over two years to release bamboo from the
clutches of forest department. The decision to pave the way for tribal control of bamboo came in March
2011 when the Prime Minister, Planning Commission and then environment minster Jairam Ramesh
decided to declare it as a minor forest produce. When contacted, environment and forests minister
Jayanthi Natarajan dissociated herself from any rethink on bamboo. "I fully support the rights of forestdwellers
to access bamboo and their access should not be curtailed. If there are any hindrances to their
rights under Indian Forest Act, I shall review them," she said. In 2011, Ramesh had sent letters to CMs
that bamboo be treated as minor forest produce and added it was a non-timber forest produce under the
Forest Rights Act. The rethink on bamboo could take the sheen off the UPA initiative which was even
mentioned by PM Manmohan Singh in his Independence Day speech. (Times of India 17/8/12)
Tribals go hi-tech to claim forest land (6)
Inside the Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary in Narmada and in parts of The Dangs district, 5,000-odd
tribal families living inside forests are using GPS technology and satellite maps to stake claim to over
10,000 plots of land under the Forest Rights Act. “We carry these GPS devices, turn it on and ask the
claimant to walk on the border of his fields,” explained Bamanjibhai Vasava, a member of the local Forest
Rights Committee (FRC) in Patholi Ganina village, where more than 500 tribals from 22 villages, all
located inside the 607.70-sqkm sanctuary, gathered at a mud and bamboo long-house on Friday last for a
meeting to finalise their claims. “The data is then super-imposed on satellite maps, and we can see which
areas are being cultivated by people. These maps, names of claimants and other details are then

submitted to the government as evidence that we have been cultivating these lands, so we can gain
possession under the Forest Rights Act,” Bamanjibhai said. As per Forest Rights Act, a local cultivating a
plot of forest land since 2005 can stake his claim for the land. Indrasinh Vasava, an FRC member in
nearby Singal Garan village, said, “The GPS has to connect with a satellite, so when there are clouds, it
does not work. We carry out surveys when there are no clouds.” Technology is not alien to the region
where farming is largely for sustenance and tribals routinely migrate to Surat for daily-wage work, where
none have attended college, where electricity supply is erratic and tribals have to climb nearby hills to
catch fleeting cellphone signals from a mobile tower in faraway Dediapada town every time they need to
make a call. (Indian Express 19/8/12)
Rejected claims of forest dwellers to be reviewed (6)
Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has issued directives for carrying out
fresh review of rejected claims of forest dwellers in the state. Sub-divisional officers (SDOs) of Revenue
and Forest departments have been directed to undertake tours of forest villages and examine forest land
rights claims at Gram Sabha meetings, according to official sources. The SDOs concerned will have to
furnish certificates that no case pertaining to individual or community claim on forest lands within five km
radius of 22,000 villages is pending. So far, land rights documents have been distributed against 1.67
lakh claims, which include 6,707 community claims. Directives have been given to district collectors to
ensure that all the cases pertaining to forest land rights in their respective areas are disposed of till
September end. As many as 22,000 villages in the state are situated within five km radius of forest
periphery. Tribals possessing forest lands upto December 13, 2005, are to be given forest land rights
under the Act. It has been provided in the case of forest dwellers that their three generations should have
occupied forest lands as on December 13, 2005. One generation means 25 years. Thus, a traditional
forest dweller’s family should have occupied forest land for 75 years. (UNI) (New Kerala 20/8/12)
Govt contemplates separate law to protect ST rights (6)
New Delhi: Aiming to provide better protection to Scheduled Tribe (ST) community rights, the Centre is
planning to formulate a separate Prevention of Atrocities Act soon. Though there is the Scheduled Castes
and Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 to prevent atrocities against both scheduled castes and
scheduled tribes, the Ministry of Tribal affairs feels that the existing law is protecting the rights of SCs
more than STs. “The proposed Act will be exclusively for the STs aiming to protect their rights in forest
wealth, mineral resources, land, water, grazing areas and other related issues” sources in the government
told Deccan Herald. This means, the existing law will be only for SCs and the new law will be for STs,
they said. Following the complaints that Scheduled Tribes were being denied their rights in forest wealth
and being marginalised in their own lands due to rampant mining and encroachment of forests by land
sharks, the Ministry thought to have a separate prevention of atrocities law to protect the vulnerable
section of the society, sources said. The Act will protect the STs even from exploitation by money lenders,
they added. Union Tribal Minister Kishore Chandra Deo, who held a detailed meeting regarding
formulating the new law with officials, is likely to seek the opinion from various rights groups to
incorporate their views. The Tribal Affairs Ministry is under pressure from various corners to protect the
rights of tribals following the complaints of a large number of forest dwellers being left in the lurch in
mining rich areas. The intelligence agencies have cautioned the Centre that displacement of tribal
settlements and denial of their rights have forced the tribals to join Maoist insurgency in most of the tribal
dominated states like Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha parts of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and
Maharashtra. Despite the Centre enacting the Forest Rights Act, 2006, many states have failed to
implement it properly. Minister Deo, in his recent letter to various states, said that tribals and forest
dwellers were facing harassment, threats of eviction and forced displacement which is against the Act.
Despite the demand from tribals, the conversion of forest villages to revenue villages is hardly being
carried out, he said, asking the states to protect the rights of forest dwellers. (Deccan Herald 20/8/12)
Chhattisgarh to simplify caste certification process (6)
Raipur: The Chhattisgarh government has decided to set up a high-powered committee to suggest ways
to simplify the caste certification procedure, administration sources said Wednesday. According to
sources, Chief Minister Raman Singh ordered the committee to be set up to suggest ways to simplify the
caste certification process and to correct the certificates that were issued to tribal people. The committee
will be headed by Chief Secretary Sunil Kumar. The decision was taken at a meeting of the Scheduled
Castes Development Authority Tuesday. Talking to IANS Wednesday, chief secretary Sunil Kumar said,
"The state government is mulling the framing of guidelines so that students passing their secondary and
higher secondary examinations get caste certificates before leaving school." "Similarly, the facility of caste

certificate verification will be made available at the district level. So far, this was done at divisional level."
On account of the negligence of district collectors, hundreds of thousands of tribal people were issued
invalid caste certificates since Chhattisgarh was carved out as a separate state from Madhya Pradesh in
November 2000. The certificates were useless as they were issued erroneously under Article 341 of the
Constitution, which specifies Scheduled Castes, when they should have been issued under Article 342,
which specifies the Scheduled Tribes. The committee to make the correction, headed by the chief
secretary, will have secretaries of the general administration department and the tribal welfare
department, representatives of Chhattisgarh State Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled
Tribes, the secretary to the chief minister and some district collectors. (IANS) (New Kerala 22/8/12)
Tribals protest against govt's apathy, injustice (6)
NASHIK: Alleging that tribal welfare had taken a backseat, a group of protesting tribals held officials
responsible for deaths in their community due to snake bites, and the sexual harassment of tribal girls at
ashram schools. The group marched to the tribal development commissionerate demanding the
resignation of Baban rao Pachpute who holds the tribal development portfolio in the state cabinet. Led by
the Bhilla Samajik Sanghatana, tribals held red flags and had gathered from across the the district to
participate in the rally. In their memorandum presented to the t commissionerate, members of the
Sanghatana alleged that the issue of sexual harassment of tribal girls was never taken seriously. They
demanded that such officials be charged, tried and punished before a court of law. They also alleged that
the officers and the ministers were actually responsible for causing deadly mishaps such as snake bites
given the shoddy construction of ashram schools. The group also demanded that the current tribal
development minister- non-tribal one - holding the portfolio was incapable of understanding the demands
and issues of tribal people and hence he should be changed. (Times of India 25/8/12)
Tribal group wants tribal CM in Chhattisgarh (6)
Raipur: A tribal group, Sarva Adivasi Samaj, wants a tribal chief minister for Chhattisgarh. "Adivasis are
passing through a critical phase. Unless Chhattisgarh has an adivasi chief minister, their interests cannot
be safeguarded," BJP MP Nand Kumar Sai told IANS. Sai, who is also linked to the Samaj, added: "On
the basis of their majority (in Chhattisgarh), they need to be given the chance to rule the state." According
to Census 2011, tribals constitute around 32 percent of the population in Chhattisgarh. "Chhattisgarh was
created to ensure all round development of adivasis. Unless an adivasi leads the state, problems faced by
them cannot be understood in the right perspective," added Congress leader Arvind Netam. At a meeting
here Sunday, Samaj leaders said names of probable tribal candidates for the 2013 assembly elections
would be submitted to the Congress and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. However, if the parties did not
field them, the Samaj would itself launch a political party, a member said. Chhattisgarh's first chief
minister and Congress leader Ajit Jogi backed the demand for a tribal chief minister. (IANS) (New Kerala
27/8/12)
Tribals to hold meet in Panchmahals today (6)
Vadodara: Adivasi Adhikar Rashtriya Manch (ADRM), an organisation aligned with Left parties and
working for tribal rights, will hold a meeting of tribals in Santrampur town of the Panchmahals district on
Wednesday, according to release by Singji Katara, the convenor of the outfit’s state committee. “We
demand BPL ration cards for all tribals who are not government servants and do not pay income tax,
allocation of land under Forest Rights Act, 2006, and Narmada water for drinking and irrigation purposes,”
Katara told The Indian Express over phone from Santrampur. He said the issues of housing plots and
government assistance to build homes and filling vacant reserved posts for the community in the state
government would also be raised. (Times of India 29/8/12)
Panel raps govt for improper info on land rights to tribals (6)
Gandhinagar: An Assembly committee has indicted the state government for not providing proper
information on how many of the 11,166 tribals who were promised ownership titles of forest land that they
were cultivating, have got the rights. The Assurance Committee has noted in its report — tabled in the
House during day-long Monsoon Session on July 19 — that not only the forest department failed to give
correct information, but even the figures given by it and revenue department did not match. The issue
dates back to 1995 when the then forest minister had promised in an Assembly session to give ownership
title to 11,166 tribals. But none of the departments responsible for this have an idea of what happened to
the promise made to 11,166 tribal farmers in 1995. This fact has been taken note of by the committee
headed by BJP MLA Dr Nimaben Acharya. The report, a copy of which is with The Indian Express, says,
“During the ninth Assembly’s second session (March to July 1995), the forest minister had promised that

the tribals farming on forestland before 1967 will be given ownership charter (title) of the said land. On
July 2, 2004, the forest department in its written submission said that as per the promise, the government
was supposed to give ownership title to 11,166 eligible persons. Till the meeting of the committee, 11,104
persons were given the charter.” The report adds, “The committee does not find the claim of the forest
department proper as the committee has observed that the claimed 11,104 tribals beneficiaries have not
been given any ownership charter and their names have not been entered in the saat-baar utaaro, or the
8/A record (technical terms for official land ownership records).” (Indian Express 1/9/12)
Dimapur returns to normal after tribal bodies intervene (6)
DIMAPUR: The situation in Dimapur has returned to normal on Monday with no reports of any untoward
incidents in the past 24 hours between the two warring Naga tribes. This came following the intervention
of various NGOs and tribal bodies of the Sumis and the Angamis. The Sumi Hoho and the Angami Public
Organization (APO) have appealed to people of their communities to exercise restraint. A meeting of the
two tribes under the aegis of Naga Hoho condemned the violence in which people belonging to the two
tribes vandalized property in Dimapur. While Assam Rifles and India Reserve Battalion ( IRD) personnel
have been deployed in the sensitive areas, the appeal from the tribal hohos has helped in calming the
situation. The state government has constituted two committees to probe into the September 1 violence.
Chief secretary Lalthara said the government has appointed a fact-finding committee to probe into the
incident with N N Walling, retired DGP as convenor, K N Ngullie, retired commissioner and L T Konyak,
retired secretary, as members. Wepretso Mero, secretary (home) is the member secretary. The factfinding
committee would conduct an inquiry with respect to the cause and circumstances leading to the
incident, the persons or group of persons responsible for the incident; whether the violence could have
been avoided and how, whether there has been any instance of failure or dereliction of duty on the part of
any public servant in connection with these incidents and how such incidents may be avoided in future.
The committee would submit its report to the state government within 30 days. The government has also
constituted another committee to assess the damage to property caused by rampaging mobs in Dimapur
and Chumukedima. It would submit its report before September 10. In another development, legislators of
the ruling Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) met the members of Western Sumi Hoho and APO and
appealed to them to maintain the spirit of peaceful co-existence between the two tribes. Parliamentary
affairs minister T R Zeliang said the state government has also instituted a one-man inquiry to probe the
death of Kivika Assumi on August 31, giving 30 days time for submission of the report. He said the August
31 incident in Kohima village that resulted in the death of Kivika and damage of property in Dimapur on
September 1 should be condemned by one and all. However, Zeliang regretted that the Congress,
instead of extending its cooperation to contain the situation, was trying to politicize the issue. The
opposition Congress had blamed the DAN government for the violence and demanded the CM's
resignation. The DAN legislators appealed to all sections of people, including political parties, to join
hands in maintaining peace in Kohima and Dimapur. (Times of India 4/9/12)
More women voters in tribal districts (6)
GANDHINAGAR: Women are comparatively better represented as voters in the tribal districts of Gujarat
as compared to other districts. This can be concluded from the statistics that have been recorded after the
summary revision of electoral rolls on Friday. "There are six assembly constituencies in the state that are
in favour of women and all of them are in the tribal belt," said an official. While the state has recorded an
over all gender ratio of 910 till June 2012, which has gone up from 907; the tribal districts have a much
higher representation of women. Tapi is the only district in the state that has a gender ratio in favour of
women with the figure standing at 1021 against per thousand males. Other districts having a majority of
tribal population are 988 for Dangs, 962 for Navsari, 935 for Sabarkantha, 989 for Dahod, 924 for
Panchmahals, 953 for Narmada, and 924 for Vadodara. While Surat has recorded an over all gender ratio
of 834 which is the lowest amongst the districts, its assembly constituencies of Madvi and Mahuva have
recorded a ratio in favour of women. Ironically, the Choryasi assembly constituency of the district has the
distinction of having the most dismal gender ratio in the entire state with 704 females per thousand males.
The assembly constituency that has recorded the highest gender ratio in Gujarat is Vyara where there are
1022 women voters per thousand men. The constituencies where the women have outnumbered their
male counterparts are Nizar and Vyara in Tapi district with the figures of 1020 and 1022 respectively,
Mahuva and Mandvi in Surat where the number of women voters per thousand men is 1001 and 1006
respectively along with Garbada and Limkheda constituencies of Dahod district that have a figure of 1009
and 1015 respectively. (Times of India 4/9/12)
Tripura gives land rights to poor tribals (6)

Devendranagar: As part of its efforts to improve lives of the weaker sections of society, Tripura has given
land rights to more than one lakh tribal families under the landmark Schedule Tribes and Other Traditional
Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006. Claiming this as 'unique' in the country, an
official of the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomus District Council said the government was making special
efforts to improve lives of the state's poor tribals by giving them land rights and taking up educational and
economic schemes. "This is unique. The state has been in the forefront of implementation of the Forest
Rights Act. This is a major initiative for the development of tribals in the state,” Ranjit Debbarma, chief
executive member of the TTADC, said. The government initiative has brought cheer to the lives of tribals
like Shambhu Charan Debbarma who till the other day earned his livelihood by doing shifting cultivation.
A nonagenerian, Debbarma, who lives with his family at this hill top hamlet falling under the TTAADC, is
now a full-fledged cultivator and owner of an orchard. He was given patta of six bighas in a forest under
the act where he grew lemon trees with the tribal council coming to his aid. Till July, 2012, government
land has been allotted to about 97,827 families and IAY houses has been provided to about 2.06 lakhs
families, Debbarma said. Village chairman Uttam Debbarma said 27 families were given patta under the
scheme, of which 20 families were given Rs. 48,500 under the Indira Abas Yojna for construction of
houses. Another inhabitant of the village said, “The village was a part of the forest where wild animals
roamed freely just 10 years ago. "Now there are motorable roads and villagers are getting regular jobs
under NREGA and other income-generating schemes”, he said. State forest minister Jiten Chowdhury
said the state government had chosen 62 sites in different parts of the state to resettle tribals with all
modern amenities. “When the insurgency was at its peak, we set up villages in forests named as 'Forest
Village' since 2003 and settled 1,508 people belonging to 236 tribal families who were shifting cultivators
living in remote areas," Chowdhury said. Chowdhury said slash and burn method used in shifting
cultivation led to soil erosion and environmental pollution. (Hindustan Times 4/9/12)
Parliament disrupted, quota bill introduced (6)
New Delhi: The government Wednesday introduced amid commotion a bill in the Rajya Sabha to
guarantee job promotions in the government for Dalits and tribals even as BJP protests against the
allocation of coal mines led to repeated adjournment of parliament. The bill, approved by the cabinet
Tuesday, was introduced in the upper house by Minister of State in Prime Minister's Office V.
Naryanasamy, amid vociferous protests by Samajwadi Party members. In no time, Samajwadi member
Naresh Agrawal and Avart Singh Karimpuri of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), which is all for the bill,
were locked in a scuffle. Earlier, there was ruckus as Deputy Chairman P.J. Kurien called the minister to
table the bill. Bharatiya Janata Party members meanwhile continued their protests demanding Prime
Minister Manmohan Singh's resignation over the controversial coal blocks allocation. Soon after the bill
was introduced, the presiding officer adjourned the house till 2 p.m. Earlier, BJP protests forced the Lok
Sabha to adjourn for the day even as Samajwadi Party members raised slogans inside the house against
the promotions quota. When the Lok Sabha, adjourned within minutes after it met at 11 a.m., resumed
proceedings at noon, there were more disturbances, forcing acting speaker Girija Vyas to adjourn it again.
Not much business could be done in the house. But Minister of State for Finance Namo Narain Meena
withdrew the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Amendment) Bill, 2009. Some papers were tabled
amid din. Later, Samajwadi leader Mulayam Singh Yadav said his party would hit the streets against the
bill that guarantees promotions in government jobs to Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe. His party
wants the quotas to be extended to Other Backward Classes. Though the SP supports the UPA, he said
the government did not consult him over the bill. BSP chief Mayawati, meanwhile, blamed both the BJPled
National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) for
delaying the passage of the promotions bill. She told reporters outside parliament: "Both alliances have
political motives. The Congress delayed it because of presidential elections. BJP is delaying it now
because of political reasons." Mayawati said she asked BJP leader Sushma Swaraj to help pass the bill
but the BJP and its allies did not heed the request. (Deccan Herald 6/9/12)
'Jal satyagrah' in MP: Ministers will talk to agitators (6)
BHOPAL: Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan today deputed two senior ministers to
talk to the agitators staging 'Jal Satyagraha' by standing in neck-deep waters since the last fortnight in
Khandwa and Harda districts demanding proper rehabilitation, among other things. State industries
minister Kailash Vijaywargiya and tribal welfare minister Vijay Shah would leave for the affected villages
tomorrow to assure the agitators that government would look into their demands sympathetically, sources
said. Chouhan directed the two ministers to take a stock of the situation after reports of Indira Sagar and
Omkareshwar dam-affected persons in Ghoghalgaon and Barkhalia in Khandwa district and Khardana in
Harda district were staging the protest by standing in neck-deep water was noticed at the state and

national level, they said. Besides the Madhya Pradesh Human Rights Commission (MPHRC), two senior
Left party leaders, CPI national secretary and MP D Raja and CPM Politburo member Brinda Karat have
also expressed concern on the issue. The protesters say that they had been demanding alternative land
for their submerged land, proper rehabilitation and resettlement work since the past six months much
before filling the dam reservoir to their capacity as directed by the Supreme Court. Narmada Bacaho
Andolan (NBA), which is agitating on the issue since the last decade, has alleged that the state
government had given false affidavit in the apex court on the issue of completion of rehabilitation. (Times
of India 7/9/12)
Govt changes forest law for tribals (6)
NEW DELHI: The tribal affairs ministry has overcome hurdles put up by rigid forest regulations. The
ministry has ensured that tribals can not only extract minor forest produce such as bamboo, tubers,
leaves, medicinal plants and resins, but also store, transport, process and sell them. The change of rules
to the Forest Rights Act (FRA) has effectively given tribals the chance to get a much larger pie of the Rs
50,000-crore annual trade of minor forest produce. Over the years, the steady opposition by the forest
bureaucracy had denied tribals' access to the minor forest produce trade. For example, even when tribals
were allowed to cut bamboo they were not allowed to transport it by anything save a bicycle or a cart.
Forest departments across states often interpreted their 'bona-fide livelihood needs' that translated to
tribals could cut what they needed for their personal consumption but not trade in the goods even in local
markets, while large volumes of the produce were sold across the country by traders and business
people. Now, the tribal affairs ministry has redefined 'bonafide livelihood needs' under the FRA to include
sale of minor forest produce extracted by tribals and other forest dwellers beyond their personal use. The
rules also clarify that tribals can store and transport the goods without a hindrance. Union tribal affairs
minister Kishore Chandra Deo, sources in the ministry said, took a personal initiative to ensure that the
new rules to back the intent of UPA's flagship law for tribals come through despite objections from some
lobbies. Another system of control that forest departments used to block tribals from getting a bigger
share of the minor forest produce trade was transport permits. The amended rules stipulate that tribals
won't be required to pay a fee or any charge for such transport regulations. The changes have been
made ahead of the government launching a minimum support price regime for minor forest produce along
the lines of the sop provided for farmers for some crops. In tune with the reforms, environment and forests
minister Jayanthi Natarajan, too, had recently amended the forest regulations to define bamboo as a
grass and not a tree, consequently classifying it as a minor forest produce that tribals would be able to
harvest. (Times of India 9/9/12)
18,000 tribal families to get cheques today (6)
Vadodara: AS many as 18,000 tribal families living below poverty line (BPL) will get cheques worth Rs
21,000 each as the first installment of Sardar Patel Avas Yojna (SPAY) while 4,700 others will get land
ownership titles at a Garib Kalyan Mela to be organised at Chhota Udepur in Vadodara district on
Monday. This will be second such mela in the tribal taluka within four months. The mela is for three
talukas of Vadodara district — Chhota Udepur, Kawant and Pavi Jetpur. Chief Minister Narendra Modi will
give away the cheques to the SPAY beneficiaries, all of them are women. Similarly, the CM will also
distribute land ownership titles among 4,700 beneficiaries of Forest Right Act 2006. The land ownership
beneficiaries of Naswadi taluka will also get their titles after government cleared their claims. Under the
SPAY, state government gives Rs 45,000 to BPL families working as farm labourers or traditional
craftsmen to build pukka houses. However, the implementation of Forest Right Act 2006 has not been a
rough ride for the state government. It has faced criticism from NGOs for rejecting 1.13 lakh out of 1.56
lakh claims for land under Forest Right 2006. The Act provides for awarding ownership title to a person of
a plot of land which he has been cultivating since 2005. To prove the cultivation of land, the government
has agreed to accept satellite imagery as secondary evidence. Accordingly, it had assigned
Bhaskaracharya Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics , Gandhinagar, to prepare maps of
forest areas. (Indian Express 10/9/12)
Govt to withdraw petty criminal cases against tribals (6)
Bhopal: On the concluding day of the three-day Collector-Commissioner conference, Chief Minister
Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday made 122 announcements, including withdrawal of petty criminal
cases against tribals. In past three days, the Chief Minister discussed almost all issues relating to different
departments in the presence of senior officials here at Narmada Bhavan. During this period, the officials
came up with several suggestions, some of which were incorporated in the announcements made by the
Chief Minister. Time and again, it has been pointed out that tribals living in forests face petty cases like

wood theft and other minor criminal cases. Since these cases are minor in nature, the government
decided to withdraw such cases. Talking to media persons, Chouhan said a policy regarding
regularization of illegal colonies in and around cities would be formulated soon. Besides, a policy would
be chalked out regarding multi-level parking bays in major cities. He said that Global Positioning System
(GPS) would be installed in the Public Distribution System (PDS) vehicles so that a check on food grains
provided under PDS could be made at any point. To enhance storage capacity for food grains,
warehousing zones would be developed on 50 acres of land in 10 districts. It was decided to take back
excessive lands allotted to different departments. Besides, land acquisition cases in which compensation
has been awarded, would be sorted out by October 2012, Chouhan added. It was also decided at the
meeting that after Cabinet meeting every week, 15 minutes additional time would be allotted for
discussion on agriculture-related issues. The ministers have also been asked to convene such agriculture
review meetings in the districts under their charge. (Pioneer 11/9/12)
Tribal bodies to carry out anti-foreigner movement (6)
GUWAHATI: Various tribal organizations have come together to carry out an anti-foreigner movement as
the problem of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants crossing over to Indian territory has resurfaced after the
violence ended in Bodoland Territorial Area Districts (BTAD). Various organizations, representing Bodo,
Dimasa, Tiwa, Deuri, Karbi, Garo, Rabha, Sonowal Kachari and other tribal communities, decided to form
a coordination committee to champion the cause. The decision was taken at a convention of non-political
tribal groups here on Saturday, organized by the Coordination Committee of Bodo National Organisations
(CCBNO). The tribal leaders said influx has threatened the existence and right to land and resources of
all indigenous people of the state and it has not remained confined only to BTAD. They opined that the
violence in BTAD was an outcome of unchecked infiltration. The meeting clarified that the tribal
organizations were not against any religious minority, who were indigenous people of the state. "Today
there has been a spontaneous outburst of sentiment against the influx of Bangladeshis in the state. It is
time for all tribal groups to come together and fight against the problem of infiltration for safeguarding their
identity," said CCBNO chief convener Kamalakanta Mushahary. (Times of India 15/9/12)
One lakh people likely to participate in Samwad Yatra (6)
BHOPAL: Dubbed as one the biggest non-violent actions in the recent past, about one lakh people
representing some 2000 organizations, would walk 380 km from Gwalior to Delhi from October 2. The
'Jan Satyagrah Samvad yatra' is aimed to raise attention about land and livelihood rights of marginalized
people. "Marginalized communities have to be given the rightful control over natural resources like land
forest and water in order to fight poverty," activist PV Rajagopal, who is also a member of the national
land reforms council (NLRC). The walk is aimed at aimed at creating mass awareness about tribals' land
rights, dwindling forests and land grab issues, including forcible acquisition of agriculture and forest land
from peasants, dalits and forest dwellers, he added. According to Ekta Parishad, the trans-India Jan
Satyagraha Samvad rally began in Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu on October 1, 2011. "We have covered
some 70,000 kilometres, passing through 16 states and some 350 villages in the last two years," said
Ekta Parishad spokesperson Aneesh Kumar. The main demands include implementation of the Union
government's commitment in 2007 for land reform, effective implementation of Forest Rights Act of 2006,
addressing the grievances of the displaced and dispossessed, women's empowerment in the context of
sustainable development amongst other. (Times of India 15/9/12)
Tribal bodies to carry out anti-foreigner movement (6)
GUWAHATI: Various tribal organizations have come together to carry out an anti-foreigner movement as
the problem of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants crossing over to Indian territory has resurfaced after the
violence ended in Bodoland Territorial Area Districts (BTAD). Various organizations, representing Bodo,
Dimasa, Tiwa, Deuri, Karbi, Garo, Rabha, Sonowal Kachari and other tribal communities, decided to form
a coordination committee to champion the cause. The decision was taken at a convention of non-political
tribal groups here on Saturday, organized by the Coordination Committee of Bodo National Organisations
(CCBNO).The tribal leaders said influx has threatened the existence and right to land and resources of all
indigenous people of the state and it has not remained confined only to BTAD. They opined that the
violence in BTAD was an outcome of unchecked infiltration. The meeting clarified that the tribal
organizations were not against any religious minority, who were indigenous people of the state. "Today
there has been a spontaneous outburst of sentiment against the influx of Bangladeshis in the state. It is
time for all tribal groups to come together and fight against the problem of infiltration for safeguarding their
identity," said CCBNO chief convener Kamalakanta Mushahary. (Times of India 16/9/12)

Union welfare secy listens to tribals' woes in Gumla village (6)
Gumla: Union welfare secretary, Veebha Puri Das got first-hand information of the state of welfare
schemes initiated by the Centre during her visit to the district on Friday. First, she held a meeting with
district authorities on the schemes taken up for uplift of the tribals. Veebha along with state officials visited
Silam village to take a look at how the tribal women have been running a big poultry business. She took
information about chicks, medicines and vaccines at a poultry shed of Malti Oraon. She spent more than
half an hour at the village feed production centre inspecting every arrangement minutely. She also lent an
ear to the problems women face and discussed the Forest Right Act with them. She encouraged them to
march ahead in life and get their dues by being educated, aware, and united. She said the Forest Right
Act has been simplified and strengthened for the forest dwellers - for individual as well as community
benefit. Silam women gave a presentation demanding a hatchery, a godown for poultry farm in 15
villages, boundary wall for feed production centre and a transformer for the village. Veebha also inspected
Gurukul and interacted with the trainees. (Times of India 17/9/12)
UP finds non-tribals settled in forests (6)
NEW DELHI: More than a quarter century after the Supreme Court ordered settlement of tribal rights, the
Uttar Pradesh government on Wednesday was back with a grievance against its own officials alleging that
they had resorted to corrupt means to settle even those who fell outside the Scheduled Tribes category in
dense forests and mountains. Senior advocate P N Misra told a bench of Justices T S Thakur and Gyan
Sudha Mishra that the UP government had found that large tracts of dense forests and mountains in
Sonbhadra district were settled in favour of those who were not Scheduled Tribes. But the bench refused
to entertain the plea for revisiting the settlement of rights after 25 years, saying it was never questioned
earlier and was hence barred by time. "You may be right. There may be malpractices, but we cannot undo
what has been done by your corrupt officials. You allowed such a situation to come up. Your officers must
be hand-in-glove at that time while settling the forest rights. Now we cannot unsettle it," the bench said.
Misra pleaded for withdrawal of the application. The bench dismissed it as withdrawn while giving
permission to the state to proceed in accordance with law to correct the anomalies in settling of forest
rights. The Supreme Court in Banwasi Sewa Ashram judgment had directed the UP government on
November 20, 1986 that land already notified as reserved forest could not be used for settlement of tribal
rights. However, it had said forest officers would demarcate and identify the lands notified under Section 4
of the Forest Act within six weeks from December 1, 1986, and receive claims within three months from
January 15, 1987. It had ordered that area district judge would scrutinize the decisions of the forest
officers and on their approval of the claims, the government would implement these decisions. (Times of
India 20/9/12)
Tribals stage 62 km march to seek forest right papers (6)
Raipur: Members of over 2,000 tribal families trudged through 62 km of forest to demand the
implementation of their 25-point charter of demands, including papers establishing their forest rights, at
the earliest, officials said Sunday. "More than 2,0000 people had reached Kawardha, the Kabirdham
district headquarters Saturday to demand forest rights papers besides raising other problems. After
listening to their grievances, the district administration has sought necessary directives from the state
government to sort out the issues," said Kabirdham District Collector Mukesh Kumar Bansal. About 2,180
tribal and non-tribal families inhabiting 62 villages in 14 panchayats of the Pandariya block have been left
devoid of forest right papers ('Van Adhikar Patta') which give them legal rights on their land falling under
the scheduled forest areas. Angered by the state administration's lethargic attitude towards completing
the distribution of forest rights papers to all eligible families residing in forested areas, the inhabitants of
these villages, belonging mainly to the Baiga tribe, launched a three-day foot march under the banner of
'Jan Van Adhikar Manch' Sep 20. They reached the district headquarters after covering the 62 km
distance Saturday to draw the attention of the state government to their plight. After reaching Kawardha,
the protestors staged demonstrations and also sat on a 'dharna' at Vir Stambh chowk, insisting on
meeting none other than the district collector himself to hand over their memorandum. They refused to
meet the sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) and additional collector R.D. Diwan. They ended their sit-in only
when District Collector Bansal, who was on a field visit, returned within an hour and met them. Kawardha,
located about 100 km west of state capital Raipur, is the home town of Chief Minister Raman Singh.
(IANS) (New Kerala 23/9/12)
Tribals encroach 300 acre of forest land near Patalpani (6)
MHOW: Seeking their right to cultivate on forest land about 400 tribals from the villages of Chordiya, Sind
Baroda and Bhagora villages of Mhow tehsil have moved to encroach and clear forest near Patalpani

