Adivasi conclave adopts 10-point resolution, seeks strict enforcement of PESA, Forest Rights Act

A national-level Adivasi conclave held at Bhadrachalam on Monday (July 06) unanimously adopted a 10-point resolution demanding the effective implementation of the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution and tribal self-governance through the Gram Sabhas under the Panchayat (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA).

Organised by the All India Adivasi Constitutional Rights and Culture Protection Coordination Committee, the conclave was chaired by its national chairman and former MLA Chanda Lingaiah Dora.

Tribal leaders from Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha and Maharashtra participated in the meeting, according to a press release. Former Director General of Police J. Purnachandra Rao attended the conclave as the chief guest.

The resolutions called for stronger constitutional safeguards for Scheduled Tribes (STs), strict enforcement of the Land Transfer Regulation (LTR) Act 1 of 1970, the Forest Rights Act, besides seeking comprehensive rehabilitation of Polavaram project-affected families.

The participants expressed concern over what they described as the increasing instances of transfer of tribal lands, forests and natural resources to corporate entities. They resolved to launch a nationwide movement to safeguard the constitutional rights of STs.

Other key resolutions included the recognition of a separate religion code for indigenous tribal faiths in the national Census, inclusion of Koyithur (Koya) language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, revision of G O Ms No 3 and enactment of legal safeguards to protect employment opportunities for STs in Scheduled Areas.