CM promises rehabilitation of ST communities living on forest fringes

CHAMARAJANAGAR: In the wake of problems of wild animals for Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities living inside the forests, they will be rehabilitated by providing them land on the fringes of the forests, said Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai.

Speaking at the launch of the BJP’s Vijay Sankalp Yatra atop Male Mahadeshwara Hills in Chamarajanagar district by BJP national president J P Nadda on Wednesday, the CM said, “Special attention has been given in the budget to the people living in the fringes of forests. The Government of India has been recommended to make suitable amendments to provide land to those who were living inside the forests. There is a demand to increase the number of Primary Health Centers in this region and this year, 68 new PHCs will be opened. Under this plan, the PHCs will be sanctioned to the people living on the fringes of forests in the district”.

Talking about self-employment, the CM said, “Under the Stree Samarthya Scheme, two Stree Shakti groups in every village will be given a grant of up to Rs 5 lakh and provided market linkage for the products of the groups. They will be given training and provide self-employment”.

Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai addressing the gathering at Male Mahadeshwara Hills on Wednesday.

“There are opportunities to set up small-scale industries of forest produce. Steps will be taken to provide social justice to the Beda community. Women and youths will be empowered to lead self-reliant life by offering them self-employment”, Bommai added. Several schemes like Kisan Samman for farmers, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Aatmanirbhar, and Ayushman Bharath have been implemented, he noted.

The CM said, “The quota for SCs and STs have been hiked and these communities are offered free power supply of up to 75 units. Priority has been given to the communities in the construction of houses and purchase of land. Women working as agricultural labourers are given monthly financial assistance of Rs 1,000, free bus passes for the girl students, and free education for girls from PU up to degree courses.”

The CM stated that the Vijay Sankalp Yatra which was launched by Nadda from Male Mahadeshwara Hill will culminate in Davanagere. He said, “A lot of inspiration has been drawn from the Jan Sankalp Yatra and doubled self-confidence. The confidence of the ST community has increased after a tribal woman was made the President of India. The double-engine governments are fulfilling the aspirations of the people. The BJP will come back to power with a clear majority.”

Former CM BS Yediyurappa, state BJP president Nalin Kumar Kateel, Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje and others were present on the occasion. (ANI)