'Elected reps don't make any difference here'

However, nobody worked for the development of the village. The winning will not make any difference. This is how the tribal youths of Iligudde expressed their dissatisfcation over the Gram Panchayat.

The Iligudde comes under Kalasa Gram Panchayat. However, a visit to the village, make one wonder whether the village really comes under the Gram Panchayat limits. There are 20 families of ‘Gowdlu’ community reside in the village. They have been residing in the village from the time immemorial. However, the tribals never stretched their alms for any help from the authorities.

To provide drinking water facilities, the officials started the work on a well and pipeline two years ago. The work is not completed yet. As a result, the tribals are still forced to fetch water from the far off fields.

“They have done injustice to us. Money has been misused by dumping clay on the road. The water project has been half completed,” rues youth Nagesh.

The colony youth have constituted Self-Help Groups and work in estates based on the principles of co-operation. The tribals are eagerly waiting for title deeds under Forest Rights Act. Several houses do not have electricity connection. The anganwadi building situated near the school is in deplorable condition.

“Our village has 15 to 20 children. There is a building for anganwadi centre. If a teacher is deputed, then the children will be benefited,” said Janardhan.

“Give us road, water and electricity. We will work hard and fill our stomach,” says the villagers.