waterfall to make it suitable for cultivation from Saturday night. The tribals have encroached about 300
acres of land pleading that as per the provisions of the ST & Others Traditional Forest Dwellers Forest
Rights Act, 2008, meant for the landless tribals living in the vicinity of the forest area. When this
correspondent reached Junapani on Sunday afternoon, a large number of tribals spread in a very large
area of the forest were busy clearing the area felling trees. Talking to TOI, Kalu Singh, a panch in the
Chordiya village panchayat said that the tribals of three villages who don't have any land and are farm
workers working in the farms of big farmers have decided to have land of their own. He said that they are
tribals and have the first right on forest land and as per the Act. Another tribal Lal Singh of Sind Baroda
village that falls under Neuguradiya panchayat, said that the poor tribals are now fed up of ill treatment by
the farm owners and that also for a pittance. "We are determined to have this land at any cost," he said.
Gendalal, also a farm labourer of Chordiya village, said that when the tribals of Manpur, Yashwantnagar,
Mein, Janapao Kuti and many other villages have got their rights over forest land according to the Act,
then why the residents of these three villages are being denied their right. He said that they are
registering their protest by encroaching forest land against the alleged "ignoring of their rights" by the
government. Mhow forest sub-divisional officer, Pradeep Kumar Rawat said that he was out of station and
hence was not aware of any such development. Mhow range officer SS Chohan, said that he too came to
know about it in the afternoon but Sunday being a holiday, he will visit the area on Monday along with his
team and take action against the encroachers. (Times of India 24/9/12)
Landless tribals leave Junapani forest after govt assurance (6)
MHOW: Landless tribals, who protested against their continued neglect by taking over about 300 acres of
forest land in Junapani area near the famous Patalpani waterfall on Saturday night, left the area after
assurance by officials on Monday morning. The tribals had felled large number of trees and cleared about
200 acres forest land to make it conducive for agriculture. About 400 landless tribal men and women of
Chordiya, Sind Baroda and Bhagora villages of Mhow tehsil had been demanding land and ultimately
decided to take over the large tract of forest land. The incident came to the notice of the administration on
Sunday afternoon and at about 6.30 am on Monday, sub-divisional officer (forest) Pradeep Kumar Rawat
along with other officials reached thick forests of Junapani area, about eight kilometers from Mhow tehsil
headquarters. He, along with other officials, tried to persuade the tribals even as police officials were
pressed into service from Kishanganj and Badgond police stations. Indore divisional forest officer (DFO)
Sayeed Khan, forest SDO Abhay Jain, Mhow SDM Avinash Lavaniya, tehsildar Amandeep Singh Hooda
and others also reached the spot. On seeing the officials, the tribals started raising slogans. Before the
situation could turn violent, Khan and Jain were able to convince them about their rights as per the Forest
Rights Act 2006. They were told that according to the Act, tribals are given land only if they had its
possession before 2005. Later, Lavaniya convened a meeting of the tribal villagers at the tribal hostel
near Patalpani station. They raised many issues and Lavaniya assured that the administration would look
into them. The official also made them aware about the MNREGA and other policies of the state and
central government. Following this, the agitation was called off and the tribals returned to their homes.
(Times of India 25/9/12)
Tribals oppose fresh bid to construct Icha dam (6)
JAMSHEDPUR: The state irrigation department's fresh bid to fast track the Subernarekha Multipurpose
Project (SMP) work is being strongly opposed by the tribal community in Saranda forest area of West
Singhbhum district. As in the case of Narmada dam agitators, villagers in Tantnagar block are refusing to
give consent for land acquisition to construct Icha dam in Kuju village. Under these circumstances, the
SMP project work has made little progress. Of the 30 villages identified by the government for conducting
gram sabha meetings - essential for land acquisition under PESA Act - 18 have rejected the project out
right citing occupational and social compulsions. "Fundamentally, Ho religion revolves around the worship
of Mother Nature. Our social and religious conventions and customs do not permit us to part with our
land, let alone the issue of mass displacement," said Adivasi Ho Samaj, convenor, Mukesh Birua.
Addressing a meeting of the tribal people at Pendargadiya village in Tantnagar block, on Monday, Birua
asserted that they would not allow the proposed 225ft dam to come up. He claimed that out of the 50
villages in the block that are most likely to be hit, the government has identified 30 in the first phase for
the gram sabha meetings. The critics say the construction of Icha dam will submerge 123 villages 87 in
Jharkhand and 36 in adjoining Orissa. "Now with the Union government declaring SMP a national project
under Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP) there's apparently a fresh bid to pace up the
construction work," said a protester. The SMP that kick-started in 1978 envisaged the construction of two
dams, one at Chandil across the River Subarnarekha and the other across the River Kharkai at Icha near
Chaibasa, two barrages at Galudih across the Subarnarekha and the other across the Kharkai at Ganjia

in Seraikela and a network of canals from these. The project, a joint venture of Jharkhand, Orissa and
Bengal, aims to cover around 3.6 lakh hectares. Jharkhand will benefit the most as its 2.63 lakh hectares
will be irrigated. It will also generate around 500 MW hydel power. (Times of India 26/9/12)
Tribal people allege harassment by anti-narcotics squad (6)
Mysore: Tribal people living in Billenahosahalli haadi at Neralekuppe village in Hunsur taluk have alleged
that they are being “harassed” by the anti-narcotics squad. In a memorandum submitted to the Deputy
Commissioner here on Wednesday, a copy of which was received here, more than 110 families living in
the haadi alleged that their huts were raided by the squad officials on September 5 and again on
September 22 after midnight. They alleged that the officials threatened them and misbehaved with the
women. When the men objected, they were intimidated by the officials, they complained. They said that
they had been living peacefully in the haadi for more than 80 years without indulging in any anti-social
activities. But they were being humiliated by the squad officials. On September 22, the squad officials
forced their way into several huts to conduct a search, they said. The raids had created a fear psychosis
among them. Such activities could demoralise them and make them go back to the forests after moving to
the forest fringes (Billenahosahalli hadi), they said. They requested the Deputy Commissioner to order an
inquiry and initiate action. They also sought security. (The Hindu 27/9/12)
Hindalco faces Vedanta's mining fate in Odisha (6)
Mumbai: Even when the protest against Vedanta over mining in Niyamgiri was at its peak, Hindalco
Industries quietly carried on with its work in Mali Parbat, just miles away from the Vedanta project. But not
any more. With locals protesting against Hindalco’s move to mine Mali Parbat, the contractor who was
working on making the mine operational has left. All work at the mine has stopped. However, at the Aditya
smelter site, in Lapanga and away from the mine, work is on in full swing and the company hopes to
complete the 359-kilo tonne aluminium smelter and a 900-Mw power plant in 2013. The Utkal alumina
refinery of 1.5 million tonnes in Kansariguda is expected to be completed by March 2013. However, with
the mining of bauxite under a cloud, the fate of the project is hanging by a thread. Vedanta, in the same
region, has already faced the ire of locals and NGOs. The Union environment ministry has cancelled its
mining licence and the company relies on bauxite from Gujarat and Chhattisgarh. Owing to the nonavailability
of captive bauxite, Vedanta has been posting losses quarter after quarter. It has decided to
shut the refinery. The locals are upset with Hindalco’s bauxite mining plans in Mali Parbat, saying it will
make the water in the area disappear and jeopardise the livelihood of tribal people in the region. Hindalco
refused to comment on issues with the locals in Odisha. While Vedanta stayed in the limelight, Hindalco
continued its work, though the local people protested against its mining activities from 1996. While in
Vedanta’s case it was the Lado Sikaka spearheading the movement, in Hindalco’s it has been Prakrutik
Sampad Surakshya Parishad. In Vedanta’s case, the problem arose as the Niyamgiri Hills were a subject
of worship for the Dongria Kondh tribals, who protested against the exploitation of their sacred hill. In Mali
Parbat, Hindalco is being accused of jeopardising the agricultural livelihood of local people. Both
companies wanted to set up aluminium refineries and smelter and mine bauxite. (Business Standard
1/10/12)
Non-payment of MNREGS wages: Tribals to protest (6)
Bhopal: About 3,000 tribal women and children would gather at the Barwani district headquarters on
December 3 to demand payment of wages under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment
Guarantee Scheme (MNREGS) that are allegedly pending since last several months. The women and
children, to be supported by men from different tribal settlements in the district, would be demanding that
either they be paid the due wages or put in jails. The demonstration would be held under the aegis of
Jagrit Adiwasi Dalit Sangathan (JADS). "Without wages, our families are on the verge of starvation. But
we do not want to die silently in our villages. If we have to die, we would die struggling for our demands
and before the eyes of the administration," Bilati Bai, a member of the sangathan said at a press
conference on Sunday. Bilati Bai, Duna Bai, Nasri Bai, Wal Singh and Har Singh -- all members of the
organisation -- charged that they have not been paid the wage since last seven to eight months and in
some cases, wages from work done during the last financial year were also pending. They also said that
when they checked the online expenditure details of the MNREGS, they found huge irregularities
including expenditure on works never undertaken, false expenditure on material cost, change in details of
worksites and others. In a single panchayat (Limbi), the false expenditure was found to be to the tune of
Rs. 50.46 lakh. "This is while the pending wages for the workers in the Panchayat is merely Rs. 17 lakh,"
Wal Singh of Limbi charged. "The administration is saying that they can't make payments because the
state hasn't received funds from the Union government. The funds have been blocked because of the

failure of the government to submit the accounts and social audit records. We are asking why should the
poor workers suffer for lapses on the part of government?" Madhuri of the JADS said. She said that the
tribal families would be fighting to the end to get their dues. (Hindustan Times 1/10/12)
‘Adivasis most civilised people’(6)
HYDERABAD: Renowned writer and social activist Mahasweta Devi termed Adivasis as “the most
civilised people” to whom Indian forests, rivers and mountains owe their survival. She praised their
egalitarian social structure where nobody is greater than anybody, and where social evils such as dowry
do not exist. Addressing students at the University of Hyderabad here on Monday, she attributed
whatever natural balance left to survive in India to the presence of Adivasis. Referring to the Telangana
struggle, she said she has always been a great supporter of people’s movements. Though belonging to
Bengal, she has already read all works about Telangana struggle that have been published in English so
far. She also reminisced her days in Shantinikethan, and how she embarked on her first work ‘Jhansir
Rani’. (The Hindu 2/10/12)
'Jan satyagraha': 50,000 people to march to Delhi (6)
Gwalior: At least 50,000 landless people from at least 25 states are expected to begin a march 350
kilometeres from Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh to New Delhi. Under the banner of Ekta Parishad, a nonviolent
social movement working on land and forest rights, the marchers representing different rural
communities, especially tribal, landless and small farmers. They hope to highlight the issue about land
being a key asset in development and poverty reduction, and that high levels of landlessness and
deprivation need to be reduced for achieving positive national and global development. In effect, land and
livelihood rights are instrumental to all people’s freedom. Ekta Parishad hopes to put pressure directly on
the central government which they feel is resisting reform and structural change. The structural change
that the Parishad is calling for is a complete land redistribution to enable the marginalized and
downtrodden, to get out of poverty. The Centre had appointed the Union Rural Development Minister
Jairam Ramesh and Minister of State for Industry and Commerce Jyotiraditya Scindia to hold talks with
the activists led by Ekta Parishad chairman P V Rajagopal on the issue. After the discussion with the
ministers, yesterday, Rajagopal clarified that they would still go ahead with the planned march to Delhi as
no concrete assurances were given to them on the issue. He alleged that an attempt was made by the
government to weaken their agitation by offering small concessions. However, Ramesh said that he had
invited the agitators to New Delhi on October 11 to hold further talks with him on all the issues raised by
them. "We have assured the protestors that the government will consider all their demands
sympathetically and try to fulfill them in totality," the minister said. He also said that in the next six months,
he would discuss the matter with the state governments and the agitators to find out an amicable solution
to the problems. The minister also agreed with the agitators' demand of setting up fast-track courts for
settling land-related disputes and added that he would discuss the issue with the states on priority.
Ramesh also assured them that on October 11, the government would try to come out with a proper
strategy and take a decision on implementing it. Rajagopal said that even though he would not be able to
attend the meeting on October 11, other representatives of the organisation would do so. "Nearly 50,000
people will take part in the march and the number would cross one lakh by the time the protestors reach
the national capital," Rajagopal claimed. He claimed that besides people from several states in India,
those from nearly 13 countries including Germany, Switzerland, Nepal, France, Canada, Finland,
Nicaragua, Nigeria, Russia, USA, Sri Lanka, Senegal and Columbia are also taking part in the march, he
said. Rajagopal, who met the Prime Minister last week, had said yesterday that Singh had agreed to the
demand that poor be given access to land and the fundamental issue of Right to Shelter should be
addressed. (Zee News 3/10/12)
Tribal workers refuse to budge; Administration acts tough (6)
BARWANI: The face-off between tribal workers protesting non-payment of wages under the Mahatma
Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act ( MGNREGA) and district administration of Barwani
continued for second day on Thursday, here about 120 km from Indore. The district administration and
police did not allow the protest rally of more than 3000 workers mostly women to proceed beyond Mandi
Market, situated on the outskirts of Barwani town stating law and order reason. Women raised slogans
'Kaam kiya hai paisa chahiye. Paisa nahi to jail do. (We want payment for our work. If not wages, then put
us behind the bars).' Tribals have been protesting for last two days for their payment of MGNERGA work
refused to budge under the police pressure and insisted on 'rally or arrest.'Bilayati Bai of Jagruti Adivasi
Dalit Sangathan (JADS) said, "We are not beggers. We are asking for payment of our due wages. We
have worked for months and now we want our payment." "I am ready to face any action to get my

payment. We cannot go back empty-handed from here. Children at home are hungry but from would we
bring food for them," she asked, adding that it's better to face police action then the hungry faces of their
children. Bilayti Bai and thousands of other workers have not been paid for their work for several months.
CEO of zilla panchayat of Barwani, Ajay Gupta, who looks after the MGNERGA works, admitted that as
per the rough estimates, nearly Rs 5 crore of MGNERGA payments was pending in the district. "I have
asked the staff concerned to prepare a report of pending payments of approved works and it will be sent
to the state government. As soon as we get the funds from state government, pending payments will be
made," said Gupta. Principal Secretary of rural development department of Madhya Pradesh, Aruna
Sharma told TOI over phone that a team from department had been sent to investigate the matter and
they will release the fund as soon as they receive the report. Not impressed with the assurances, Madhuri
of JADS said that 15,332 manhour weeks of works have not been paid in just four blocks of the district.
"Pending payment of MGNERA is nearly Rs 2 crore in just four blocks. I don't know on what basis they
prepared the estimate of Rs 5 crore of pending payment for entire district. People are not being paid for
their works for several months. Now tribals are forced to protest that too for their wages," said Madhuri
adding that administration is not even allowing them to take out rally to press for their demand. SDM of
Barwani, Santosh Verma, who was on the protest site entire day said, "We cannot allow them (protesting
tribals) to enter inside the city as they create nuisance and people of the city can attack them. We are
stopping protestors for their safety." Avinash Pandey of Asian Human Right Commission, who was at the
spot to monitor the protest, said that on Wednesday, he was assaulted by the supporters of local MLA
Presmsingh Patel. (Times of India 5/10/12)
Complaints against rebel atrocities on the rise (6)
LATEHAR: Earlier, if you registered a complaint against Maoists, you had to pay the price! This is not so
any longer. In rural Jharkhand, tribals in Maoist-affected areas are coming out in large numbers to file
complaints now. In Latehar district, in villages, including Garu, Mahuadanr and Netarhat, people want
justice and are registering police complaints against the rebels in large numbers. "People were scared of
Maoists and were hesitant to file a police complaint. But, now we have police support and other security
support which has strengthened our faith in the policing system. This is why people are going to the police
stations without any hesitation to register complaints," Suraj Dev Gupta, a villager, said. In Jharkhand and
other affected states, the Maoists often kill people as they suspect them of being police informers. The
people, afraid of harassment, were hesitant to visit the police stations. "We have developed faith among
the people and they are coming to us without any fear to file complaints about the atrocities committed
against them by the Maoists. We do act immediately on their complaint," Chandan Kumar Singh, officer
in-charge of Netarhat police station. Agencies (Times of India 6/10/12)
CM addresses tribal agitators from the US (6)
BHOPAL: Landless tribal agitators who are marching to New Delhi under the banner of Ekta Parishad
received a phone call from Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Friday morning.
Chouhan, who is at present in the United States on an official visit, addressed the 50,000 protestors
speaking from his mobile phone. The chief minister said that his government was sympathetic towards
the issue of landless tribals and has taken a number of steps for the welfare of the community. He also
claimed that the state would support the demand for land reforms for tribals and the Centre should take
the issue seriously. Chouhan addressed the Jan Satyagraha agitators at Jaderua village in Morena
district. He further said that that his government would restart distributing land 'pattas' to landless tribals.
He claimed the state government has already made sincere efforts for the education of tribals children
giving them scholarships and hostel facilities. Lakhs of petty cases registered and pending against tribals
will be withdrawn by the state, the chief minister promised. Chouhan sent BJP national general secretary
and MP from Morena, Narendra Singh Tomar, to meet the protestors on the Agra-Bombay national
highway. Addressing the large gathering of demonstrators, Tomar said: "In 2007, the UPA-Centre
constituted a committee of ministers to look into tribal affairs. Five years have passed and not a single
meeting has been held by the committee. The UPA-Centre is obviously not as interested in tribal welfare
as it is in foreign direct investment.''Tomar maintained that the Madhya Pradesh BJP government has
always been responsive towards tribals. As much as 23% of the state budget is allocated for tribals, he
added. Ekta Parishad convener PV Rajagopal was present during the chief minister and Tomar's
address. The march continued on the Agra-Bombay national highway from Morena district headquarters
towards the Rajasthan border. In the evening, the procession halted at Chambalpura Rajghat on the
border of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan after covering a distance of 13 km through the day. On
Saturday, the march continues through Rajasthan. (Times of India 6/10/12)

