Vijayawada, 5 June (HS): Former Andhra Pradesh State Scheduled Tribes Commission member and Girijana Praja Samakhya founder-president Vadithya Shankar Naik has urged the Centre and the state government to take immediate measures to address longstanding issues affecting tribal communities in Andhra Pradesh.

In a representation submitted to National Commission for Scheduled Tribes Chairman Antar Singh Arya, Naik highlighted challenges faced by Scheduled Tribes in education, employment, land rights and social welfare, and sought the Commission's intervention for their comprehensive development.

Among his key demands, Naik called for the restoration of G.O. No. 3 in Andhra Pradesh to protect employment opportunities for local tribal communities in Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA) areas. He also sought the establishment of Eklavya Model Residential Schools in every district to provide quality education to tribal students residing in plain areas.

Naik urged authorities to facilitate low-interest loans and financial assistance for unemployed tribal youth through the National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation. He also sought special Central assistance for the welfare of Chenchu, Yanadi, Erukala, Nakkala and Sugali tribal communities.

Emphasising the need to safeguard tribal land rights, Naik called for effective implementation of the Forest Rights Act through speedy issuance of land titles to eligible tribal families, thereby protecting their traditional rights.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar