AP Committed to Restoring GO-3 Through Legally Sustainable Framework: Sandhya Rani
She asserted that the government would not dilute the law protecting tribal land rights
Vijayawada: The Andhra Pradesh government is committed to restoring GO-3 through a legally sustainable framework while safeguarding the constitutional and land rights of tribal communities, tribal welfare minister Gummidi Sandhya Rani said on Wednesday.
Acting on the directions of the chief minister, she held consultations with representatives of 40 tribal organisations at the tribal welfare commissionerate in Moghal Rajapuram here. The meeting reviewed issues relating to GO-3, implementation of the 1/70 land transfer regulation, protection of tribal land rights, education, employment and welfare schemes.
Tribal welfare secretary M.M. Naik, director Sada Bhargavi, MLAs from Agency constituencies and senior officials attended the meeting.
Addressing the media later, Sandhya Rani said the present government never opposed GO-3 and was determined to provide a permanent legal solution capable of withstanding judicial scrutiny. Reissuing the earlier government order in its original form would not survive legal challenge. A stronger law with appropriate safeguards would be introduced.
The minister said former chief minister N.T. Rama Rao had issued GO-275 in 1986 to improve employment opportunities for tribals, while Chandrababu Naidu introduced GO-3 in 2000, reserving 100 per cent of teacher posts in Agency areas for local tribal candidates.
She alleged that the YSRC government failed to effectively defend GO-3 after it was struck down by the Supreme Court and did not file a review petition despite enjoying substantial electoral support in tribal constituencies.
Sandhya Rani said the government had already conducted consultations with tribal organisations, joint action committees and experts across all nine Integrated Tribal Development Agency regions to prepare a legally sustainable framework.
Rejecting speculation over the 1/70 Land Transfer Regulation, she asserted that the government would not dilute the law protecting tribal land rights.
The minister said the government remained committed to tribal welfare through measures such as pensions for tribals aged 50 and above, strengthening ITDAs and improving access to education, healthcare and employment. She also appealed to tribal youth not to be “misled” by opposition parties, assuring them that the government would protect their rights and welfare.