The Jharsuguda unit of Adivasi Pragati Samaj on Tuesday submitted a memorandum to the President of India through the district Collector here.
More than 1,500 members of the Samaj took out a rally before handing over the memorandum to district Collector Saroj Kumar Samal praying not to use National SC/ST Commission for political interests.
The Commission has been formed for collective development of the community.
The tribal society is hopeful that the country will protect their interests. But, on November 3, many officers who were present in Jharsuguda with the member of National SC/ST Commission had ignored the tribal issues, the Samaj said in its memorandum.
"It was expected that the commission will look after the tribals education, upliftment of financial status and means of livelihood etc.
But, unfortunately, it was seen that the member had come to favour some political personalities as no tribal members were invited to put forth their grievances and no discussion also was held in this regard. This has hurt the tribals of the district," the memorandum said.
On the occasion, president of Adivasi Pragati Samaj Nabeen Naik, Tankadhar Naik, Jagannath Bhoi, Tape Marei and Jogendra Naik were present alongwith many tribals.