NCST member steps in as tribal women flag liquor menace

National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) member Asha Lakra on Tuesday visited multiple locations in H.D. Kote taluk, Mysuru district, interacting with tribal communities and reviewing economic empowerment initiatives aimed at their welfare. During her visit, the NCST member ordered action against illegal liquor sales.

At H.D. Kote hand-post, Dr. Lakra interacted with women from the Jenu Kuruba community running a millet (siridhanya) store and appreciated their efforts towards financial independence. The enterprise, managed by 11 women, has transformed lives, with beneficiary Rathnamma recounting how she earlier migrated to Kodagu and Kerala for daily wage labour but now earns a stable income locally.

Emphasising the Commission’s mandate, Dr. Lakra said ensuring safety and dignified living conditions for Scheduled Tribes remains a priority, and urged people to report any instances of exploitation or atrocities.

She directed officials to provide advanced training in value addition of food products, implement geo-tagging for tribal produce, and facilitate online marketing platforms in collaboration with Sahakar Bharati to expand market access.

During her visit to the ‘Prakruti Food Products’ unit in Jaganakote haadi, she reviewed ragi-based food processing activities. Women at the unit said they produce around 11 varieties of food items and have achieved sales of approximately ₹1.5 lakh.

Illegal liquor sale

However, concerns over rampant illegal liquor sales in tribal hamlets took centre stage during the interaction.

Women complained to the member that alcoholism was affecting men and even college-going youth. Responding to their concerns, Dr. Lakra instructed excise officials to conduct surprise raids and take strict action against the illicit trade.

Later, she visited Viveka School of Learning in Hosahalli and assessed educational facilities and interacted with the students. She stressed the need to introduce mechanical tool training for girls and called for skill development programmes like tailoring under the Tribal Sub-Plan to enhance employment opportunities.

Senior officials from the Commission and district-level officers were present during the visit.