'Tribal colony devoid of facilities'

"We also want to come to the mainstream of the society. We want our Jenukuruba tribal colony to develop through education."

Was the dream expressed by Alooru Siddapura Gram Panchayat president Veena Ramesh who has been residing in the colony at Malambi, 10 km away from Shanivarasanthe.

The tribals have been residing in the colony for the last 85 years. There are 73 families with a total population of 350. About 60 houses have seen facelift through the department of ITDP in 2012-13. The remaining 10 houses are in pathetic condition. Only a few houses in the colony have electricity connection. The colony, ironically, has water supply system yet water crisis.

Although houses have seen facelift, the tribals have not seen any progress in their life. They are still away from portals of the schools. Also, although the Ashrama School is situated adjacent to the colony, the tribals are not keen on educating their children.

Toilet facilities

Veena Ramesh, the Gram Panchayat president, has studied up to seventh standard. After she became the president, she has ensured toilet facilities for 45 houses in the colony. About 25% of the families have ration cards and the rest are waiting for ration cards.

Only 20 persons in the colony have identity cards.

Moola Adivasigala Rakshana Vedike convener Rangasamudra B K Dharmappa said that there is no health care facilities in the colony. The roads have not seen any development for the last several years.

Veena Ramesh said, "The tribal colony at Malambi needs an anganwadi centre. The Ashrama school should offer education up to SSLC."

Alcoholism rampant

"Along with elders even the children in the colony are habituated to alcohol. For the progress of the colony, they have to stop consuming alcohol and make use of the facilities from the government," said Dharmappa.