Govt asks India Inc to adopt Dalit districts (6)
New Delhi: The government has requested industry chambers such as CII, Ficci and Assocham to adopt
27 districts with high Dalit and tribal populations - 47 % or above as per the 2011 census. The idea is to
help these marginal groups, economically and socially, through skill development for gainful employment.
With Lok Sabha polls less than two years away - and many key states going to polls during the next year -
the move is being seen as part of a Dalit and tribal outreach programme by the UPA to sustain its
electoral base. The move is modelled on Ficci's adoption of Sonabhadra district in UP, which has 47 %
population of SC/STs The suggestions were given during a meeting of the representatives from the
central government and the top industry bodies at the Prime Minister's Office on Monday to assess
affirmative action in favour of marginal groups and deliberate on the way forward. The affirmative action
drive has been in cold storage for some years and the latest meet seems to be a bid to revive the effort.
However, private sector reservation - a key demand of Dalit groups - hasn't been mentioned, with
affirmative action - or voluntary facilitation of employment avenues for marginal groups - being the new
mantra. (Hindustan Times 8/10/12)
MP tribals' march: Contingent crosses Dholpur in Rajasthan (6)
Bhopal: Tens of thousands of landless labourers, peasants and tribals, who set off from Gwalior on
October 3 for Delhi, crossed Dholpur in Rajasthan on Monday. The contingent is marching to the national
capital to press for their demands of land and employment opportunities.This is the biggest march by
landless poor in recent times. The contingent plans to cover the entire 350 km stretch from Gwalior to
Delhi by the end of this month. The protesters say that they have been invited by the Centre for talks to
find a solution to their problems. The tribals started the march under the umbrella of a Gandhian
organisation, Ekta Parishad, after their talks with Union government's representatives, including Rural
Development Minister Jairam Ramesh and Minister of State for Industry and Commerce, failed. The
organisation had threatened to stage a march on October 2 to highlight their problems, following which
some Cabinet ministers had been deputed to mollify the group at Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh. Ramesh,
Scindia, Social Justice Minister Mukul Wasnik and Panchayati Raj Minister Kishore Chandra Deo met the
tribals led by activist PV Rajagopal but failed to pacify them or arrive at an agreement. Ekta Parishad, a
people's movement headed by Rajagopal, had announced that people, representing different rural
communities, especially tribal, landless and small farmers, "will walk in formation together 350 km from
Gwalior to New Delhi". Rajagopal said the Jan Satyagraha 2012 march campaign is a non-violent walk.
"The people will raise the issue about land being a key asset in development and poverty reduction, and
that high levels of landlessness and deprivation need to be reduced for achieving positive national and
global development. In effect, land and livelihood rights are instrumental to all people's freedom," the
organisation said. Rajagopal, who also met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, said Singh had agreed to
the demand that poor be given the access to land and the fundamental issue of Right to Shelter should be
addressed. "Prime Minister has assured me that his government would come up with a land reform policy
in six months. He has also agreed to make long standing demand for Right to Shelter a fundamental
right," Rajagopal, who is a member of the Prime Minister-chaired National Council for Land Reforms, said.
The Prime Minister has also agreed to another demand that a land pool should be created in which
government lands and Bhoodan land recovered from powerful will be kept for distributing to landless poor,
he said. (CNN-IBN 8/10/12)
Tribal lands verified in 44 villages (6)
GUNTUR: In a move to provide rights over land, the district level coordination committee on tribal welfare
has cleared about 60 disputes in favour of tribals living in 15 villages in the district. In a bid to provide
rights over land, the committee, headed by district collector S Suresh Kumar took up a thorough
verification of land records in about 44 villages where the land related issues were pending for a long
time. After two hours of thorough check on Monday, the committee decided to provide complete rights of
the lands to the tribals as they found that these lands were being cultivated by the local tribals for long. It
was also decided to conduct re-verification of records in four villages before clearing the title deed in
tribals' favour. He asked the tribal welfare officer and forest department officials to bring detailed satellite
images of 12 villages abutting the forest to verify the villages' boundaries of the villages before giving the
tilling rights. He said and take a final call. on providing title deed would be taken after going through the
satellite maps. (Times of India 9/10/12)
Left rally backs tribal rights (6)
RANCHI: At a time when thousands of silent protesters from Gwalior are heading for New Delhi to claim
people's right over land, forest and water, the Left parties tried to stoke similar public sentiment here on

Wednesday by organizing a mass rally. Addressing a gathering at the Morhabadi grounds, former
national general secretary of the CPI A B Bardhan said people in the country as well as state experienced
rule of different political parties and suffered because of their economic policies. "People are being
pushed to the margin because of inflation and increasing cost of living whereas big corporates are
enjoying every facility under the governments," he said. Claiming that Left policies are gradually gaining
ground, Bardhan said decisions like FDI in retail and insurance sector would push the country further into
debt and dependability on western economy. "Under pressure of the World Bank, the government is
opening up the country's boundaries for economic exploitation whereas the state's rich mineral reserves
are being exploited by the domestic industries," he said. CPI leader Atul Anjan criticized the BJP and the
Congress-led governments in the state blaming them for underdevelopment. "No trace of development
could be seen in the areas that have contributed maximum to the national growth in form of minerals and
coal that they supply," Anjan said calling upon the people to embrace the Left ideologies so that such
government could recognize the right of people over land forest and water resources. Leaders of the
Marxist Coordination Committee and the Jharkhand Dishom Party raised the issues of forced
displacement and migration of labourers in search of jobs. The left leaders and JDP expressed concern
over tribal land being forcibly acquired by government for private companies in the name of development.
"Instead of enforcing provisions of Chotanagpur Tenancy Act to protect tribal interests, the government is
helping the private parties and corporate gain control over land using police support," JDP leader Salkhan
Murmu said. (Times of India 12/10/12)
'1.1 million hectares of forest under threat from 13 coal fields' (6)
New Delhi: Amid reports that the Mahan coal block in Madhya Pradesh may get forest clearance soon,
green NGOs today came up with a new report highlighting a catalogue of environmental damage and
human rights violations of tribals and other forest dwellers in Singrauli forests. A joint study conducted by
Kalpavriksh, an environmental research and campaign organisation, and Greenpeace claim that the scale
of destruction of forests is "unprecedented" as an estimated 1.1 million hectares are under threat in the
Central Indian region from just 13 coal fields. "If the Indian government implements its expansion
programme then over 14,000 tribal people will lose their traditional homes and way of life in just one coal
block of Mahan alone," says the report released at Hyderabad, venue of the world's largest conference on
biodiversity. The 27-page report also called for a moratorium on coal mining, highlighting the violations of
constitutional rights of forest communities. "There should be a moratorium on all new mining in forest
areas until coal availability in other areas and alternative energy solutions are assessed. Destruction of
further forest areas should not be allowed when ecologically and socially more acceptable alternatives
exist," the report says. It urges the state governments to ensure that the recognition of forest rights is first
carried out under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest
Rights) Act 2006 (FRA), for the entire area proposed for diversion. "This must especially include
community forest rights. No forest land should be diverted under the Forest (Conservation) Act without
first complying with the FRA," it says. "Forest areas that are important for local communities, their role in
water recharge and security, their biodiversity values, and other such crucial values, must be declared
permanently off-limits to mining," the report says. The NGOs said that it took over sixteen months to
compile the report, which is the first-of-its kind to speak about such a large section of communities
affected by coal mining. (Deccan Herald 15/10/12)
Allow uniform land use to curb tribal uprising in Odisha (6)
Despite tall claims of the Naveen Patnaik- led BJD Government of having provided 44 lakh acres of forest
land to tribal families under Scheduled Tribe and Other Tradition Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest
Rights) Act, 2006, Maoist violence in Odisha continues unabated. The Scheduled Tribe and Other
Tradition Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 is a landmark legislation which gives a
new hope to millions of tribals who have been living in forests for generations. For the first time, the Act
seeks to recognize and regularize the pre-existing rights of tribals living in the scheduled areas. The
Governors of the Fifth Scheduled States may ensure speedy implementation of the Forest Rights Act
through their respective State Governments as this would reduce a lot of tension arising out of land
related issues in these areas. Under the provisions of para-3 of the Fifth Schedule, the Governors of
scheduled areas States are expected to make an assessment of the administration and send an annual
report to the President of India. The reports should also deal with the observations made by the Tribal
Advisory Council (TAC) of the State and indicate steps taken with respect to the recommendation of the
TAC. As per the records available with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, the Governor’s report of the
administration of the scheduled areas for the year 2009-10 is yet to come from some States. It is urged
that the Governors should send this annual report in a timely manner as this would help the Ministry to

evaluate the progress that has taken place in the scheduled areas. Land alienation has been the most
contentious issue as far as the tribal areas are concerned. At least 40 per cent lands in scheduled areas
are not in the hands of tribals. More than 74,000 cases have been filed between 1959 and 2004. The
Government has already decided to withdraw at least 14,000 cases. All it needs is a comprehensive
legislation and enactment of a uniform land use policy, which can take care of need for land for genuine
public purpose. Besides these, there should be steps to curb illegal land transfer from tribals to non tribals
and illegal encroachments besides formation of a land reform policy for distributive justice. The
Constitutional provisions related to tribals, incorporated, even though half-heartedly both by the British
and the independent India due to wide spread revolt and resistance raised by tribals, such as Articles
19(5), 275 (1), 5th and 6th schedule, PESA,FRA and various policy proclamations including rescheduling
of schedule areas, Excise policy, 74th amendment (extension to schedule areas), MFP, etc are so
powerful as to be antithetical to the very basic tenets of neo-liberal policies…. (Pioneer 16/10/12)
Centre for rehabilitating tribals living near tiger reserves (6)
New Delhi: After laying down rules for regulating tourism in critical tiger habitats, the Centre has now
suggested a rehabilitation programme for tribals living around them to save the endangered animal from
traditional hunting. "There is an urgent need to launch a rehabilitation and development programme for
denotified tribes and tribes involved in traditional hunting, living around tiger reserves and tiger corridors,"
say the fresh guidelines on tiger conservation notified by the Centre. According to the Environment
Ministry, the denotified tribes and communities like Behelias, Ambalgars, Badaks, Mongias, Bavariyas,
Monglias, Pardhi, Boyas, Kaikads, Karwal Nat, Nirshikaris, Picharis, Valayaras, Yenadis, Chakma, Mizo,
Bru, Solung and Nyishi are involved in traditional hunting of wild animals. "While this list is not exhaustive,
around 5,000 such families are required to be taken up under a welfare programme (forming part of
National Tiger Conservation Authority initiatives) during the (12th) Plan period," it says. The Guideline
underlines that the rehabilitation and welfare package should be evolved in a site specific, consultative
manner with livelihood options. The livelihood options include wages for such people towards their
deployment in foot patrolling for protecting wildlife, providing agricultural land with irrigation, basic health
care, housing and related community welfare inputs and basic education facilities. Last week, the
Supreme Court had allowed the Centre to notify within a week its fresh guidelines on tiger conservation
and indicated that it may modify its July 24 order staying all tourism activities in the reserved areas across
the country. A bench of justices A K Patnaik and Swatanter Kumar, had however, made it clear that the
states, if aggrieved by the guidelines, are free to challenge it before the court. (Deccan Herald 16/10/12)
MP: Tribals say they're ready to cover any distance to remove landless (6)
Khatipura: Madhya Pradesh's unemployed tribals have been demanding land from the government for
basic sustenance. CNN-IBN travelled to the Khatipura village for a ground report. Mansoor Ali, a Bheel
tribal, lives in a hut on the outskirts of Khatipura, a village under the Budhni assembly segment which is
represented by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan. For over three decades, Mansoor
Ali along with 80 other families survived on forest produce and made a livelihood from farming. In 2008,
they were assured land rights following a notification of the Forest Rights Act. But in 2009, their world
turned upside down. The forest department forcibly evicted them. "We were doing farming for the past 35
five years in Bheroo Palan and then in 2008 the law came that tribals would be given land. Surveys were
conducted. We applied for land and then suddenly in 2009 they came and destroyed our crops," Mansoor
Ali said. Following their ouster, these tribals have settled on the outskirts of Khatipura, just 20 kilometre
from the Chief Minister's village. With no land to till and 500 mouths to feed everyday, these tribal farmers,
both men and women, are forced to work as daily wagers. Government officials claim the tribals refuse to
make job cards to avail of benefits under National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme. But the tribals
tell a different story. One of the tribals Maddo Singh said, "Only two or three of us have job cards. They
don't make our job cards. They ask where do you stay, where do you come from, who are your parents
etc. We do not know where we have come from and we don't have any address to give them." At least
one member from each of these Bheel families participated in the recently organised Jan Satyagraha, to
demand land rights. The march ended with Union Minister Jairam Ramesh's intervention in Agra. The
only hope for these landless Bheel tribals is that the government this time keeps its promise of providing
agricultural land and residential plots to them. And if it does not, they are ready to march to Delhi. In fact
they are ready to march any distance to remove the landless tag that is attached to their names. (CNN
IBN 18/10/12)
Three tribal women, minor gangraped in Gujarat (6)
Ahmedabad: Three tribal women and a minor working at a construction site of Narmada canal were

allegedly gangraped late Thursday night by about seven unidentified men in Viramgam area, about an
hour’s drive from Ahmedabad city. According to police, four families, originally from Garbada in Dahod
district, were sleeping in their temporary tents near the construction site located about one-km from
Hansalpur village. Between 11 pm and 12 pm six to seven unidentified men reportedly woke them up and
said the village priest had been robbed and they were responsible for it. “The assailants asked them to
come out of their tent and later separated men and women members of the families. There are six men
and seven women in the four families. The accused held the men and children hostage and threatened to
kill them if they made any move,” police said. Police said the assailants raped four women one by one
including a 17-year-old about 100 to 200 metres from their tents. The accused also looted Rs 30,000 in
cash and silver jewellery worth Rs 20,000 from them. According to Superintendent of Police Gagandeep
Gambhir, the real motive of offenders was to rob the victims. These families had received the cash as
wages a couple of days ago for the some work that they did in Sanand area. She said the police got
various clues about the offenders who would be arrested very soon. She also said that the incident seems
to be connected with the Sanand incident. In July 2011 in Sanand, two women, who were working near
Chekhla village at a construction site, had been raped and robbed in similar fashion. (Indian Express
20/10/12)
Santhal tribals pay tribute to ancestral deity (6)
SINDRI: While the entire nation is busy celebrating Navaratra and worshipping Durga, the goddess of
power, Santhal tribes organized a Dasai Naach competition in honour of their ancestral deity, Hudur
Durga, at Baliapur High School ground here on Sunday. Santhal males dressed in neatly draped sari and
dancing to the tune of Mandar (drum) invoking their deity presented a glimpse of rich tribal cultural
heritage. Talking to newspersons, Sameer Murmu, the president of the Sonot Santhal Samaj, which
organized the competition, said that Santhal tribes believe that their kul guru Hudur Durga went missing
during a fight between the Aryas and Anarya. As per their belief, Hudur was so brave and skilled a warrior
that no body could defeat him. Having known his powers, the enemies sent a beautiful woman named
Durga to capture him who attracted him by her beauty and confined him at an undisclosed location.
"Dasai Naach is a dance form in which tribal warriors enter the enemy areas in the guise of women and
sing songs to send signals to the kulguru that they have arrived in search of him and they also request the
deity to send signals about his whereabouts if he could listen to them so that he could be freed from the
clutches of the enemy. Every dance troupe comprising of tribal warriors in disguise of women has a
responsibility to visit 18 Ganda (an old form of counting- one ganda means four) small forest areas and 16
ganda houses in a particular area," said Murmu. Dasai Naach begins on the Shashthi or sixth day of
Navaratra and continues till Dashami. Having failed to locate their kulguru, the tribal warriors on Vijaya
Dashami, bow their heads before Durga and seek her blessings About 18 teams from different tribal
villages of the area participated in the competition. Besides, Sameer Murmu, Anil Kisku, Suraj Soren,
Nunulal Tudu, Ravishwar Marandi were prominent among the organizers. Bengu Thakur of Bangla
Bhasha Unnyan Samittee gave away the prizes. (Times of India 22/10/12)
Tribals protest dam construction in Dindori (6)
BHOPAL: Hundreds of tribals in Dindori came out in protest after the state government started the
construction work of a dam in Shahpura block on Saturday. Agitating tribals claimed that the state was
going ahead with the construction of the Bhilgaon Dam even though a plea has been filed in the MP high
court. "The area has been sealed by the police and we are being restricted from going to our villages,''
leader of the agitation Antar Singh Paraste told reporters. Residents of the area took the matter to the
high court earlier this year arguing that all local villages coming under the submergence area of the dam
had passed a resolution against the construction of the dam. They also claimed the construction would be
illegal and against the existing laws rendering tribals of the area homeless. The medium-sized dam would
require nearly 650 hectares of land and many tribal villages would be in the submergence area. In April,
the state government too filed its reply before the MP high court. Affected tribal families said that the state
government had informed the court that construction work would not be started till all affected families
were rehabilitated. The matter will come up for hearing again on October 29. Antar Singh Paraste
explained that the state government had sworn before the high court that all settlements of the displaced
families would be completed before the construction work began. "Far from completing the settlements,
the government has even ignored its own admissions before the high court. The state has started
construction of the dam even before the HC is hearing our plea,'' Paraste said. As tribals staged their
protest, the Gondwana Gantantra Party (GGP) came out in support of the demonstrators. The party
threatened to join hands with the affected people and launch a prolonged agitation against the BJP
government for trying to eradicate tribals and expel them from their land. The party demanded immediate

