New Delhi, September 24: The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) today undertook a comprehensive review of the implementation of constitutional safeguards, welfare measures and development programmes for Scheduled Tribes in Karnataka at a review meeting held at the Conference Hall of Radisson Blu, Bengaluru.
The review meeting was chaired by Shri Antar Singh Arya, Hon’ble Chairperson, NCST, and was attended by Shri Jatothu Hussain, Hon’ble Member and Shri Amit Nirmal, Joint Secretary, NCST, and senior officers of the Commission.
The State Government was represented by the Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, Additional Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries and Secretaries of various departments, along with other senior officers. The review was undertaken on the basis of a structured and detailed questionnaire circulated by the Commission in advance, the information and data furnished by the Government of Karnataka, grievances and petitions received from members of the Scheduled Tribe communities, feedback received prior to the review meeting, and observations arising from field visits previously undertaken by the Commission in the State of Karnataka.
During the review, the Commission examined a wide range of issues concerning the Scheduled Tribes of the State, including implementation of constitutional safeguards, reservation and backlog vacancies, utilisation of funds under the ST Component, tribal land and forest rights, implementation of the Forest Rights Act, educational and welfare measures, and institutional mechanisms for protection of tribal interests.
The Commission particularly reviewed concerns relating to the rejection of a substantial number of claims under the Forest Rights Act, 2006, and emphasised the need for a comprehensive examination of rejected and pending claims in accordance with the provisions of the Act and Rules.
The Commission also discussed the proposal for establishment of an exclusive Karnataka State Commission for Scheduled Tribes for continuous monitoring of constitutional safeguards, along with measures for filling backlog vacancies and ensuring effective representation of Scheduled Tribes in education and public employment.
Special emphasis was placed on the socio-economic and infrastructure development of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), particularly the Koraga and Jenu Kuruba communities, with focus on health, nutrition, housing, education, livelihoods, land and forest rights and access to basic services.
The meeting provided an important platform for detailed interaction between the Commission and the State Government on the status of implementation of various safeguards and development measures. The discussions were constructive and fruitful, and the Commission urged the concerned departments to take appropriate and time-bound action on the issues raised during the review.
The NCST reiterated its commitment to ensuring that constitutional safeguards and welfare measures intended for the Scheduled Tribes translate into tangible and equitable outcomes on the ground.
