Members of several tribal organisations, including those of the KISS Adivasi Parents’ Association (KAPA) on Wednesday, together urged the State Government to sort out tribals’ problems and take action against the individuals and media organisations targeting tribals.
They also demanded that the Government provide all support to the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS).
“We have apprised the Government about problems created for tribals by negative minded people and organisations many times. As new academic session has already started, we want that our children don’t get disturbed further,” they told a Press meet here.
Stating that the entire world loves KISS for its noble work, they said they are thankful to KISS and KIIT founder Achyuta Samanta for bringing up tribal children with education for the last 26 years.
“Some negative and self-proclaimed RTI activists, who have been booked in many criminal cases, are defaming the KISS for their vested interest.
It is disappointing that various Government departments are sending enquiry teams to the KISS almost every month in response to their petitions instead of conducting inquiries into their illegal activities,” they lamented.
Expressing gratefulness to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, they said, “We tribals are indebted to Naveen Babu for his love and concern for us. Still we are facing a lot of problems till date. We urge him to provide all kinds of facilities to our children at the KISS.”
They demanded that the State Government take immediate action against media organisations which act against tribals.
“The Government should provide ample financial support and sufficient land to the KISS. Many times the Government has given exemptions and concessions in electricity and water bill to various industries.
The Government should also provide such type of exemptions and concessions in water and electricity bill to the KISS. The Government should also provide one rupee rice for KISS students,” they demanded.
Among others, KAPA president Ram Sabar and secretary lambodar Singh, Paschima Odisha Adivasi Kalyan Sangha general secretary Niranjan Bisi, Odisha Adivasi Kalyan Mahasangha working president Braja Kishore Singh Bhoi and Paschima Odisha Adivasi Mahasangha vice-president Bhanu Pratap Singmajhi were present.