Ekta Parishad padayatra to highlight tribals' woes

Led by Gandhian P.V. Rajagopal, the padayatra will cover the tribal belt of Madhya Pradesh and Chattisgarh from November 20 to December 10.

Ekta Parishad led by Gandhian P.V.Rajagopal is organising a padayatra in the tribal belt of Madhya Pradesh and Chattisgarh from November 20 to December 10 to highlight the various problems faced by the tribal population because of inadequate implementation of the different legislations and policies adoped by the Government for their welfare.

 

Addressing a press conference, Mr. Rajagopal, who is also member of the National Land Reforms Council of the Central Government, said the rally, which would cover Dhindori, Mandala and Balaghat districts of Madhya Pradesh and Kabirdham district of Chattisgarh, is expected to be attended by representatives of tribal communities from across the country, as also academicians and leaders of political parties.

 

During the 20-days march, public hearings and other such programmes would be organised in the villages along the way as platforms for the local people to air their grievances. Local Government officials would be invited to participate so that attempts may be made to work out effective solutions to the issues raised.

 

``In 2008 the Forest Rights Act was enacted. But, so far only 30 per cent of the tribals have benefitted. At this rate, it would take a long time to protect every one’’, he rued.