Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (HB)
Udupi, Mar 4:The members of the Koraga community of Padubidri, staged a day-night dharna to protest in a unique way playing their traditional musical instruments such as dolu, flute, tala, chande and waiving fiber material. The dharna was held in front of the DC office here.
The Padubidri village panchayat has allotted 2.75 cents for each family, out of a total of 6 cents of land for rehabilitation of 20 Koraga families according to the agreement. Rs. 1.75 lac has been granted for the construction of houses. District-in-charge minister, Vinay Kumar Sorake distributed the RTC. The community had been displaced 9 months ago. After a long period of fighting DSS leader Umanath Padubidri, Bhaskar Padubidri and Koraga community leader Ganesh Barkur received the order for construction. While construction was going on these members brought a stay order in January 2015.
Shrimithi, one of the community members completed her MSW graduation at Shirva College, 3 years ago, but failed to get a suitable job even though she has a reservation. She tried her best to get placed as village accountant. Now she depends on her family occupation- fibre weaving for her livelihood.
“All families are depressed and leading a very pathetic life. Nearly 4-5 members make up a family. Their income is not enough to earn their daily bread,” disclosed Shrimithi. Her sister is currently pursuing Mcom.
Among those who participated in the dharna were 8 children studying in Hejamadi School, and a pregnant lady.
Shrimithi demands rehabilitation of all 20 families onto government land.
Mallika said that her family was also depending on the same trade of fiber weaving. There is no problem of living on the allotted land. She alleged that her neighbor Shobha uses verbal assaults on the Koraga community and refuses to use the public well. According to her knowledge, nearly 200 years ago these families had taken shelter on tenant land.
The depressed community member said, the government should take immediate action towards rehabilitation, as the monsoon is drawing near. Around 18 families participated in the day-night dharna out of 20 families.
The members Pudda, Menpa, Sheela, Sumathi, Kamala, Shashikala, Kukra were also present.