stalling of the construction work. GGP general secretary Aman Singh Porte said, land acquisition had
been done illegally and against the rules by the state. He explained that the legal formalities have been
overlooked and construction was started forcefully by the district administration banning the entrance of
villagers. The district administration, however, justified that compensation packages have been offered at
seven times the usual amount. The state government also denied that tribals were being debarred from
entering their villages. Far from completing the settlements, the government has even ignored its own
admissions before the high court. (Times of India 22/10/12)
One lakh tribal families to benefit from horticulture schems (6)
VISAKHAPATNAM: The Andhra Pradesh Scheduled Tribes Cooperative Finance Corporation (TRICOR),
in cooperation with the Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA), is in the process of identifying
beneficiaries under a horticulture scheme aimed at reaching out to one lakh tribal families. The
programme launched under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS) in 2012-13 is
meant to benefit these tribal families in a two-year time frame. Depending on the necessity programme
implementation will be stretched to 2015-16 year to realise the target of covering the one lakh families. Of
the total two lakh tribal families one lakh families are already raising horticulture plantations on their lands.
Each family should raise coffee, cashew, mango and silver oak on an hectare of land and eke out
permanent livelihood. The Department of Tribal Welfare will give 100 per cent subsidy on the loan
component. The beneficiaries can develop their own farmlands using the NREGS component of wages
for farm labour for three years. Under the scheme the beneficiaries are eligible for payment of three-year
maintenance costs. The beneficiaries are supplied plant materiel, grafts and organic manure making the
total scheme 100 per cent financed by the government. In the first year a maintenance of Rs.20,000 will
be given followed by Rs 7,000 and Rs.8000 for second and third years . Horticulture Officer
Ramanjaneyulu told The Hindu that in 2012-13 cashew would be planted on 1,500 acres, coffee on 7,000
acres, and silver oak on 20,000 acres. Farmers would also go in for inter-crops, including vegetables,
turmeric, and pepper, for earning regular income as the above mentioned plantations have a gestation
period of 3-4 years. The target fixed up to 2015-16 year based on feasibility studies includes coffee
plantation on 27,209 acres benefiting 25,357 farmers, silver oak on 34,124 acres benefiting 35,455
farmers, mango on 23,758 acres benefiting 22,948 farmers, cashew on 4,289 acres benefiting 4,846
farmers, and other horticulture crops on 4,117 acres benefiting 4,846 farmers. A survey had been
conducted in the Paderu agency area at the mandal level in all the 11 Agency mandals by agriculture and
horticulture officers to identify beneficiaries and their socio-economic conditions. (The Hindu 24/10/12)
Keonjhar tribals up in arms over mining plans in Khandadhar (6)
KEONJHAR: Fear of displacement stalks tribals inhabiting Banspal block of Keonjhar district abutting the
beautiful Khandadhar waterfall with hundreds of companies, including South Korean steel behemoth
Posco, applying for lease to mine the Khandadhar hill. A Niyamgiri-type agitation (against Vedanta in
Lanjigarh) is already on in the area. Sources said only two mines, owned by Odisha Mining Corporation
(OMC), are operating in Malangtoli region near the hill as of now. Posco has applied for mining lease (ML)
over an area close to the waterfall. The hill is about 65 km from Keonjhar. On the opposite side of the hill
there is another waterfall by the same name in Banei sub-division of Sundergarh district, where too tribals
are protesting against the proposed mining activities. According to the information obtained from mining
department through an RTI query, about 219 prospecting licence (PL) applications are pending with it.
Companies and individuals have applied for lease over 1,31,406.8881 hectare of land in 52 villages.
Similarly, about 237 ML applications on 1,43,895.2357 hectare are pending with the department.
According to the department, no ML has been granted to any company as yet. "Only eight companies
have been granted PL in the vicinity of Khandadhar hill,'' said Keonjhar mining officer D K Parija.
Surrounded by dense forests, the area is known as the 'rice bowl' of tribals, mostly Bhuyans, as they
depend on it for their livelihood. They have united under the banners of Khandadhara Surakshya Mancha
and Lok Sangathan and have been fighting to save the forest and their livelihood. "We depend on the
forest for our livelihood for over six months a year. Medicinal plants, streams, wildlife, a temple and the
beautiful waterfall will be destroyed if mining is allowed here," said Radhakant Dehury, a Bhuyan tribal of
Kadakala area. Mining will not only lead to heavy pollution but also damage the Shiva temple, worshipped
by thousands of locals, he said. (Times of India 30/10/12)
Misconstruing order, Chhattisgarh tribals denied sterilisation for three decades (6)
New Delhi: A three decades-old official order, issued for restricting targeted sterilisation of the primitive
tribal groups (PTGs) in Chhattisgarh to check their dwindling numbers, appears all set for a re-look. This
follows a Planning Commission directive to the State government to issue clarificationsto ensure that

desirous PTGs will not be denied sterilisation facilities. “It appears that the order has been construed as a
blanket restriction on the PTGs, thereby denying them the facility,” Planning Commission Secretary
Sindhushree Khullar has written to the government, following a representation by health activists. The
order was issued on December 13, 1979 by the undivided Madhya Pradesh government during the time
when targets were set to achieve population control. However, an exemption was made for 26 blocks,
which had a high population of PTGs, now re-named Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), as
the infant mortality rate was very high in the tribal areas and their numbers were fast decreasing. These
groups are Behor, Pahari Korvas, Abhujmadias, Kamar and Baiga. While the order said an exception
should be made for tribal communities whose population was either stagnant or was decreasing and that
they should have access to other contraceptives if they required, it was construed as a total ban on
sterilisations for these groups and has been implemented as such since then. The order, nevertheless,
said if anyone insisted on undergoing sterilisation, he/she should be provided the services upon
permission from the Block Development Officer. “The State government shall take a call if we have
evidence that the reason for which the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups are sought to be protected
through the ban on irreversible interventions — namely decline in population — is no more valid,”
Chhattisgarh Chief Secretary Sunil Kumar told The Hindu. “In any case, to the best of my knowledge
there is no ban on practice of other methods like the use of contraceptives, if the PVTGs so choose to
space births.” However, Sulakshana Nandi of the Public Health Resource Network, which took up the
issue as a violation of women’s reproductive rights, said studies showed that the fertility rates of these
groups were the same and even higher than the rest of the population. But, their mortality rates were
several times more than others. “So, instead of trying to decrease the number of deaths in these
communities, the government chose to make them have more children. So now the PTGs, along with
dealing with the destruction of their traditional livelihoods, poverty and lack of access to services, have to
struggle with large families which have been forced on them,” she explained.Ms. Nandi said there was
evidence to show that instead of getting permission from the government officials, they simply changed
their names and went to a different block to get the procedure done. The availability of contraceptives and
awareness of spacing methods like IUDs were also very low, particularly among women. (The Hindu
31/10/12)
Maoist sympathiser accuses Odisha Govt. for harassing tribals (6)
Guntur: Maoist sympathizer Dandapani Mohanty on Thursday accused the Odisha Government of
harassing innocent tribals for allegedly associating with various Maoist organizations. Interacting with
reporters at Bodapadu village in Andhra Pradesh's Guntur district, Mohanty said that post the abduction
cases of a legislator and Italian nationals, police have been unnecessarily questioning innocent locals.
"Since the case of abduction of Jhina Hikaka, a legislator in Odisha, who was later released by Maoists
Jhina Hikaka came into light, the police and state authorities had promised certain things to both the
people and rebels, however it has failed to fulfill those. After the hostage crisis of another Italian national
ended, state authorities resorted to attacking the common man and carry out various combing operations.
They are trying to oppress the people and stall the fight by tribals to safeguard their interests and fight for
their rights," said Mohanty. In March, a group of Maoists kidnapped Jhina Hikaka, a state legislator,
adding to the tension. Earlier in April, Maoist rebels freed an Italian tour guide, Paolo Bosusco almost a
month after kidnapping him in a remote part of Odisha in what was believed to be the first seizure of a
foreigner by the leftist guerrillas. Also known as Naxals, the rebels have fought for decades in a swathe of
central and eastern India, including many resource-rich regions, where tension runs high between poor
farmers and industrial developers. He added that tribals would continue to suffer if the provincial and
federal governments continue their atrocities. "I also think that the federal and provincial government is
expected to increase the torture on the tribals with time. Former secretary of the Odisha unit of the
outlawed CPI-Maoist, Sabyasachi Panda, had declared ceasefire in the Italian abduction case earlier this
year but the government did not listen to him at the appropriate time. Each day innocent tribals are being
doubted and they are suffering due to this," said Mohanty. In the last few years, the rebels have stepped
up their efforts against the government as well as the locals, after various locals complained that Maoist
activities such as killings and abductions increased considerably in the area. Maoists have also
significantly increased their presence in tribal and rural regions in the states of Chhattisgarh, Bihar,
Jharkhand, West Bengal and Odisha. The Maoists say they are fighting for the rights of millions of
landless people. The government calls them India's main internal security threat and an obstacle to higher
growth and more jobs in Asia's third-largest economy. Hundreds die annually in the conflict, although
levels of violence have fallen in recent years. (New Kerala 2/11/12)
Tribals step up demand for central university (6)

GUMLA: Setting up a central university, the dream of former MP and union minister, Kartik Oraon is set to
become a reality soon, said chief minister Arjun Munda while addressing a tribal congregation on the
banks of river Sankh in Raidih block of the district on Wednesday. Tribal leaders from Bihar, Chhatisgarh,
MP, and Orissa also attended the historic gathering organized by Vishwaviddhyalaya Nirman Samiti(VNS)
to step up the demand for a central university. Political leaders from across party lines, including
Congress, BJP and others also participated in the meet presided over by noted tribal leader, Dilip Singh
Bhuriya from MP. Hailing it as a constructive inititaive in the field of education, Munda said, "This will help
connect the residents of far-flung regions with higher education." Kartik Oraon was deeply concerned
about the future of tribal communities and had grand plans to improve their standard of living in harmony
with their culture and tradition. At the same time, he was anxious about how deprived people could join
the mainstream, Munda added. "We need to ensure and make sustained efforts towards realizing his
dream of a central university as a centre of knowledge," said he. Oraon raised the concerns of adivasis on
different forums and stressed upon improving their lives. Chief convener of VNS Shivshankar Bhagat
shed light on the nature of the proposed university and added that the Maoist menace could be rooted out
with the establishment of a massive education centre in this region as more and more youths would then
choose to take up the pen instead of wielding a gun. Kartik Oraon had visualized a "'Santiniketan' in
erstwhile Bihar," said Ashok Bhagat, president of VNS. Bhuriya underscored the necessity of a university
for a better future. Former Chhattisgarh minister Ganesh Ram Bhagat, Bihar ST/SC Commission -vice
chairman Lalit Bhagat, Odisha Raji Padha Diwan ( a traditional tribal organization), Bagi Lakra and
Gitashree Oraon also expressed their concern. MP Sudarshan Bhagat, MLA Kamlesh Oraon , ex MLA
Sukhdeo Bhagat were also present among others at the meet. (Times of India 2/11/12)
6 tribal dept files taken into HC custody (6)
Mumbai: The Bombay high court on Thursday took six files from Maharashtra’s tribal development
department into its custody after a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) alleged misappropriation of funds to the
tune of crores of rupees. Earlier this week, a division bench of justice VM Kanade and justice P M Kode
had ordered the government to produce the files after the PIL seeked a probe. Filed by one Bahiram
Motiram, the PIL states that the department has disbursed crores of rupees for tribal welfare, but the
money had not translated into any tangible results. Advocate Rajendra Raghuvanshi, appearing for the
petitioner, had argued that the government’s tribal development department had suggested providing
facilities and health supplements for tribals in view of recent malnutrition deaths. In March this year, the
department had proposed it would provide protein supplements among others to the tribals. The very next
day, nearly Rs11 crore was disbursed without calling for any tenders, Raghuvanshi had said.
Raghuvanshi also said that two letters, written in 2010 and 2011, had been sent from the tribal
department to the Nandurbar police and Dhule police urging them to register an offence against corrupt
deparment officials, but no action was taken. The court on Thursday asked the registrar general to seal all
the files. A request by the government pleader for photocopies was turned down. The bench asked the
government and CBI to file replies by November 5. (Hindustan Times 3/11/12)
100 tribes to take part in varsity festival (6)
RANCHI: Central University of Jharkhand (CUJ) is gearing up to host the big tribal fair in the state from
Thursday in which more than 100 tribes from different parts of the country are likely to participate.
Through the 'Akhra Tribal Festival', the university is trying to bring together the cultures of various tribes
on one platform. B P Sinha, head of the department of student welfare, said, "The programme is being
organized in two categories, academics and festivity, so that both the aspects of tribal culture are brought
to the forefront." Tribes from neighbouring countries like Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh are also coming
to make their presence felt. Literary scholar from Bangladesh, N A Khan, would participate in the
academic session in the first half on the first day. Sinha said vice-chancellor of the university D T Khating
took the initiative to organize a tribal fair so that along with the students of the university people in general
also get a chance to know and learn about the various tribes in India. While Jharkhand is home to around
30 different tribes and 12 primitive tribe groups the fair would also have tribes from South Indian states
like Kerala, Karnataka and northeastern states like Mizoram, Manipur and Nagaland. (Times of India
5/11/12)
Hundreds of Adivasis protest in Malegaon demanding land rights (6)
Malegaon: Led by Satyashodhak Grammen Kashtakari Sabha (SGKS), activists of Nashik and
neighbouring districts, hundreds of tribals from Malegaon taluka protested outside the SDM office on
Monday demanding restoration of their land rights. Carrying CPI (Marxist) party's red flags and shouting
slogans against the government, the protesters who blocked the traffic for about two hours also

demanded arrest of the people behind the attack on one of their leaders. "You announce schemes for us
but we don't get any benefit. We go to ration-shops only to return home empty- handed. Edible oil, food
grains and kerosene have become out of reach for us. Now you want to snatch our valuable land?",
SGKS leader Kishor Dhamale said even as adivasis from 30-35 villages in the taluka yelled out slogans
saying 'Ekach Nara - 07/12 (land extract)'. "When the administration in Dhule and Nandurbar districts can
speed up the process of restoring land rights for those areas, why not here?" Dhamale asked. The activist
also alleged that as per government notifications and Supreme Court orders, the administration did not
have any right to delay land rights' restoration. Dhamale also accused the police of shielding the people
involved in the attack on a local SGKS leaders, KD Nana. The protesters dispersed after prant officer
Uday Kiswe assured them of immediate actions on their demands. (Times of India 6/11/12)
Don't treat tribals as football: Brinda to Munda (6)
Ranchi: Demanding protection of tribal land under the fifth schedule of the Constitution, CPI(M) politburo
member Brinda Karat on Wednesday accused Jharkhand Chief Minister Arjun Munda of treating tribals
like a "football"."Chief Minister Arjun Munda has taken the tribals for a football, hitting them wherever he
wished. Under the 5th Schedule, tribal land cannot be snatched away," Karat said while addressing a rally
organised by Adivasi Adhikar Rastriya Manch here. Accusing Congress and BJP of failing to protect tribal
land, Karat claimed the rights of the tribals were being protected only by Left parties. "Land at Nagari (on
the outskirts of Ranchi) can't be taken away in the name of setting up educational institutions," she said
amidst protests by Nagri villagers against the government's acquisition of land to set up IIM, IIT and
National University of Study there. (Zee News 7/11/12)
‘Government should ratify rules for PESA Act’ (6)
Mangalore: Indian Confederation of Indigenous and Tribal People past Secretary General Dr Vela Ram
Ghogra said that the State governments should ratify the rules to implement Panchayat (Extension to
Scheduled Areas) (PESA) Act, 1996 effectively. Speaking at seventh national-level convention of the
tribals organised by Adivasi Janajathi Adikar Manch here on Wednesday, he said that about 16 years
have passed since PESA was passed but even now it has not been implemented. Till the time the
legislative and the bureaucracy is held accountable, the conditions of adivasis will not improve in the
country. Initially, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra,
Madhya Pradesh, Orissa and Rajasthan were included in the PESA, now even Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil
Nadu are also included. The PESA Act also wants to revive the traditional practices of the tribes. He said
that Governors should exercise power entrusted on them in the Article 244 of the Indian Constitution to
protect the rights of the tribals. Unfortuantely, the ministers and Chief Ministers are not allowing the
Governor to use his power to protect the rights of the tribals. Had the Governors made use of his power,
the tribals would not have been holding protest to protect their land and rights, he added. The Governors
should ensure that the identity of the tribals are preserved. Stating that governments considered water,
forest as resources, he said for tribals, water, forest are nature and are worshipped as God. The
Government should stop considering nature as resources. If natural resources are over exploited, then
the human beings can not survive in this world, he added. Koraga leader Baalraj said that tribals have
been fighting to protect their rights all over the country. All the tribals should be united to build a great
nation of the tribes. “We have to face challenges and overcome all the hurdles that come in the way of
protecting our rights,” he said. Koral Kala Thanda, Kudla, members staged Koraga dance highlighting the
traditional lifestyle of Koraga community including marriage, hunting and so on. Ramesh Koraga from
Koral Kala Thanda said that the conventions should help the tribes to find a solution to eke out for living.
Over 200 tribal representatives from Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Orissa, Kerala, Maharashtra, Gujarath,
Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and others are taking part in the two-day convention. (Deccan Herald
8/11/12)
SICHREM accuses DC of depriving tribals of their rights (6)
Mysore: Convenor of South India Cell for Human Rights Education and Monitoring (Sichrem)- District
Human Rights Centre Prasanna alleged that at a meeting conducted by deputy commissioner on August
23, tribals have been deprived of their rights to collect micro forest products. At a press meet here on
Wednesday, he accused deputy commissioner P S Vastrad of limiting the activities of the people
dependent on micro products though tribals have been permitted to accumulate the forest products as per
the Forest Rights Act- 2006. The act has been benefitting the tribal community but has not been
implemented in Mysore region. Secretary of Karnataka Adivasi Jana Seva Sangha Vaddaragudda
Chikkanna alleged that the DC is avoiding meeting between the representatives of ST Commission who
would be visiting Mysore region to check implementation of various schemes of the community. He said it

