Sir,

The news item in SOM dated Feb. 22 regarding eviction of 1.17 Million forest families is heartening to read as these families need to be rehabilitated with minimum facilities in a new place which is a more challenging task.

Most of these families might have developed certain bonding and evolved socio-cultural living in tune with forest environment. At the same time, considering the vulnerability of these families to adjust with new environment, the Central Government must provide immediate solution to protect these marginal community people. It is pertinent to note that, majority of these families must be belonging to Scheduled Tribe and they lack suitable platform to voice their grievances.

Since LS elections are on the cards, the Government must act quickly to safeguard the large families of STs from adverse effect of large vote base. Hope, policy-makers will protect the interest of these hapless community with policy intervention.

– Giriyappa Kollannavar, Jayalakshmipuram, 22.2.2019

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