Govt. will hold talks with tribal organisations on key issues soon, says Naidu
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Monday reiterated that the Andhra Pradesh government accords the highest priority to safeguarding tribal rights and welfare and assured
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Monday reiterated that the Andhra Pradesh government accords the highest priority to safeguarding tribal rights and welfare and assured tribal communities that there was no need for concern over issues relating to G.O. No. 3 and the 1/70 Land Transfer Regulation. Reviewing the welfare and development of Scheduled Tribe communities with senior officials at the Secretariat, Mr. Naidu discussed the implications of the Supreme Court’s 2020 judgment striking down G.O. No. 3, which had provided 100% reservation in teaching posts in Scheduled Areas for local tribal candidates.
He said the coalition government was exploring all legally viable alternatives to ensure that tribal communities continued to receive the intended benefits. The Chief Minister alleged that although G.O. No. 3, introduced in 2000, had remained in force for nearly two decades, the previous government had failed to effectively defend it before the Supreme Court, leading to its invalidation. He said the present government was examining options within the framework of the Constitution Bench judgment. Naidu directed officials to hold consultations with tribal organisations on employment, land rights and other issues concerning Scheduled Tribes, and to involve them in efforts to overcome legal hurdles.
He also instructed officials to include Alluri Sitharama Raju district in Zone-I and Polavaram district in Zone-II and expedite the process. Assuring tribal communities on the issue of bauxite mining, the Chief Minister said the government would not take any decision that undermined tribal rights or sentiments. He also said there was no need for apprehensions regarding the implementation of the 1/70 Act and asked officials to clearly communicate the government’s position. Naidu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving healthcare, education, transport and livelihood opportunities in tribal areas, stating that sustainable development would be achieved only by improving the living standards of tribal communities.
Senior officials and Tribal Welfare Minister Gummidi Sandhya Rani attended the review meeting.
The BriefWire