has been planned to take the members of the commission to few of the developed areas of Hunsur
sweeping the other areas of Nanjangud, H D Kote and Periyapatna under the carpet. (Deccan Herald
8/11/12)
State empowers 96 tribal gram panchayats to recall panchayat representatives (6)
CHANDRAPUR: State government has empowered 96 tribal dominant gram panchayats (GP) in three
tehsils of Chandrapur with the right to recall their panchayat representative under Panchayat (extension to
schedule areas) Act (PESA)-1996. Though the act came into effect from August this year, the Zilla
Parishad authorities conducted a workshop with the heads of these GPs and detailed them about the
powers they had been endowed under PESA on Thursday. "The Gram Sabha is empowered with right to
recall GP sarpanch and deputy sarpanch under PESA. It requires 10% or more voters in the village to
apply with village secretary to use their franchise of right to recall. As per their submission, tehsildar
summons a special Gram Sabha, in which people can call back their sarpanch and deputy sarpanch from
their posts with 2/3 majority," said ZP CEO, Arun Shinde. The GP members can also be called back in
similar manner by voters of the respective wards in scheduled areas, he added. Shinde informed that
GPs having more than 50% tribal population are regarded as scheduled areas and PESA law is limited to
these areas only. He claimed that PESA also endow powers and authority to make gram sabha function
as institutions of local self governance, specifically on matters of enforcing prohibition of sale and
consumption of intoxicant; ownership of minor forest produce; power to prevent alienation of land and
restoration of unlawfully alienated land, management of village markets, control over money lending, etc
in its jurisdiction. PESA also empowers gram sabha of the scheduled areas to approve plans,
programmes for social and economic development, identify beneficiaries under poverty alleviation
programmes, certify utilization of funds by Gram Panchayats, protect natural resources, including minor
forest produce and be consulted prior to land acquisition, Shinde told. He further informed that 96 GPs
endowed with PESA in district include 33 GPs from Rajura, 32 from Jiwti and 31 from Korpana tehsil.
State government has also endowed scheduled areas in Nandurbar, Dhule, Thane, Nasik, Ahmednagar,
Nanded, Yavatmal and Gadchiroli districts have also been endowed with powers of PESA, he added.
(Times of India 9/11/12)
Maoists turn tribal girls into sex slaves’ (6)
Raipur: A Naxal commander, arrested by security forces in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district on Thursday,
has made a shocking confession before the police narrating how minor tribal girls have been forcibly
separated from their respective parents and later reduced as sex slaves of senior Maoist leaders. “I used
to move village to village in Maded area in Bijapur district in search of young tribal girls aged above 11-12
to offer them to senior Maoist leaders for their sexual pleasure. I must have arranged no less than a
dozen minor girls in these tribal villages in recent times. I had also sexually exploited at least 10 of them
before handing them over to senior leaders,” Maded area jan militia (armed rebels) commander Kudiya
Gujja said in his reported confession before the local police. The Naxal leader, who joined the rebel cadre
in 2000 and grew in the outlawed organisation to become the commander of Maded area jan militia, also
narrated before the local media how the innocent tribal girls were forced to satisfy the sexual hunger of
senior red leaders. “Gujja confessed before us that he used to lift minor girls from the tribal families in the
villages coming under his area of operation. The hapless girls were used as objects of sexual pleasure by
the Naxal leaders,” additional superintendent of police (ASP) (Naxal operation) of the district Ashok Singh
told this newspaper on Friday. Gujja, who carried a reward of `10,000 on his head, faces 14 serious cases
in various police stations, including murders and sexual exploitation of girls. (Asian Age 10/11/12)
3 held in tribal girls molestation case (6)
Kakinada: The Annavaram police today arrested three persons in connection with the alleged gang rape
of three tribal girls of Tuni ashram school. The police have identified the accused as Chinna Bhulokam
(34), Addala Babji (28) and Nunnakanti Ravikumar (30). 'The accused confessed the fact that they made
a vain bid to rape the three girls while going in an auto rickshaw to their native village Badamallapuram
near Sankhavaram last night. They fled away from the scene on seeing the villagers coming to the girls
rescue when they raised alarm. The girls also corroborated their version in their complaint .There is no
truth in the report of gang (New Kerala 11/11/12)
Rs.10-crore package for Adivasi panchayat (6)
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Oommen Chandy has said that a special package of Rs.10
crore will be sanctioned for the comprehensive development of Edamalakudy, the only Adivasi panchayat
in the State. Distributing the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar media awards here on Monday, Mr. Chandy said another

Central package of Rs.80 crore that aimed at rehabilitating those living in the forests by giving them Rs.10
lakh each and other facilities had been sanctioned. Steps would be taken to implement this package
soon. The awards in the print media section were given to M.R. Siju, Antony Muniyara, and B.V.
Pavanan, while those in the electronic media category were given to Biji Jalal and Anil Karamal. (The
Hindu 13/11/12)
NGO helps tribals from Awarpada enjoy fest (6)
Mumbai: Tribals from Awarpada village near Dapchari, 145 km from Mumbai, celebrated the festival of
lights for the first time, thanks to Mitra Foundation, a city-based NGO. A group of 25 professionals from
various walks of life, led by BJP activist Keshav Upadhyay, visited the tribal village on Dhanteras, which
was on Monday. “The villagers are clueless about Diwali celebrations. For them the festival means
nothing as they have no resources. They lack basic amenities; they are happy to get oneday’s meal,” said
Upadhyay. The NGO distributed sweets and crackers among the tribal children. Nearly 100 tribal families
participated in the programme, which concluded with their traditional tarpa dance. (DNA 14/11/12)
House panel highlights forest law conflicts (6)
NEW DELHI: How can a right given under one Act be a criminal offence under another, members of a
Parliamentary standing committee have asked officials from the Union environment ministry, raising
concern about conflict between the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006, and the Indian Forest Act (IFA), 1927.
The House panel on science and technology and environment and forests headed by T Subbarami Reddy
of Congress was gathering evidence on the amendments proposed to the IFA when panel members
quizzed the officials how one law gives tribal rights over forest produce but another criminalizes it. DMK's
T M Selvaganapthi asked the ministry officials for clarifications on the criminalization of forest rights under
the IFA. The green ministry officials took a dim view of the FRA — the flagship scheme of the UPA
government handing back rights over forest resources to tribals. The director general (DG), forests —
the highest forest official in the country — told the committee that responsibilities were not clearly
demarcated between the forest bureaucracy and tribals under the FRA. He suggested that either gram
sabhas should be entrusted with the complete responsibility for conserving forests or the forest
bureaucracy should take over the onerous task. The DG, forests, also warned that withdrawing
government from forests could lead to "anti-national, communal, anti-social and extremist forces" making
jungles their happy hunting ground, and government losing control. His argument comes against the
backdrop of reservations within the highest echelons of forest bureaucracy against the FRA since its
inception. Sources told TOI that the DG, forests, reiterated that if the gram sabhas were to be made
'malik' of forests, then the forest service should be shut down. He also informed the committee that
bamboo continued to be classified as 'timber' under the IFA, giving the forest officials control over its
movement and harvesting. Differing from the public views expressed by the environment minister and the
tribal affairs minister, he suggested that the FRA should be amended to align it with the older law.
Sources said that the environment secretary recommended that gram sabhas should be handed over
forests and powers to regulate it, but it was too big a step and should not be implemented immediately.
The environment secretary advised that it be done in a "phased manner" after capacity building and
training. He suggested that the parliamentary comnmittee should not look into the difference between the
two legislations as it was a "very big issue". (Times of India 16/11/12)
A month on, forest rights committees yet to scrutinize tribals' claims (6)
MARGAO: Though the forest rights committees (FRC) from the four tribal-dominated talukas of South
Goa - Sanguem, Quepem, Canacona and Dharbondara-have received over 1,700 claims from tribals
under the Forest Rights Act, they are yet to embark on the task of scrutinizing the claims thereby setting
the process back by nearly a month. It is feared that any further delay in beginning the scrutiny exercise
may throw the process off-track. Sources said that the scrutiny process has been delayed on account of
the unavailability of the required technological support to carry out the massive survey in difficult terrains
of the forested areas. It is learnt that the South Goa district administration is in the process of procuring
the geo-positioning system (GPS)-based software to scrutinize the claims. Sources pointed out that the
delay in obtaining the software and the sophisticated survey tools has led to the process hitting a
roadblock. As per the initial schedule, the process to elect FRCs by the gram sabhas and invite claims
from tribals was to begin on July 22. All claims under the Forest Rights Act were to be submitted to this
committee within three months. The second gram sabha was to be held on October 22 so as to approve
the claims received by the FRCs. The claims approved by the gram sabha were required to be submitted
to the sub-divisional committee headed by the sub-divisional officer by October 31. Following the approval
by the district-level and state-level committees, the claims - personal and community rights -were to be

settled as provided in the act by November 10. The claims -over ownership of land, community rights,
right of way, etc - are to be first scrutinized by the FRC constituted in every village as required under the
act. Sources pointed out that none of the FRCs have been able to scrutinize the claims owing to the
technological hurdle. Minister for tribal welfare Ramesh Tawadkar said: "The task of scrutinizing the
claims is lengthy and tedious. Though the process may be running behind schedule, we have set the
target of implementing the Forest Rights Act throughout Goa by December 2013 by which time all the
claims of the tribals will be settled." (Times of India 16/11/12)
Minister’s remarks defending tribal rights kick up row (6)
New Delhi: A controversy has erupted on the recent statements of the Union Tribal Minister KC Deo
alleging that the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) was undermining the Forest Rights’ Act
(FRA) and putting pressure on the tribals to agree for relocation from critical tiger reserves without settling
their rights. Experts and MoEF sources have retorted back, saying that while both the Wildlife Act and the
Forest Rights Act provide for resettlement of people, large endangered species as big cats certainly need
to be conserved in inviolate areas wherever they are found. “The FRA came much later,” said Kishore
Rithe, Standing Committee Member of National Board For Wildlife (NBWL). He said the Critical Tiger
Habitats (CTH) was declared much before under Wildlife Protection Act 1972. “Inspite of this, nobody
denies settlement of tribal/non tribal rights in CTH, which are basically Sanctuary or National Park where
settlement of rights has to be completed even under Wildlife Protection Act 1972,” he added. Wildlife
expert Praveen Bhargav argued that despite such provisions of resettlement in both the Wildlife Act and
the Forest Rights, not a single Critical Wildlife Habitat (CWH) anywhere has been notified yet. This is due
to the Tribal Affairs Ministry’s continued meddling even as individual and community rights over14 lakh
hectares of forest land have been given away, he said. “If this kind of irrational policy is pursued, it is very
likely that not a single CWH will ever get notified, he pointed out,” he added. Bhargav further contended
that Deo’s objection to the relocation package is wholly unjustified as there is growing interest among
people on the cash compensation option. According to the guidelines, District Collectors must ensure that
a large part of the ten lakh rupees package is deposited in the beneficiary’s name in a nationalised bank
to guarantee steady income from interest. And there are good examples of this working well in South
India, he pointed out. The bone of contention between the two ministries arise over the issue of
declaration of 800 to 1,200 square km of areas in 41 tiger reserves as inviolate (free from any
interference) for the big cat. The environment ministry had provided for this inviolate space as a
mandatory condition to regulate tourism in tiger reserves. The sources in MoEF noted, “While the Tribal
affairs ministry maintains that the re-allocation of the families from there should be voluntary, the situation
at ground level is contrary. The villagers are actually willing to move out with the compensation as per the
new package. Further, R&R is the State issue and various states are coming forward with attractive
packages and multiple options.” (Pioneer 19/11/12)
Thane to have industrial units exclusively for tribal women (6)
THANE: Exclusive industrial units employing women from the tribal regions of Thane district will be set up
soon, Maharashtra minister of labour, excise and environment has said. This would be first such project in
the state, said Naik, who is also Thane guardian minister, while addressing the regular weekly Janata
Durbar yesterday. Tribals, especially women, are forced to leave their villages and migrate to other areas
in search of employment. This problem is mostly experienced in the predominantly tribal regions of
Mokhada, Vikramgadh, Talasari and Jawhar, he said. In order to put a permanent end to this problem, it
has been decided to set up industrial units exclusively for women from these regions, Naik said. These
units will ensure permanent employment and income for the tribal women and start functioning very soon,
the minister said. He directed the district administration to work towards setting up the units and make
available funds from the tribal sub-plan for the project. 9TIMES OF India 24/11/12)
Jharkhand’s tribal villages progress with tech (6)
Bokaro: Known traditionally for the hard life, due to lack of basic amenities there, Jharkhand’s tribal
villages have it much easier now, thanks to the Government’s sturdy development initiative. These days,
radios, TV sets, even cable television, mobile phones, memory cards and pen drives can be found in
those nomadic tribal villages, especially in hilly areas. There was a time when nothing was available in the
villages. Even getting foodgrain was tough job. Nowadays, however, tribals are getting more attracted
towards the life of people living in surrounding villages. Mobile phones are available for the same price as
a goat. They are also an affordable way for tribe members to take advantage of modern day technologies
without losing their wonderful, rich traditions. Instead of raging against their destiny, they have made
things tolerable by cutting out luxuries and concentrating on necessities. These are not the impulsive

purchases of people who are not thinking hard about what they are doing. Despite lacking a ‘material
culture, about 30 per cent of Birhors, a primitive nomadic tribe, have been found to listen to the radio and
follow the language and programmes. A study found that some Birhor families even have TV antennas on
their roofs. Budhan Birhor, residing at Darukasmar of Mandu block, did not buy his TV on credit - he
saved up over many months just as a mother starts saving for her young daughter’s wedding by buying
small pieces of jewellery and utensils. In a few regions (hilly terrains), which lack mobile network, several
youth have trendy cellphones and tablets (especially Chinese phones), using them as a multimedia
device for listening to songs and watching video clips. It is generally believed that though tribe find it
difficult to make both ends meet, and sometimes don’t have enough to buy their food, even the poorest
can afford a cellphone! Mobile phones can play a vital role in the holistic development of the primitive
tribe. Even in the most remote regions of Jharkhand — where indigenous people have almost no access
to mainstream news in a language they can understand, where almost all communication is done by word
of mouth — the phone gives them a new kind of power to improve their lives. With the Government
initiatives, a quick mobile phone call can lead to food delivery for hungry children, investigation into police
brutality, payment for workers and access to much-needed medication. (Pioneer 26.11.12)
Adivasi Sangam to highlight tribal culture (6)
NEW DELHI: To reduce the widening gap between tribal community and city dwellers, Gandhi Smriti and
Darshan Samiti (GSDS) is hosting a three-day event at Gandhi Darshan in Raj Ghat here from
Wednesday. “Adivasi Sanskriti Sangam” will basically highlight tribal culture and discuss issues affecting
the lives of tribal folks. More than 1,000 tribe members from Sikkim, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh,
Mizoram, Odisha, Himachal Pradesh and Maharashtra will engage in discussing issues affecting their
lives. They will also perform cultural activities in their traditional dresses. The participants will be
accompanied by tribal organisations, intellectuals, social workers and writers working for their cause.
According to GSDS director Manimala, the second edition of the event will encourage city dwellers,
particularly policy makers, to understand the problems plaguing the tribal communities. “The discussions
will help them to look at the tribal folks with more compassion, tolerance and sensitivity. They are being
exploited and we need to sort out their problems.” Pointing out that the event will emphasise Gandhiji’s
efforts in promoting the Adivasi culture, Dr. Manimala said that “Adivasi Sanskriti Sangam” will point out
the fact that simplicity, which characterised Bapu’s life, was similar to Adivasi’s lifestyle. (The Hindu
29/11/12)
Adivasis to intensify agitation for land rights (6)
BERHAMPUR: Tribal people of Chandragiri area of Gajapati district have decided to intensify their
agitation for their land rights. As part of it they have planned to gherao Mohana tehsil office on December
4 and the Nuagada tehsil office on December 6. The tribal people allege that government had not taken
any major steps to provide land rights to them while lease period of land leased out to Tibetan refugees
settled in Chandragiri area had been extended for another 10 years. The tribal people have got united
under the banner of Adivasi Dalit Vikas Samity (ADVS) also alleged that Tibetan refugees had also taken
over land which was being used by their ancestors in the past. The issue taken up by the ADVS has
received support from CPI (M), Odisha Krushak Sabha (OKS), and Democratic Youth Federation of India
(DYFI). Adviser of ADVS, Jagananath Mishra said the fight for land rights by the tribal people of the area
was continuing for several decades, without any avail. While the Tibetan refugees with assistance of
government developed economically, the local tribal people and Dremained underdeveloped due to
government apathy. As per Mr Mishra during British era land transfer to non-tribal people was banned in
this area which was under Udayagiri tehsil. Now this tehsil has been divided into three tehsils. Ironically
this tribal dominate teshil was not included in the Fifth Schedule area. The area became a Fifth Schedule
area in 1977. But before the restriction of transfer of land to non-tribal people in this area could again
come into force, Tibetan refugees were settled in the region during the sixties. The Tibetan refugee
families were provided land on a five-year lease. The lease period continued to be extended. Even after
the area came under Fifth Schedule, the local tribal people did not get patta for the land under their
possession till 1980. In 1980 lease period of land provided to Tibetan settlers was again extended. It led
to formation of ADVS and start of agitation by local tribal people for land rights. Meanwhile, Gajapati
district administration has promised the ADVS to provide around four acres of land to the tribal families of
the area. The protest of ADVS will continue as the activists said they would not remain silent till they got
the land rights. (The Hindu 30/11/12)
400 tribal employees awaiting decision on jobs (6)
PALAKKAD: More than 400 tribal employees of the Attappady Hill Area Development Society (AHADS)

