Silvester D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur (RJP)
Kundapur, Jan 1: "Koraga people are known for honesty and integrity. But they are still backward economically. It is sad to note untouchability and superstitions are still seen in the 21st century generation," said state social welfare and backward classes welfare minister, H Anjaneya on Saturday, December 31.
Anjaneya was speaking after inaugurating the village stay programme at Koraga colony in Kaltodu village of Muroor in the taluk.
"The state government has implemented many programmes for the welfare of Adivasis, scheduled caste and scheduled tribes. Rs 82 crore has been sanctioned for Udupi district while Rs 54 crore has been already spent," he said. He instructed the officials to construct connecting roads to the Koraga colonies as the colonies are being concretized.
"Koraga community is in dire straits now. While population in other communities is going up, that of Koraga community is coming down drastically. Superstition is one of the main reason for this. Forest department should help in uplifting of Koraga community. Forests Rights Act has been enacted to help the community. When one has physical problem, he should see the doctor, not the witchcraft practitioner. There should be education to enlighten the Koraga society. Most importantly they should understand that they are in the 21st century," Anjaneya said.
"It is a sensitive community. Though some of them are educated, they are not getting employment. All the Koraga people who have houses , should be given proper house records. We are giving electricity and solar to them. They are also given free groceries, eggs and ghee during rainy days,” he added.
He also said that village stay programmed is helping the people. He revealed that so far he has covered 6 districts under village stay programme.
District in-charge minister Pramod Madhwaraj briefed about government programmes for the Koraga people, impediments in implementation etc.
MLA Gopal Poojary listed out the needs of the people in the village including their rights to houses and well, electricity etc. he also requested to provide government employment to educated Koraga people.
Deputy commissioner Venkatesh, ZP CEO Priyanka Francis, KDP member Raju Poojary, Taluk panchayat member Vijay Kumar Shetty, gram panchayat Annappa Shetty and other Koraga leaders were present.
A new toilet was constructed at a cost of Rs 45,000 for the minister’s use during the village stay. Anjaneya was unhappy with this. "I could have used the ordinary toilet used by the Koraga people. I did not want this," he said.
Anjaneya also took forest officials to task for saying deemed forest will come in the way of concretisation. "Only Adivasi people can save forest. Let their development take priority," he said.
The house chosen by the minister for the stay was stronger compared to the houses nearby which had less facilities.