Tribal leaders allege misuse of TRICOR funds in Tirupati

Tirupati: Several tribal leaders have disappointed when they could not get an opportunity to explain the serious problems at the meeting convened in Tirupati on occasion of World Adivasi Day on Friday.

A meeting was organised by District Tribal Welfare department was ended much to the disappointment of those attended it as it was confined to the brief messages of District Collector N Bharat Gupta and TUDA Chairman Chevireddi Bhaskar Reddy and the Tribals were denied the opportunity to speak citing time constraint.

Soon after Collector and TUDA Chairman left the venue for some other meeting, a few angry youngsters have entered into argument with the District Tribal Welfare Officer finding fault with the organisation of the meeting.

When The Hans India asked about their grievances, they said that several issues were listed out by them after discussions but could not get an opportunity to present them before the Collector. They stated that there were many well educated tribals without jobs, who can be accommodated in various societies.

All 13 ST hostels in the district were surrounded by problems like lack of proper buildings, staff and facilities. Several irregularities have taken place during the last five years on which the government should order an enquiry, they demanded. Also, the previous government has converted several welfare hostels into residential schools.

Due to this several posts were created which have been filled without going by the roster points. One leader angrily said that, The AP ST Cooperative Finance Corporation Limited (TRICOR) was having thousands of crores of rupees in it which were being misused by some selfish leaders on which the government should act tough.

"On the occasion of Adivasi Day, the government has to distribute cheques to the beneficiaries of various schemes, but the officials have completely ignored it. A sum of about Rs 75 lakh worth cheques have to be distributed which the officials were saying that they will be given later. Is it proper for them? he asked.

The leaders have also demanded upgradation of ST High School at Renigunta Airport into Residential Junior College so that boys can continue their education there itself as girls have a similar one at Srikalahasti.

Another leader felt that there were 40,000 tribal families in Chittoor district for which SC, ST sub plan funds were not reaching properly especially at ground level. The officials should identify the leaders at every stage and coordinate with them for better results. The leaders also demanded one berth for Tribals in the trust boards of Srikalahasti, Kanipakam and Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams.

Earlier, the District Collector told the tribals that they will concentrate on the utilisation of SC, ST sub plan funds and will allot them for health and education aspects in tribal areas to be followed by allocations for infrastructure development. Focus will also be laid on burial grounds in tribal areas.

TUDA Chairman Chevireddy Bhaskar Reddy has assured that the TUDA will provide the required furniture and air-conditioners for Girijan Bhavan in two weeks and the government has been giving top priority to Girijan welfare.