have not received their salary since January this year after the government has decided to wind up the
Rs.219-crore tribal empowerment project implemented by the society in the Attappady tribal heartland.
The tribal employees, that included 200 forest watchers, are coming daily to the AHADS office at Agali
and signing the attendance register hoping that the government will fulfil its promise of providing them
employment in the Forest and Tribal Welfare Departments. The AHADS authorities said they had taken
up the matter with the government many times but no decision had been taken about the employees’
salary or their continued employment. Most of these employees had put up 10 to 15 years service with
AHADS that had started operation in Attappady in the 1990s. While the forest watchers were taken out of
the job by AHADS, no alternative arrangements had been made to protect the trees planted under the
eco-restoration project which was facing destruction for want of protection. This included three-lakh
sandal trees that got regenerated after afforestation in Attappady. Attappady Tribal Employees and
People’s Welfare Society vice-president S. Palaniswamy, himself an employee of AHADS, said that most
of the 400 tribal employees who had no salary and employment were on the verge of starvation. Since
they had put up 10 to 15 years service with AHADS, they cannot find a new job. So the government
should provide them employment in the Forest or Tribal Welfare Department. He said the regenerated
forest in 2,000 hectares of land in Attappady was facing destruction. Another three-lakh sandal trees,
regenerated under the AHADS project, was also facing destruction. Since the AHADS had withdrawn
their forest watchers, these assets created under the project were now open to plunder and destruction.
The employees of AHADS were up in arms against the State government's decision to close down
AHADS project described as a model eco-restoration and tribal development scheme in the country.
Since the government decided to close down the project in March last, the employees were demanding to
give protection to their job. Most of the employees of the project were retrenched from January 15, 2012.
The government had asked the project director to retain only 15 people. (The Hindu 3/12/12)
Tribals still in forcible possession of MET land (6)
PURNIA: As the district authorities are still dithering, the problem arising out of the tribals' forcible
occupation of nearly 75 acres of land of Millia Educational Trust (MET) at Augusnagar under
Krityanandnagar police station in Purnia district is reaching a flash point and creates a law and order
problem in the district. Millia Education Trust (MET), director, A Imam, said here on Monday to launch a
"do or die" campaign to re-possess the land if the district authorities continue to waver. For the purpose,
he also fixed a deadline of December 16. The hordes of tribals, it may be recalled, had forcibly grabbed
huge chunks of land at Augustnagar, Ganeshpur and Kaftanpara across Purnia district in August this
year. But, while all such land were retrieved through a sustained campaign and negotiations, the land of
Millia Educational Trust (MET), however, continues to be in illegal possession of the tribals. MET had
acquired, in all, 100 acres of land at Augustnagar with the purpose of establishing a slew of educational
institutions like Millia Medical College and Hospital, Millia College of Engineering and Business
Management in 2003,and the registration and mutation of land was also done, Imam said. Before
embarking on the grandiloquent education project, the trustees had discussed the matter with the district
authorities and also obtained the necessary sanction of Bhupendra Narayan Mandal University (BNMU)
and also the requisite bank guarantee, he disclosed. He has also approached CM Nitish Kumar in this
connection, he said. Imam charged that a few ruling party politicians, who had some vested interests,
were tacitly conniving with the tribals whom he dubbed as Naxalites, and said, "If the district authorities
were floundering and pussyfooting, it was because of the pressure brought on them by these politicians."
Acting Purnia DM Uday Kant Jha talking to TOI on Tuesday, however, rubbished the charges, and said,
"We have already arrested some persons and also started proceedings under Section 107 Cr PC. We
shall soon launch a drive to drive out the illegal occupants once adequate forces are made available to
us." However, a big chunk of land was under scanner and revenue officials were examining how the land
identified under Ceiling Act was acquired and registered by the MET, acting DM Jha disclosed. Purnia SP
Amit Lodha, in a SMS message to Imam, has also assured of some positive action once the DM N
Sarvanana Kumar returns from leave by December 5. (Times of India 5/12/12)
Tribals still in forcible possession of MET land (6)
PURNIA: As the district authorities are still dithering, the problem arising out of the tribals' forcible
occupation of nearly 75 acres of land of Millia Educational Trust (MET) at Augusnagar under
Krityanandnagar police station in Purnia district is reaching a flash point and creates a law and order
problem in the district. Millia Education Trust (MET), director, A Imam, said here on Monday to launch a
"do or die" campaign to re-possess the land if the district authorities continue to waver. For the purpose,
he also fixed a deadline of December 16. The hordes of tribals, it may be recalled, had forcibly grabbed
huge chunks of land at Augustnagar, Ganeshpur and Kaftanpara across Purnia district in August this

year. But, while all such land were retrieved through a sustained campaign and negotiations, the land of
Millia Educational Trust (MET), however, continues to be in illegal possession of the tribals. MET had
acquired, in all, 100 acres of land at Augustnagar with the purpose of establishing a slew of educational
institutions like Millia Medical College and Hospital, Millia College of Engineering and Business
Management in 2003,and the registration and mutation of land was also done, Imam said. Before
embarking on the grandiloquent education project, the trustees had discussed the matter with the district
authorities and also obtained the necessary sanction of Bhupendra Narayan Mandal University (BNMU)
and also the requisite bank guarantee, he disclosed. He has also approached CM Nitish Kumar in this
connection, he said. Imam charged that a few ruling party politicians, who had some vested interests,
were tacitly conniving with the tribals whom he dubbed as Naxalites, and said, "If the district authorities
were floundering and pussyfooting, it was because of the pressure brought on them by these politicians."
Acting Purnia DM Uday Kant Jha talking to TOI on Tuesday, however, rubbished the charges, and said,
"We have already arrested some persons and also started proceedings under Section 107 Cr PC. We
shall soon launch a drive to drive out the illegal occupants once adequate forces are made available to
us." However, a big chunk of land was under scanner and revenue officials were examining how the land
identified under Ceiling Act was acquired and registered by the MET, acting DM Jha disclosed. Purnia SP
Amit Lodha, in a SMS message to Imam, has also assured of some positive action once the DM N
Sarvanana Kumar returns from leave by December 5. (Times of India 6/12/12)
Tribal women wage war against IMFL (6)
SHIMLA: Tribal women in Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur district have waged a unique war to curb social
inequality, especially during marriages and other social functions. In a bid to curb show of wealth, women
have come up with unique idea of banning the use of English liquor and those defying ban are being
imposed heavy penalty. Liquor is an important part of tribal customs and social get together are
incomplete if alcohol and mutton are not served to guests. Since ages, tribals in Kinnaur are brewing
liquor locally known as "angoori" while in Lahaul-Spiti they make it from wheat. But with the coming of
wealth locally brewed liquor was replaced by whisky and beer resulting into social inequality widening the
gap between rich and poor. Noted social activist of Kinnaur and chairperson of Kinnaur Mahila Kalyan
Parishad Ratan Manjari said over the years serving English liquor and beer during marriages and other
social functions had become a show of wealth and those not having money too were serving it and get
burdened with debt. "Trend was wrong which needed to be stopped and now we have done it in many
villages of Kinnaur," she said. Kinnaur Mahila Kalyan Parishad has 200 mahila mandals as its members.
Ratan Manjari said for 5-6 years, they have mobilized support of women in Kinnaur district to tell them
how use of English liquor and beer during marriages is resulting in waste of money besides creating
divide among rich and poor. "Today, we have succeeded in banning English liquor in social functions,
especially in Kalpa, Sangla, Lippa and other areas of district," she said. To ensure that people obey the
decision, a provision of imposing fine has been made by women amicably. "We have decided to impose
penalty of Rs 5,000 on people serving the English liquor and those consuming it," Manjari said. She said
still a lot more is required to be done. In Lahaul-Spiti district, Udaipur village is setting an example for
others by observing complete ban on English liquor and beer during social gathering for last three years.
"During marriages and other functions only locally made liquor is served. Those defying ban are punished
by mahila mandal members," said Hemvati, Mahila Mandal member of Udaipur. Hemvati said if a family in
the village found serving English liquor and Beer despite ban, then Rs 10,000 fine is imposed, but if same
offence is committed second time then the family is boycotted socially. "Such decisions are in larger
interest of society as seeing rich people serving liquor even poor were following the trend after borrowing
money. In one wedding, people were usually spending Rs 50,000 to 1 lakh only on liquor, but now with
ban enforced in many villages show of wealth has been curbed in the interest of poor," said Rigzin
Samphel Hayerpa, Zila Parishad member from Kolang in Lahaul-Spiti. (Times of India 7/12/12)
Tribals demand dismantling of Vedanta plant (6)
BERHAMPUR: Thousands of Dongria Kondh tribals and peasants took out a rally at Lanjigarh in
Kalahandi district of Odisha on Thursday demanding complete dismantling of the closed down alumina
plant of the Vedanta Alumina Limited (VAL) in the area. Tribals from Kalahandi and Rayagada districts
participated in the rally, held under the banner of the Niyamgiri Surakshya Samity (NSS). About 40
leaders of various democratic movements took part in the rally. They included peasants’ activist Lingaraj
Azad, president of the National Forest Workers’ Federation Ashok Choudhury and convener of the
National Alliance of People’s Movements Prafulla Samantra. Local MLA Sivaji Majhi was also present.
NSS president Kumuti Majhi presided over the meeting, which was addressed by Dongria Kondh leader
Lada Sikaka. The Lanjigarh refinery of the VAL was closed down on Wednesday as the company had run

out of bauxite ore. NSS activists demanded that the plant be not allowed to run as it “posed a threat to the
environment and livelihood of the people.” They feared that attempts could be made to permit bauxite
mining again in future. Speakers at the meeting alleged that the VAL had taken up refinery expansion
without proper clearances. They vowed to resist any attempt by the Odisha government to grant mining
lease to the VAL in other parts of the State for its Lanjigarh plant. They lashed out at the Naveen Patnaik
government for pleading the case of the VAL in court. The activists alleged that the claims of the VAL and
the government on employment generation were false. (The Hindu 7/12/12)
Bihar: Tribals 'capture' land in AMU campus (6)
Kisanganj: Armed tribals 'captured' a piece of land in the proposed campus of the Aligarh Muslim
University here on Sunday triggering protests. Carrying bows and arrows, a group of tribals along with
BJP MLC Dilip Kumar Jayswal reached the spot and performed puja to 'capture' the land, official sources
said. The tribals alleged that the site was 'bandobast' land given to them free of cost by the government
for their livelihood and had been wrongfully acquired, the sources said. Angry over the tribals' action,
members of the minority community under leadership of RJD MLA Akhtaru Imam protested on the streets
and disrupted traffic. District authorities rushed to the site and took away the tribals, the sources said,
adding, two persons have been arrested in this connection. Vigilance in the area was tightened after the
incident. The Bihar government had recently handed over 224 acres under Chatla panchayat of Kisanganj
for the proposed AMU campus. (Zee News 9/12/12)
'Every tribal family to get free biogas unit' (6)
MARGAO: Minister for tribal welfare Ramesh Tawadkar inaugurated a biogas cooking unit by lighting the
flame for a stove on Sunday, at Padi, Quepem. Tawadkar went on to announce that every tribal family will
be given a biogas unit free of cost during his keynote address at the week long awareness programme on
eco systems that was organized by Don Bosco watershed in collaboration with directorate of agriculture.
Referring to local agricultural produce, Tawadkar explained to the audience comprising tribal families that
had gathered from the neighbouring villages as well as school students and other members of the
audience, the importance of natural resources available to them. "Every tribal village is rich in itself and
the villager does not need to go to the city for bettering his prospects but he can use the natural resources
available in the village to become richer and more self sufficient," he said. Tawardkar invited the Don
Bosco society to make a presentation in Canacona on the bio gas systems. Fr George Quadros, director
of Don Bosco watershed, said that a holistic approach was needed for development and explained how
the solar and bio gas unites are providing the tribal's an eco-friendly and a healthier life. (Times of India
10/12/12)
Jhodias call bandh for tribal status (6)
KORAPUT: The Jhodias have called a 12-hour bandh in Rayagada's Kashipur block on Wednesday
demanding tribal status for their community. "For the past several years, we have been demanding tribal
status for our community but to no avail. We have even staged demonstrations from time to time. On
Wednesday, we will observe a bandh and it will be followed by more agitations till our demand is fulfilled,"
said Bhabani Jhodia, a leader of the community. The community has appealed to all in the block to
"cooperate" during the bandh besides initimating the administration about the bandh.As many as 50,000
Jhodias live in 85 villages, particularly in Kasipur block, and eke out a living by collecting forest produce
and working as daily-wage labourers. (Times of India 11/12/12)
Tribal voters hit a new high (6)
Vadodara,: Tribals have emerged as top voters in the first phase of the assembly polls held Thursday as
most seats in tribal-dominated constituencies witnessed over 80% voting, much above the average 70.75
per cent turnout recorded across the 87 constituencies. As many as 14 constituencies out of 27 reserved
for ST candidates went to polls along with 73 other constituencies. Dediapada constituency in Narmada
district recorded the highest voters’ turnout at 88.31 per cent. Other ST-reserved seats that witnessed
over 80% voting were Kaprada in Valsad, Nijhar in Tapi, Jhagadia in Bharuch, Vansda in Navsari and
Mangrol in Surat. The voting pattern of the last four polls shows there has been a sharp jump in the
turnout in these constituencies, which tribal activists see as a healthy sign for the state. In no assembly
elections held in 2007, 2002 and 1998 the tribal voting percentage had gone above 70% in these
constituencies, barring Dediapada, which saw 70.8% voting in 2007. In the 1985 assembly elections
when tribal leader Amarsinh Chaudhary became the chief minister, these constituencies had witnessed
very low turnout, with seats like Jhagadia and Mangrol witnessing 32.95% and 32.23% voting,

