Tribal Leader Seeks Employment, Education Rights For STs
: Vadithya Shankar Naik, former Andhra Pradesh State Scheduled Tribes Commission member and founder and national president of Girijana Praja Samakhya, has urged the central and state governments to take urgent measures to resolve the long-standing issues affecting tribal communities in Andhra Pradesh.
In a presentation to Antar Singh Arya, chairman of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes, Naik highlighted the challenges faced by scheduled tribes in education, employment, land rights and social welfare. He sought the commission’s intervention and recommendations for comprehensive development of tribal communities.
Among the key demands, the tribal leader called for restoration of GO No. 3 in AP to preserve employment opportunities for local tribes in Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA) areas. He wanted to establish Eklavya Model Residential Schools in every district to provide quality education to tribal students living in the plains.
Naik urged the authorities to provide low-interest loans and financial assistance to unemployed tribal youth through the National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation. Chenchu sought special central assistance for the welfare of Yanadi, Erukala, Nakkala and Sugali tribal communities.
Emphasizing the need to protect land rights of tribals, the Adivasi leader called for effective implementation of the Forest Rights Act through speedy issuance of land titles to deserving tribal families, thereby protecting their traditional rights.
