Making a dig at the Odisha Government for not pursuing the issue of the controversial Polavaram irrigation project of Andhra Pradesh properly, Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Jual Oram on Sunday asserted that he would fight to protect the interest of the State and of the tribals,in particular.
"There is no question of compromising the interest of Odisha on the issue of Polavaram," he said.
Addressing his first Press conference after assuming the charge as the Union Minister, Oram said the Polavaram project was started since late Biju Patnaik was in power. The present Government does not pursue the issue as it should, he regretted, and asserted that the Union Government would provide whatever assistance the Odisha Government needs on the Polavaram project.
To a question on the proposed mining in Khandadhar hills by Posco, Oram reiterated that his as well as the State BJP's stand on the issue is still unchanged.He would continue to oppose the proposed mining in Khandadhar as it would destroy the natural environment and cause large-scale displacement of tribals, he asserted. "I am in favour of zero displacement and zero harm to natural heritages," he clarified, adding, "We will not support mining or industry which causes destruction of environment and displacement."
Stating that the policy of the NDA Government is zero harm to the environment and displacement in case of mining or industry, the tribal leader said, "We will not allow mining or industry to start at any place at the cost of environment and local people."
The Tribal Affairs Minister said if necessary he would apprise the issue to the Union Steel and Mines Ministry on his apprehension and ensure that Posco does not get mining clearance at Khandadhar, which comes under his Parliamentary constituency.
On the issue of reducing the impact of Maoists in the tribal areas, Oram said, "I think we have to initiate better rapport with tribals to stop them being attracted towards insurgency apart from taking up developmental activities.
Oram announced that his Ministry would soon implement the Minimum Support Price policy soon in the entire country for 10 minor forest produces to avoid distress sale and save the poor tribals.Since the tribals and poor people are dependent on the forests and collection of minor forest produces like sal seed, mahua flower, tamarind and kendu leaf, they often are cheated or forced to sell the items at throwaway prices, he said.
Oram said that during his two-day tour to Odisha after assuming the office, he reviewed various Central funded and sponsored projects meant for the tribal community in Odisha on Saturday with the State Government officials.The Minister said that he was fully satisfied on the utilisation of funds in various sectors. There was a discrepancy in the expenditure of Special Central Assistance on Tribal Sub-Plan, he said.
He further said that as per the statistics of the State Government, atrocities against tribal people and girl students in residential schools have been on the rise in the State which need to be dealt with in a resolute manner. However, he appreciated the State Government's approach in implementing the livelihood projects for inclusive development of tribals.
Oram said he would have a total review of the programmes being implemented by the State Government at a later stage and assured that there would be no dearth of funds for the development of the tribal areas and tribals.
On Tribal land Right Act, he said his Ministry will review the issues relating to complaints that the land belonging to the tribal people has been grabbed by mines and various projects across the country. His Ministry would give priority to review the land alienation cases in the State pending over last ten years for disposal.