Catching votes? Siddaramaiah, Anjaneya hold mega-conference of tribals

Mysuru: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Social Welfare Minister H. Anjaneya brought over 15,000 tribals from seven districts under a single roof in a first ever mega convention held in Mysuru on Wednesday.

The two leaders stressed that 24.1 percent allocation has been made in the budget for the welfare of backward communities and that schemes have been launched where officials are expected to spend the allotted money the same year. They distributed some benefits to tribals at the programme. But the adivasis came up their own list of 51 demands that ran up to 14 pages.

Mr Siddaramaiah said that there are 41,071 tribals from to 13 communities in the state, constituting 3 percent of the general population. He promised them that their every demand, including internal reservation for political opportunities, would be met.

He said that the government will provide facilities to educate tribal children and mentioned a proposal to extend education in tribal schools (Girijana Ashrama Shale) up to PUC.

Mr Anjaneya said that the convention was organised to focus on the development of tribals. "The government has a nutrition programme for Jenukurubas, Kaadu kurubas, Soligas, Yeravas, Koragas and Malekudiyas in Mysuru, Chamarajanagar, Kodagu, Udupi and South Canara districts. From this year, it has been extended to 4,670 families of Gowdalu and Hasalaru communities in Chikkamagluru. I have understood the problems of tribals first hand by taking government to their doorsteps and being amidst them. I will stay with them again to review the works taken up," he said.

Forest Minister Ramanath Rai suggested a cabinet meeting in a tribal hamlet to understand and resolve their problems.

But sources said that the aim of the convention was to woo voters of backward communities, including tribals and SC/STs.

Mr Siddaramaiah, participating at a convention of Madivalas in Mysuru, said that the government will allot Rs 10 crore each for the development of six backward communities -

Madivala, Uppara, Thigala, Savitha and Kambara.