Ray of hope for nomadic tribes

An action plan at an estimate of `3.34 crore submitted to the government

The recent protests by a nomadic tribe (Hakki Pikki), demanding basic facilities at Angadihalli, in Belur taluk, seem to yield results.

The social welfare officer, who visited them, following the protest, said he has prepared an action plan for Rs 3.34 crore and has forwarded it to the government.

State-level officers are expected to visit the colony soon for assessment, on the basis of the action plan, according to sources.

The proposal includes laying of a concrete road in the colony, various training programmes for unemployed youth, provision of job opportunities and others benefits for the residents of the nomadic colony.

There are more than 2,000 nomads, including 1,200 women, in Angadihalli. There are 35 people, who have passed SSLC, 35 who have completed PUC and six degree holders.

Two out of the six degree holders wish to take up competitive examinations such as IAS and KAS, and have appealed to the officials to provide them an opportunity and support to continue their studies.

The government higher primary school here has a strength of 160 students from first to 10th standard. As per an estimate, 70 students have dropped out of school after eighth standard.

All the 397 families have been living without any basic amenity for decades in the village. There are no toilets for 115 families. The government had allotted small plots of land to 44 families some years ago. But, the move to provide land to the remaining 353 families did not progress.

About 15 families, whose members eke out a living at other places, have constructed decent houses. While 115 families have sites, the remaining have nothing and live in huts.

The residents of this nomadic colony took out a protest rally, demanding basic facilities, when Social Welfare Officer N R Purushottam visited them and made a study. He has also submitted a report to the government.

As this is the only colony of nomadic tribes, there is hope among the residents and they expect development.

The action plan has sought Rs 60 lakh for concrete roads and UGD facility; Rs 7.5 lakh for 15 kutcha houses; Rs 2.5 crore for providing loans for those possessing sites, Rs 10 lakh for drinking water facility, providing taxis for those possessing driving license, vocational training for unemployed, sewing machines for women and others.

There are hurdles for the construction of Ashrama School, which has been temporarily stalled due to technical glitches. There are already 50 students in the school and the residents demand speedy completion of the project.