'Study on Malekudiya and 9 marginalised communities to be completed by Dec end'

"The study on Malekudiya community and nine other marginalised communities will be completed by the end of December," said Bengaluru Central University Vice-Chancellor Prof S Japhet.

He was speaking at a state-level consultation meeting of Malekudiya community, organised by National Law School, Bengaluru, Tala Samudaya Adhyayana Kendra and Malekudiya Sangha, here, on Sunday.

"There have been several studies on marginalised communities in the past. The study on these communities help us to understand their problems and lifestyle," he said.

Stating that the problems faced by the Malekudiyas and other marginalised communities have increased over the years, he said that about 20% of the rich have taken away 80% of the resources belonging to the poor. As a result, there has been a rise in the gap between the poor and the rich.

He said that education and organisational efforts will help solve the problems.

Vishwanath Idu from Karkala said that  the title deeds issued under Forest Rights Act, 2007  are entitled to availing basic facilities. However, the banks refuse to lend loans for the title deeds issued under this Act. The forest department officials harass them for even trimming the tree branches.

Though grants are released for the development of Malekudiya and other marginalised community members, the development is not up to the mark.

Additional DC G Anuradha, Malekudiya Association General Secretary Sridhar Gowda Idu and others were also present.