Bhubaneswar: Making a solid pitch for improvement in condition of tribals of Odisha, Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Jual Oram on Sunday said his ministry’s top priority would be betterment of health and education of ST communities as they populate 46% of geographical area of the state.
“Being an adivasi, I know their problems very much. Education and health are on top of our agenda. More tribal people should become educated,” Oram told mediapersons here.
Secondly, tribals have poor access to healthcare and suffer due to lack of qualified doctors and standard infrastructure. Upgrading these is also among top priorities of the ministry, he said. Besides, transportation is an issue in these areas.
“There are 118 tribal blocks, 21 ITDPs in Odisha.” he said. The Fourth priority would be electricity and irrigation facility for agricultural development.
He lauded the state government for policy decisions in livelihood programme in several fields including medical, nursing, and medical supporting staff exclusively for tribals.
Improvement in infrastructure of Tribal development Co-operative Corporation (TDCC) which handles minor forest produce is under consideration.
Further on Posco the Union minister said, “The stand of the state unit of BJP is clear. There should be zero displacement and destruction of natural resources should not be allowed to develop mining and industry in the state.”
Under Regulation (2), tribal land delimitation is not permitted. However, cases regarding delimitation the tribal land will be taken up state-wise, Oram said.
“The cases, which have been lying for more than 10 years, will be directed through ministry and the SC/ST Commission on priority basis,” the Union minister added.
Lamenting Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for making public statements against Polavaram project, Oram said, “The state govt is not fighting for the interest for the state wholeheartedly.The project had taken shape during Biju Babu's tenure as CM of Odisha. And Naveen Babu is busy issuing press statements now.”
“As an MP of Odisha I will fully support the state government to safeguard the interest of the state,” Oram said.