Declare amount spent on tribals, ex-MP tells govt

Former MP and JD(S) leader A H Vishwanath sought to know how much the state government has spent on tribal people for community development.

He addressed participants during the 23rd International Adivasi Day celebrations organised by Karnataka Adivasi Rakshana Parishat, Mysuru unit, at Valmiki Bhavan, here on Wednesday.

Vishwanath said that the state government has been claiming that it has earmarked Rs 84 crore for development of SC/ST communities for the past four years. “But, the government should announce how much it has spent for tribal people. The government’s responsibility is not merely making announcements of schemes. It should also ensure proper implementation of the schemes,” he said.

Vishwanath said that the tribal community has been facing problems with regard to lack of basic facilities, drinking water, medical facility, etc. So, the Forest department is trying to relocate them from the forest region. But, the government has failed to resolve their issues, he said.

He urged the government to construct bhavans in the name of Birsa Munda, an Indian tribal freedom fighter. “The government had alloted Rs 15 crore to develop bhavans in five districts. But still, bhavans have not been constructed. Birsa Munda was a great freedom fighter and the government should publish a book on him,” he demanded.

Karnataka State Tribal Research Institute Director T T Basavanagouda, parishat president M Krishnaiah, leaders Kalaiah and G Swamy were present.