NHRC directive to officials on projects for tribals

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), which reached the district on Monday to study various issues of tribespeople, especially the issues of the unwed tribal mothers, directed the officials concerned on Tuesday to be more vigilant while drafting and executing welfare projects for tribal people.

The team led by Justice Cyriac Joseph gave the direction after an interactive session with the leaders of various tribal organisations in the district.

Tribal people should get justice on time and political interest or any vested interests should not be a hindrance for it, Justice Cyriac Joseph said.

“Allotment of funds by local civic bodies for the welfare projects for tribesmen was very poor,” Justice Joseph said adding that many a time even the allotted fund for the purpose was not being utilized effectively.

“Lapse of such funds every year cannot be justified at any rate,” he said.

“Ignorance of tribal people on the welfare projects is the major reason for the exploitation,” he said adding that active interventions of the organisations working for tribal people could make a positive change in the sector. Leaders of tribal organisations brought various issues of the marginalised sections of the society such as dearth of basic amenities in tribal hamlets, lack of healthcare and educational facilities, addiction of tribesmen to alcohol and interventions of contractors in tribal housing projects to the attention of the panel.

They also requested the panel to recommend setting up de-addiction centres under the government to tackle the alcoholic addiction of tribesmen.

The visit will conclude on Wednesday.