While a fresh set of promises were made for the Koraga community by Social Welfare Minister H. Anjaneya in Udupi on December 31, the assurance he gave during his earlier visit to a Koraga Colony in Dakshina Kannnada eight months ago have largely remained unfulfilled.
Estimate
The proposed genetic analysis of Koragas to find out the reasons for their short life span is yet to be taken up. An estimate is being prepared for the ₹10-crore package for improvement of basic facilities in Koraga colonies.
The only work that has been taken up is the construction of a community hall in the Koraga Colony in Kerekadu, which began a month ago.
The genetic analysis of Koragas and the package for development of Koraga colonies in the district were among the announcements made by Mr. Anjaneya during his ‘grama vaastavya’ at the Koraga Colony in Kerekadu village near Mangaluru on April 16.
The Dharward-based Karnataka Institute of DNA Research, which was asked to do a pilot study on the residents of two Koraga colonies, wrote to the director of the Karnataka State Tribal Research Institute that they had not found any specific disorders affecting the community. In its letter dated June 24, the DNA Research Institute said there was no need for a genetic study. But, a detailed pedigree analysis of each individual could be taken up to know the genetic nature of Koragas.
Dakshina Kannada Integrated Tribal Development Project Officer Hemalatha B.S. said that the Tribal Research Institute had made a proposal to the State government.
She said that an agency had been assigned the task of preparing an estimate for the works to be taken up as part of the package. The plan is to develop roads, install a water purification plant and improve other basic facilities at Koraga colonies. It was also proposed to consruct additional rooms to community halls.
No scientific study
M. Sundara, president of the Karnataka- Kerala Koragara Okkoota, said it was sad that the government was yet to scientifically study the reason why people of their community could not live long.
“We expect the Minister to fulfil promises in a time-bound manner,” he said.
