Chenchus languish in penury

​Srisailam: Notwithstanding the initiatives taken by the Central and the State governments to bring tribals into the mainstream, a majority of Girijans in Andhra Pradesh are still living in penury. The poor living conditions of tribals are largely attributed to their ignorance to avail themselves of the schemes properly for their economic uplift and irregularities in implementation of the poverty alleviation programmes.

It is a known fact that some non-tribals are cornering the benefits meant for Girijans, leaving them in poverty forever. The ignorant tribals are also subjected to exploitation which make them languish in poverty.

There is little to cheer about for Chenchus of the Nallamala forest on the eve of International Adivasi Day with the theme Indigenous People’s Right to Education. For them, International Adivasi Day comes and goes every year. But there is no improvement in their living conditions.

A majority of tribal hamlets are still deprived of basic amenities. Most of them are ignorant of the fact that Adivasi Day is observed world over to better safeguard the interests of indigenous people. The Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA) of Srisailam is implementing several development programmes in tribal hamlets of the project area to bring Chenchus into the mainstream.

Lack of improvement in the living standards of Chenchus of ITDA Srisailam project area reflects the fact that the benefits of development schemes are not reaching the targeted sections. The rate of illiteracy and malnutrition among Chenchu children are quite high.

The Chenchus do not have proper access to medical and health services. As some tribes are notorious for criminal activities, the Chenchu tribesmen also face harassment from the police and the forest officials. Lack of commitment on the part of ITDA officials is said to be another reason for the plight of tribals.

A majority of Chenchus in Kurnool district are still dependent on hunting and collection of forest produce for their living and survival as in the primitive times. In the bleak scenario, the ITDA and other government departments need to make coordinated efforts for the economic uplift of Chenchus and their enlightenment to realise the objective of Adivasi Day.