Mounesh Vishwakarma

Daijiworld Media Network – Bantwal (EP)

Bantwal, June 8: The Koraga community population is decreasing in Dakshina Kannada district as per the statistics available with the district administration.

Koraga community leaders have expressed their anxiety over their further dwindling of numbers in the next ten to 15 years. “Koraga community should not combine with any other group for any reason whatsoever and they should receive the government scheme benefits. Officials should come forward to provide permanent livelihood,” said the Koraga community leaders.

Koraga community leader Sundara Beluvayi who referred the matter in the taluk level Koraga community grievances meeting held at taluk panchayat’s SGRSY auditorium on Wednesday said that there are only 572 community members in Bantwal taluk. “The recommendations of the Mohammed Fir report which were submitted to the district administration after the study of our community have still not been implemented,” he said. Leader Sanjiva seconded Beluvayi’s opinion.

“We do not have basic documents from the time of our elders. Our generation has been looking towards education since the last 30 years. Officials who could understand our issues and those who had prepared to implement the solutions got transferred and the problems remained as they were. The problems have to be explained all over again to the new officers. Therefore, our problems are confined only to discussions and have remained so for several years,” said Sundara Beluvayi.

Hold group meetings
“It is possible to find solutions on the spot if grama level monthly meetings are held,” he suggested. “The officials who arrive then should understand the issues and provide solutions. We will not be able to provide identity documents,” he told tahsildar Dr Smita, who assured to hold meetings on the village stay model and try to solve their problems.

Mirage for the community
“Land was identified near B C Road railway station to construct a community auditorium and to discuss their issues. A blueprint was prepared for the amount that was approved for the purpose. But it has remained a mirage for us. Other than holding discussions over it in every meeting, there is no information of at what stage is its progress,” said leader Sanjiva expressing his dissatisfaction. There was however no response from the department of social welfare or officials for the enquiry.

Sundara Beluvayi who drew attention with documentary evidence that the land reserved for the community is being grabbed by the rich, warned of protests until agricultural land is provided to the community. Taluk panchayat EO Rajanna assured that discussions will be held with the deputy commissioner and suitable arrangements will be made for land if possible.

Sanjiva explained with proof that the community members holding Ayushman card are unable to obtain treatment at Wenlock hospital. “Our community may last for another ten to 15 years. We should be dealt with love and faith till then. Therefore, treatment is being obtained from a private hospital after entering into an agreement,” he said.

Let the meeting be not for namesake
“We have discussed the issues of the Koraga community during the meetings like these for the last ten years and handed over written applications but to no avail. Officials should look for solutions instead of holding meetings for namesake,” said Babu Balepuni.

A local woman said that a tank and pipeline has been constructed at Narayanakodi, Bolantur grama but water is not being supplied. “Water was supplied through a tanker on Tuesday. Agricultural activities are also disrupted for want of water,” she said. She requested for construction of a shed to prepare baskets under the self-employment scheme. Sundara Bagi and others took part in the discussions.

Jayashree, assistant director of the department of social welfare was present.