Headlines       Vol. 2 Issue 3-4

May 22-June 6 , 1999

Tribals should be protected: Deelip Singh Bhuria The Chairman of the National Commission for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes, Deelip Singh Bhuria has said that the rights, interests and culture of the tribal should be fully protected and development scheme be planned and implemented keeping in view their traditional practices. The commission recently visited the North-Eastern region in order to inquire, understand and discuss the issues, special problems of the people living in those states. Mr. Bhuria reviewed socio-economic developments, including education, health, drinking water, electricity, supply of essential commodities and infrastructural development in the region, with the State Governments of Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. Deelip Singh Bhuria further stated that the region has a major problem of infrastructure of trasport and communications. In the absence of road communication, the region also lacked in propoer marketing facilities of its produce. He opined that the development of the region should be taken up in totality and not in piecemeal manner. The chairman stated that the tribals have a symbolic relationship with forest and are dependent on it for their day-to-day living, including fuel, wood, timber and income generation. These need to be taken care of, he said, adding that he will also examine the impact of the Supreme Court judgement regarding the forest which has affected the economy of the State and tribals. The commission will try to ensure that they are given maximum help for the protection and development of forests and agriculture based economy, Mr. Bhutia said. He appealed the educated youths to involve themselves in the development of the area and bring forward schemes acceptable to the local people, especially regarding health, education, forest and economic development. The chairman also called on the State Governor and had discussions with him regarding the special characteristics and features of North-Eastern states, specially Arunachal Pradesh. He also conducted a review meeting with the State Chief Secretary and other senior officers of all the departments where the problems relating to education, agriculture, cooperation, horticulture, health, public distribution system, drinking water, marketing of agriculture produce, etc. were discussed and reviewed in detail.

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