Tribal representatives seek policy on their development, empowerment

Kochi: A meeting of tribal representatives in Kerala, held at Namithidam Harmony Hall in Anakkatti on Tuesday, demanded that govt take steps to ensure 1,00,897 tribal families in state get ownership of land ranging from one to five acres.The meeting, organized by the tribal collective Thampu and regional publication Gothra Bhoomi, emphasized the need for policy formulation for tribal empowerment development with a vision for at least 25 years ahead, aiming for Vision 2050 as the agenda.The suggestions raised at the meeting will be compiled and presented as ‘Oor Jadd 2026’ by a tribal delegation to chief minister V D Satheesan, scheduled tribes department minister K A Thulasi and other ministers and opposition leader Pinarayi Vijayan in Thiruvananthapuram.The meeting noted that a lack of significant land ownership has marginalized the development empowerment activities of tribal communities. It called for implementing Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) (PESA) Act in tribal areas to preserve the socio-economic and cultural heritage values of the tribal populace and eliminate delays in distributing social rights under Forest Rights Act. It called for establishing new forest rights committees (FRCs) to include eligible areas, as only 661 FRCs have been formed so far in Kerala.The meeting sought to initiate necessary actions to find permanent solutions to tribal land issues, including alienated lands, and appoint a judicial commission for the same. It demanded ensuring social justice, conducting awareness in native languages about Forest Rights Act, PESA Act, Prevention of Atrocities Act, Pocso Act and tribal welfare schemes implemented by central and state govts.Based on these issues, 100 recommendations will be submitted to govt.Around 60 tribal representatives from various regions and organizations participated in the event, sharing their suggestions, experiences and concerns. The camp was inaugurated by Attappady block panchayat president Allen. The inaugural session was chaired by Rajendra Prasad, president of Thampu and editor of Gothra Bhoomi.