Lack of Aadhaar forces tribals to lead an anonymous life

In all, 22,402 people, belonging to Scheduled Tribes, in the district have been denied government benefits as the Central funds under Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) has not been released for two years now.

There are six tribal communities in the district which are said to be in the lowest ebb. Most of them are nomads and do not possess any identity or Aadhaar card. The community is thus deprived of benefits and has been neglected by the government.

The six tribal communities are Soliga, Iraliga, Hakki-pikki, Medha, Aranya Shikari and Nayaka. The aforementioned tribal communities have a total of 51 sub-castes among them. The castes have been differentiated based on their culture and profession.

There are 4,000 Soligas in the district and most of them live in Malavalli taluk. Soligas are found in just four villages in K R Pet taluk, three villages in Srirangapatna taluk and eight villages in Nagamangala taluk.

A neglected lot

Karnataka Adivasi Rakshana Parishat district president Honnaiah told DH, “The elected representatives have been neglecting us as the number of people in our community is less. During the last Lok Sabha elections, MP C S Puttaraju promised us our due. He won the elections by just 3,000 votes and our votes played a major role in it. But, he failed to keep his words.”

The tribals have been demanding government jobs for around 500 youths, increase in Centre’s reservation to 7.5% from 3%, title deeds for those living on government land for more than 25 years and others.

“Tribal children are not given admissions under RTE Act. The community people are not allowed in schools. If this continues, they will be forced to stage a protest,” he warned.

No funds

Social Welfare department Deputy Director B Malathi said that the Tribal Sub-Plan has been implemented for the benefit of tribals. “But the funds sanctioned for the scheme are insufficient. The funds available are utilised for laying of roads and UGD in tribal colonies and the PWD has taken up the responsibility,” she said.

Malathi explained that funds have not been released for two years now. The legislators should exert pressure on the government to get the funds released, she said.