Mahasabha demands ST certificate for Talawar community

The Karnataka Rajya Talawar Mahasabha has urged the state government to immediately resume issue of Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificates to members of the Talawar community, alleging that unnecessary delays and administrative hurdles were depriving them of their rightful benefits.

Mahasabha district president Chandrakant Talawar and member Rajendra Rajawal, addressing a press conference in Kalaburagi on Monday, strongly criticised Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Priyank Kharge for allegedly stalling the process of issuing ST certificates on flimsy grounds.

He said that despite submitting documents and references showing that the Talawar community is already recognised and issued ST certificates in several other districts, the authorities in Kalaburagi district have stopped issuing ST certificates to the Talawar community without any valid explanation.

“We have provided proof of ST certificates being issued to Talawar community members in other districts, yet the Minister continues to make excuses and has failed to ensure justice for people of Kalaburagi district,” Mr. Chandrakant alleged.

Accusing the local officials of deliberately obstructing the process, Mr. Talawar particularly blamed the Kalaburagi Tahsildar for halting the issuance of ST certificates. Depriving of ST certificates to the Talawar community has directly affected hundreds of families who depend on these certificates for education, employment, and welfare benefits,” he said.

The leaders clarified that the issue of granting ST certificates to the Talawar community should not be confused or linked with the concerns of other communities coming under the Koli Kabbaliga category.

He pointed out that the Talawar community was included in the Scheduled Tribes list following an amendment to the Constitution therefore; the government must uphold and implement the constitutional provision.

Mahasabha members also requested Mr Priyank Kharge to convene a meeting with the district administration and Talawar community representatives to review and resolve the issue.