NGOs 'misusing' ST donations to face inquiry

The State government has ordered an enquiry against some unidentified non-profit organisations for misappropriating donations received from abroad for the welfare of forest dwellers and scheduled tribes, Social Welfare Minister H Anjaneya said on Tuesday.

According to the minister, he has sought a report from officials of the social welfare department on misappropriation of foreign donations by the non-profits.

“There are many NGOs which take money in the name of scheduled tribes and forest dwellers from abroad. But the money never reaches the beneficiaries. I have asked the officials of my department to identify such NGOs and serve them notices,” he said.

Anjaneya accused some NGOs—he did not identify them—of using forest tribes to “further their personal interests”. These tribes want to join the mainstream and come out  of the forests, but the NGOs are trying to keep them inside to ensure they keep receiving money in the name of their welfare, he suggested.

“The NGOs are trying to raise the issue of environment and displacement to keep the donations flowing and force the tribespeople to remain far from civilization,” he said.

Complaints received

When asked what prompted him to order the enquiry and which NGO had misappropriated donations, the minister said he had received several complaints from people about the non-profits misusing the funds.

“People have complained to us in general but nothing in particular. Hence, I instructed officials of my department to monitor the NGOs. We are gathering information on them,” he added. According to him, the department had formed a special team for the probe against the NGOs.

The minister said the government had been trying to convince forest tribes to join the mainstream by giving them a compensation of up to Rs 10 lakh and land to till.

He further said instructions had been given to the Kodagu deputy commissioner to identify revenue land to be distributed among forest tribes if they wish to come out, with each family getting two acres.

“We will even give them housing once they show interest to join the mainstream,” he said.

Anjaneya also said that he, along with Revenue Minister V Srinivas Prasad and Minister for Forest, Environment and Ecology B Ramanath Rai, would hold interactions with tribespeople at HD Kote in Mysuru district.

Officials of the district administration would be present at the interaction to help resolve the problems faced by the tribespeople. Anjaneya further said he would stay in one of the villages at night for a better understanding of the lives of these tribespeople.