Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JD/SP)
Mangaluru, Apr 16: "For the overall development of the Koraga community, a special package of Rs 10 crore has been announced," informed social welfare minister H Anjaneya.
Addressing a press meet at the DC's office here on Saturday April 16, a day after his village stay in Kerekadu, he said, "After residing among the people of the Koraga community at Kerekadu in Mulky, I have come across many problems faced by the Koraga community in the district. Realizing their current situation, a package of Rs 10 crore has already been announced.
"I gave solutions to most of their problems on the spot. Most of them had issues related to land ownership and hence I gave sanction letters for title deeds to 88 families. I also distributed cheques of various grants to them during my visit. A sum of Rs 1 crore has been sanctioned for 400 beneficiaries from the district," he added.
"Foundation stone was laid for the Koraga community hall worth Rs 12 lac during the visit and action will be taken to increase the government grant to Rs 3 lac for the construction of their houses," Anjaneya said.
DC A B Ibrahim, Mangaluru North MLA Mohiuddin Bava and others were present.
Anjaneya mingles with Koragas, dances with locals, discusses problems
State social welfare minister, H Anjaneya, who was swayed by the traditional percussion instrument of Koragas, Dolu, not only struck it rhythmically but also danced to its tune with local youngsters on Friday April 15 night.
The minister's village stay at Kerekadu Koraga colony within Padupanambur gram panchayat in Mulky revenue division on Friday was colourful and meaninfull. He closely observed the ways of the Koraga community here, and seemed to be thoroughly impressed by the lifestyle and food habits of the people. Over 70 Koragas provided company to the minister.
In the afternoon, the minister was provided with tasty food provided by colony residents. At night, he squatted on the floor to relish Chapati, jack fruit Sukka, rice, pickles, and a preparation made from locally available vegetables. House owner, Baby, served the minister.
Speaking after inaugurating the meeting held in the morning, the minister said that he plans to hold monthly meetings of top officials of social welfare, revenue, and forest departments to address problems faced by Koragas and other locals on account of Forest Rights Act. He noted that forest department officials have been blocking community development works including construction and repair of houses by aborigines. He said that there is a need to hold meetings of MPs, MLAs, deputy commissioners, and forest officials to see that the people living in forest areas get title deeds.
He said his department will soon begin evaluating the existing programme of providing nutritious food to Koragas six months covering rainy season, and free education to them. This is necessary to make sure that the beneficiaries are receiving benefits, he stated.
Dakshina Kannada district in-charge minister, Ramanath Rai, concurred that there are legal hurdles in solving problems of Koragas like forest act. He felt that there is a need to distribute Kumki land to poor people, noting that many rich persons holding large tracts of agricultural land are also fighting for Kumki right.
MLC, Ivan D'Souza, state social welfare board chairperson, Divyaprabha Gowda Chiltadka, former city mayor, Shashidhar Hegde, Dakshina Kannada district deputy commissioner, A B Ibrahim, zilla panchayat chief executive officer, P I Shrividya, honorary president of Koraga Unions, Gokuldas, local gram panchayat president, Mohandas, vice president, Pushpa, assistant commissioner, Dr Ashok and others were present.
On his arrival at 10.40 am, the minister was accorded welcome through traditional procession. At the meeting, he distributed title deeds, cheques, sanction letters of self employment loans, grants from corporations, boards etc to eligible beneficiaries. He would be announcing a special package for Koraga community members on Saturday.
At night, he slept on a mat spread out in the hall of the house belonging to Baby with just a fan providing him respite from hot climate.