Representatives of various organisations have questioned the failure of the State Government to form the Tribal Advisory Council and proper utilisation of the Tribal Sub Plan in Uttarakhand.
Addressing the media here on Monday, the activists pointed out that these steps had not been taken by the State government though about 14 years have passed since creation of Uttarakhand. The formation of the Tribal Advisory Council was announced by the then Chief Minister two years ago but the announcement has remained limited to official files.
Addressing the media at the Press conference organised under the aegis of Find Your Feet, representatives of Bhumi Adhikar Manch, Kumaon Seva Samiti- Sitarganj, Himalayan Jan Kalyan Evam Bal Vikas Samiti, Uttarakhand Samata Andolan and Aparn- Pithoragarh said that the government had neither respected the constitution nor had ensured proper utilisation of the TSP in tribal areas of Uttarakhand.
Of the five tribes inhabiting Uttarakhand, the Tharu constitute 33 per cent of the tribal population, Jaunsari account for 32.5 per cent, Boksa constitute 18.3, the Bhotia 143.2 per cent while the Vanraji constitute 7.50 per cent of the total tribal population in the State.
Even during the Statehood movement it was being felt that the tribals need organisational skills to present their case to the government effectively. So far, the demands of the tribals have been repeatedly communicated to the government. The main demands of the tribals are effective implementation of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act and formation of the Tribal Advisory Council. Whenever the State government was asked about action on these issues, the official response was not satisfactory even though the authorities had continued to assured that the Tribal Advisory Council would be formed soon. Due to public pressure, the then Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna had on August 2012 announced the formation of the TAC at Sitarganj but the decision is yet to be implemented by the State.
The activists are slated to meet CM regarding these issues. Nilesh Manju, Swagata Kainthola, Jaya Mishra and Yogesh Dhyani were among those present on the PC.