espectively. In 2007, out of the 26 ST-reserved seats, Congress had emerged victorious on 14 seats,
BJP on 11 and JD(U) on one. Vyara in Tapi district and Nijhar have been won by the Congress in in 2007,
2002 and 1998 while the BJP has won the Mangrol seat twice.(Indian express 15/12/12)
Tribals march against violation of Forest Act (6)
LUCKNOW: Hundreds of tribals, mostly women took out a protest march from the Charbagh railway
station to the dharna sthal in front of state assembly demanding implementation of the Forest Rights Act
2006, which provides forest dwellers individual and community rights to hold and live on forest land and
use its produce. The tribals, who had come to the city from across the state, said that the distribution of
land titles to the forest dwellers has stopped after Samajwadi Party came to the power in the state and
warned that if their demands are not met within 30 days, they will forcibly occupy the land. Armed with
bows and arrows and carrying placard and banners, the tribals also held a public meeting at dharna sthal
and one after another narrated the story of how the nexus of forest officials, police, administration, mining
and forest mafia and feudal forces in the society are conspiring to deny forest dwellers rights given to
them under the special Act. They said that ideally forest land in 19 districts of the state should have been
distributed to the forest workers by now, but more than 70% of the work is still pending. At many places
even the village committees to be formed as per the Act have not been formed. Tribals also said that they
are not allowed by the forest personnel to collect dry woods and grass from the forest for daily living.
"They extort money and if we refuse, false cases of theft and poaching are slapped on us," said Sukano a
tribal woman from Sonbhadra. Sukano has been implicated in more than dozen criminal cases. Besides
men, almost all the women present on the occasion had criminal cases against them. The tribals also
complained that their huts are demolished and they are beaten up by the mafia, backed by some forest
police officials, when they try to stop illegal activities in the forest. As per the Act, tribals living in forests
before 2006 are eligible for titles of land up to four acre. The same right has been given to the forest
workers dependent of forests for last 75 years. Officials figures disclose that from December 2007 till
September 30, 2012 as many as 92,433 (91,298 individual and 1,135 community) claims were filed
against which 17,705 land titles were distributed (16,891 individual and 814 community) in UP. Around
73,028 (72,754 individual and 274 community) claims were rejected. Most rejections are because illiterate
forest dwellers do not have documents to prove 75 years of dependence. The forest dwellers are
struggling since long and the movement is being run by the women. At many places in tribal dominated
districts in east UP, tribal women, under the banner of Kaimur Khshetra Mahila Mazdoor Kisan Sangharsh
Samiti and National Forum of Forest People and Forest workers, have occupied forest land and are doing
cooperative farming. But harassment has not stopped. Now, they want change in the 75 year clause and
action against officers for rejecting genuine claims. The protestors also requested chief minister Akhilesh
Yadav to give an appointment to their delegation for an audience. The protestors pointed out that districts
where implementation of the Act is very poor include Chandauli, Mirzapur, Khiri, Pilibhit, Bahraich,
Gorakhpur, Maharajganj, Gonda, Lalitpur, Manikpur Chitrakoot and Saharanpur among others. (Times of
India 16/12/12)
Issues not addressed by successive govts, rue Gujarat tribals (6)
Lunavada: Tribals in the eastern part of Gujarat feel that both BJP and Congress have failed to address
their issues even after 52 years of formation of the state. The tribal voters spread over 12 districts of
eastern Gujarat have sway over around 30 seats out of which 27 have been marked as Scheduled Tribes
seats after the new delimitation orders. For the last many years, Congress has maintained its upper hand
in winning these seats but BJP is trying hard to woo the tribal voters and have succeeded to some extent
too. In the 2007 elections, Congress got 14, BJP 11 and JD (U) one of the total 26 seats. One tribal seat
has increased in the state after delimitation. With 14 per cent tribal population in the state, these seats are
crucial for any party to win elections comfortably. Tribal activists feel that successive governments have
failed to understand the issues of the community and address them in a time-bound manner.
"Unfortunately, political parties have been unable to solve the land and forest problems faced by the tribal
community. Our problems can be addressed only by a government formed by tribals," state chief of Akhil
Bharatiya Adivasi Mahasangh Lalubhai Vasava told PTI. Echoing similar views, founder of Bhasha
Research Centre and Adivasi Academy Ganesh Devy said political parties have failed to understand the
tribal culture in the state. The former professor of English at M S University said that close to 14 per cent
of the state population comprises tribal community and there is not a single university for students from
these communities to study in tribal districts. (Indian Express 16/12/12)
Tribal Development Council formed (6)
Udhagamandalam: A Tribal Development Council (TDC) comprising 48 members was formed at the first

meeting of the recently formed Nilgiris Primitive Tribal Federation held here on Saturday. The meeting
resolved to urge the district administration to recognise the council from next year. It was also resolved to
request the administration to consult the council while identifying beneficiaries for various government
sponsored welfare schemes. Funds allotted for tribal people’s welfare should be utilised fully. Tribal ecodevelopment
committees should be formed at all the tourist spots which fall in forest areas. A sports
academy should be formed exclusively for tribal people. (The Hindu 17/12/12)
‘Trinamool government has failed to give tribals their rights’ (6)
KOLKATA: The Trinamool Congress government has failed to ensure that tribals in the State are given
their hard earned rights, Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly Surya Kanta Mishra said
here on Sunday. Mr. Mishra said Forest Minsiter Hiten Barman had recently admitted that his department
was facing problems in the allocation of land to tribals under the Forest Rights Act, 2006, because of poor
coordination from the officials of the Department of Land and Land Reforms. “When he made these
remarks, the Minister must not have realised that the Department of Land and Land Reforms is headed
by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee herself, else he would not have had the courage to say such a thing,”
Mr. Mishra said at a rally organised by the Left Front. He said the claims made by the Chief Minister that
everything had returned to normal in the Maoist-affected Jangalmahal region were belied by the ground
realities. (The Hindu 17/12/12)
Sewa Rural transforms tribals' lives in Narmada, Bharuch (6)
Bharuch: The 100-bed Kasturba Hospital in Bharuch district's Jhagadia taluka in the last 32 years has
benefited 15.50 lakh tribal OPD patients. The well-equipped hospital was set up by Sewa Rural, a nonprofit
organization, to improve the quality of health of rural people.The 20-member team of the hospital,
which includes doctors and para medical staff, has transformed the lives of people living in the tribal belt
of Jhagadia, Valia, Dediapada, Sagbara, Netrang and other parts of Bharuch and Narmada districts with
its dedication and commitment. At least 25,500 deliveries have been conducted besides the 19,000
general and 96,000 cataract operations in these three decades at the hospital's gyneacology, ophthalmic,
orthopaedic, paediatric and surgery departments, managing trustee, Sewa Rural, Bankim Seth said. "Our
team worked hard to motivate the tribals to adopt safe practices for maternal delivery. The results are
beginning to show now after several years of hard work. There is 75 per cent reduction in maternal and
40 per cent in new born baby's death," a trustee of Sewa Rural Dr Pankaj Shah said. The NGO trained
over 900 blind tribals and helped them become self reliant. More than 1,700 students had been trained as
turner, fitter etc. at Swami Vivekananda Gramin Takniki Kendra, Seth said. At least 200 women were
trained in papad and pickel making and also in tailoring. These women employees, working under Sharda
Mahila Vikas Society, have raised Rs 9 crore in the past few years. Sewa Rural has received several
national and international awards for its work for the deprived sections of the society. The most recent
one that it received was from Rotary India for 'Safe Motherhood - Infant Survival' for 2010-11. The people
behind its success are a doctor couple Dr Anil Desai (surgeon) and Dr Lata (paediatrician). (Times of
India 18/12/12)
Charge minister for 'murder' of tribal kids: Shiv Sena (6)
Nagpur: The Shiv Sena demanded on Friday that the state government book a minister for the "murder"
of 113 tribal children who died in the tribal regions of the state in the past decade. Shiv Sena legislator
Deepak Sawant made the demand in the assembly seeking action against tribal development minister
Babanrao Pachpute under Indian Penal Code Section 302 (murder). "In the past decade or so, 113 tribal
children have died due to various reasons in tribal regions of the state. Some have died due to
pneumonia and other diseases, snake-bites, malnutrition and other forms of negligence," Sawant told
mediapersons later. He demanded that since the minister is "responsible" for these deaths, the state
government should initiate murder proceedings against Pachpute. According to Sawant, the victims were
studying in ashram schools dotting the tribal regions of the state. The deplorable condition of these
ashram schools has been a matter of concern. There are around 1,108 ashram schools in various tribal
regions, a majority run by politicians and nearly 680 run by the government, with an average of 200
students in each school, said Vidarbha Jan Andolan chief Kishore Tiwari, who has been pursuing the
cause of tribal children. The state government spends around Rs. 4,000 crore per annum under the
Integrated Tribal Development Programme on tribal children, looking after their lodging, boarding,
education and other activities to bring them into the social mainstream. A few months ago, the
government increased the budgetary allocation for tribal kids from Rs. 600 per head per month to Rs.
2,840 per head per month. Tiwari alleged that most of the money is siphoned off while the tribal children
continue to languish in poverty, malnutrition, dehydration, lack of proper sanitation and toilet facilities,

leading to deaths regularly. (Hindustan Times 21/12/12)
Trafficking menace in Chhattisgarh districts (6)
Raipur: Chhattisgarh Police have rescued 459 out of 581 girls who went missing from three tribaldominated
districts Raigarh, Surguja and Jashpur since April last year, Home Minister Nanki Ram Kanwar
informed the Assembly today. Replying to Mr Nandkumar Patel (main opposition Congress), the Minister
said, "While 122 girls are missing, police booked 20 Delhi-based placement agencies and 31 others for
trafficking." The House witnessed noisy protests by Congress members when Mr Kanwar claimed that
trafficking -- which registered a higher than 14,000 figure during the predecessor Congress regime in
2003 -- has been considerably checked during the Bharatiya Janata Party Government's tenure. The
Opposition alleged that 9,000 girls from Chhattisgarh's tribal districts went missing during the past nine
years of BJP rule. The agitated Congress members targeted the Minister, for expressing helplessness in
taking action against Delhi-registered placement agencies involved in trafficking, and staged a walkout.
(New Kerala 21/12/12)
Tribals to defy ban on collecting minor forest produces (6)
COIMBATORE: Giving a new dimension to their struggle against declaring Sathyamangalam wildlife
sanctuary a tiger reserve without meeting the provisions of the Forest Rights Act, 2006, over 10,000
tribals living in Thalavady and Kadambur hills that fall within the sanctuary limits have decided to defy a
ban on their entry on January 2 and collect minor forest produces (MFPs). A tribal convention held in
Sathyamangalam on Wednesday decided to break the year-old ban on collecting MFPs like honey,
gooseberry, wild ginger, shikakai and various types of herbs from the sanctuary. Bhavani Sagar MLA P L
Sundaram and many forest activists are expected to join hundreds of tribals in Arepalayam village when
they move into the forest on January 2. "Article 3 (c) of chapter II of the Forest Rights Act allows tribals to
gather over 28 types of non-timber produce from the forest, including wild honey and gooseberry. In fact,
we were enjoying the right for generations and it was partially discontinued only when forest brigand
Veerappan became active in the region. After Veerappan was killed in 2004, 28 village forest committees
with 4,300 beneficiaries were set up to collect MFPs from the sanctuary. Between 2004 and 2011, the
committees used to collect and sell forest produce from 23,000 hectares and earn an average of a crore
rupees annually. After paying wages to the collectors, we could save up to Rs 29 lakh every year, which
would then be deposited in bank accounts maintained by the committees. But the committees were
disbanded as a prelude to declare the sanctuary a tiger reserve,'' says P Dorai of Tamil Nadu
Pazhamkudi Makkal Sanghom, a forum of forest dwellers. Sundaram, CPI leader and local MLA, says the
move to declare Sathyamangalam reserve a tiger reserve at the cost of the traditional rights of forest
dwellers was initiated by a forest conservator who has since been suspended from service for indecent
behaviour. "In a bid to gather more funds, the department forsook the rights of tribals to access the
jungles to collect forest produce and graze cattle," he says. The MLA warned that the January 2 agitation
would be the first major direct action against the self-seeking officials who have denied livelihood to
hundreds of tribals. Residents from the villages of Thalavadi, Thiganare, Thinkalur, Panakkalli,
Naithalpuram, Igalur, Thalamalai, Bainapuram, Hassanur and Germalam village panchayats are expected
to participate in the public action. Dorai says that the tribals and their cooperatives were the pride of the
forest department until they mooted the tiger reserve project with the support of Union ministry of
environment and forests. "We depend entirely on livestock and there is no land for us to graze them. The
department is now forcing us to sell our goats and cows," he says. (Times of India 22/12/12)
46,000 tribals still live in forests: Minister (6)
Sollepur: The Scheduled Tribes population in Mysore is 2,71,000, with 46,000 of them still dwelling in
reserve forests, said Union minister of state for tribal affairs Ranee Narah here on Sunday. She was
speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of Ekalavya Model Residential School (EMRS) at Sollepur,
near which a huge number of tribals, belonging to Jenu Kuruba, Betta Kuruba and Yerava tribes have
been rehabilitated. The school is coming up at an estimated cost of Rs 16 crore and will be built on the
lines of Jawahar Navodaya Schools. “The government is working towards the development of Scheduled
Tribes. The projects aid the growth of STs on par with other societies,” she said. EMRS schools would
provide access to quality education for the tribes rehabilitated in the region, she said. The schools will
conduct classes from sixth standard to second PUC. Responding to the memoranda of the rehabilitated
tribals about the lack of infrastructure, she said she would convey their grievances to the Central
government and ‘solve your problems’. Chamarajanagar MP R Dhruvanarayan lamented that the
condition of the rehabilitated tribals was ‘pitiable’. He said the Central government has sanctioned Rs 42
crore and the state government Rs 10 crore from 2009-2012 for housing, drainage and to provide loans

for the primitive tribes in the region. “Right to Education Act has been implemented by the Central
government and it is now compulsory for children between six to 14 years to attend schools,” he reminded
and promised that the school would open in a year. The family of Mahadevamma, who died of tiger attack
a few months ago, was compensated with Rs five lakh at the ceremony. State minister for social welfare
and prisons A Narayanaswamy, MLA Chikkanna, president of Dr B R Ambedkar Development
Corporation A R Krishnamurthy and others were present. (Deccan Herald 23/12/12)
Implement 2007 UN declaration on rights of indigenous people: ASM to Centre (6)
GUWAHATI: The Assam Sanmilita Mahasangha (ASM) has urged the Centre to implement the clauses of
the United Nations' 2007 declaration on the rights of indigenous people in the state. A 30-member team,
led by the ASM, staged a sit-in in front of UN office in New Delhi recently and submitted a memorandum
to UN secretary general Ban Ki-Moon, highlighting its demand for safeguarding the interests of
indigenous people. National Democratic Front of Boroland (Progressive) general secretary Govinda
Basumatary and other tribal leaders also took part in the demonstration. ASM working president Motiur
Rahman said the UN should exert pressure on the Centre to implement the 2007 declarations because it
is the only instrument which can safeguard the rights of indigenous people. Rahman claimed that the
Centre has done nothing to implement the declaration in five years since it was declared. ASM's conclave
in October at Gorgaon, the ancient capital of Ahom kingdom in Sivsagar district, also emphasized the
implementation of UN declarations on the rights of indigenous people. It held that influx from Bangladesh
has posed a threat to the identity of indigenous people in the state. An ASM delegation also met Union
home minister Sushil Kumar Shinde in New Delhi earlier this month, demanding involvement of army in
checking influx of foreigners to the state. A 30-point charter of demands, including taking army's help in
checking infiltration, was submitted to the Union home minister. The delegation also staged a
demonstration at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. The ASM has been opposing updating of National Register
for Citizens (NRC) in the state, arguing that without detecting foreigners beforehand, the process would
not be a foolproof document on citizens in the state. According to ASM, unless foreigners were detected
before updating the NRC, there were chances of including illegal immigrants as citizens. Rahman said the
ASM has given one-year time to the Union home minister to detect and deport foreigners in the state.
(Times of India 27/12/12)
Fest to tap Tribal Kids’ talent kicks off (6)
Bubaneswar: The State-level tribal children’s festival, Sargi Fula 2012, organised by the Scheduled Caste
and Scheduled Tribe (SC/ST) Development Department, kicked off at the Adivasi Ground here on
Thursday. Minister Lal Bihari Himirika, Minister for Textiles and Handlooms Sarojini Hembram and
UNICEF field office chief Yumi Bae inaugurated the three-day festival. The Sargi Fula, children’s
magazine, published by the Academy of Tribal Language and Culture, was also released. Around 800
students, accompanied by 150 teachers from institutions run by the department of all districts are taking
part in the event. Its objective is to tap the latent talents of the tribal children and hone their skills through
various activities. Workshops on magic, music, dance, creative writing, painting and others are being
conducted by resource persons. This apart, students have displayed interesting science models at the
exhibitions. On the occasion, the Minister said in order to facilitate extra-curricular activities among tribal
students in high schools, the department provides ` 1 lakh per annum to each school. Of this, ` 90,000 is
being used to identify resource persons and train students in at least two extra-curricular activities. This is
used for setting up a career counselling desk in every school and printing of a booklet on career
opportunities for the students in various sectors. “These activities will enhance the overall personality of
the students and will help to retain academically weak students,” he added. The last day of the event will
see cultural performances and magic shows by the participating students. The department has also
added a ‘Meet the Artist’ component to the festival where the children would get to interact with famous
personalities from all sectors. (Indian Express 28/12/12)
Tribal woman gang-raped by four men in MP (6)
BHOPAL: Despite national outrage against atrocities on women, the spate of rapes continues in Madhya
Pradesh. In Singrauli (in the north-easten corner of the state bordering Chhattisgarh) an 18-year-old
young tribal woman labourer working at the construction site of a major power plant project was allegedly
gang-raped by four men just a few hours after the state director general of police visited the district on
Friday. Four men were identified and arrested by the police and Saturday. Police said that an FIR was
lodged after relatives of the victim woman came rushing to the local Bargawan police station. The victim
woman was sent for a medical examination which confirmed the gang-rape. Inspector in-charge of
Bargawan police station DP Singh said: The culprits have been arrested and produced before the court.

They have been sent to judicial custody.''According to the police, the victim girl was returning to her
hutment from work at the power project site when four youths attacked her. The girl screamed for help as
they were carrying her into a nearby field. Another labourer girl who was also returning from the same
work site heard the screams and rushed to the victim's home for get help. When the girl's family reached
the spot, the culprits had left. The victim, however, identified the accused persons and they were arrested
the following day. A case under section 376 (rape) IPC has been registered against the four accused.
(Times of India 30/12/12)