Mysuru: Marking World Indigenous People’s Day, a two-day seminar on ‘Ignored Claims: Status of Nomadic and Semi-nomadic tribal groups in India’ organised jointly by Centre for Study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy (CSSEIP) of University of Mysore and Basudev Somani College commenced this morning at the College premises in Kuvempunagar in city. About 100 researchers are participating.

Inaugurating the programme, Tumkur University Vice-Chancellor Dr. Y.S. Siddegowda bemoaned that despite several efforts, the problems of nomadic and semi-nomadic tribes still exists. He observed that many of the tribes do not claim the benefits and some are unaware of the schemes. He opined that Universities other than education should actively take part in imparting changes in society. He contended that the basic problems of nomads have not be studied in depth. He expected the percentage of youth in India’s population to be around 60 by 2024 but regretted that the skilled fraction would be very low which should drastically improve.

UoM Registrar Dr. Lingaraj Gandhi said that sustainable development with inclusion of all tribes was essential in society. He opined that education policy should also focus on social development. He said that University of Mysore under the Unnathi Bharath Yojan, had adopted five villages with predominantly more tribals for development.

DEED Director S. Sreekant, Institute of Education Trust Managing Trustee Dr. M. Puttaswamy, Principal Dr. M. Mahadevaiah and CSSEIP Director Dr. D. C. Nanjunda and others were present.