Tribal communities benefited more during YSRCP term, say leaders

Tribal leaders have asserted that significant economic and political benefits had been extended to the tribal communities during the term of the former Chief Minister, Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, and hoped that further development would take place if he returned to power.

The remarks were made at the 287th birth anniversary celebrations of Sevalal Maharaj, organised at the YSRCP central office at Tadepalli on Sunday under the leadership of the party’s State Tribal Wing.

Floral tributes were paid to the portrait of Sant Sevalal Maharaj, revered for securing distinct identity and recognition for nomadic Banjara communities.

Speaking on the occasion, the tribal leaders said that during Mr. Jagan’s tenure, tribal communities received both economic support and social backing.

They recalled that during his padayatra, representations had been made seeking conversion of ‘thandas’ with a population of 500 into Gram Panchayats. Soon after assuming office, he fulfilled the promise by establishing 250 Thanda Panchayats, they said.

The leaders demanded greater political representation for the tribals living in the plain areas, noting that reservation was largely confined to Agency regions. They urged that communities such as Erukula, Yanadi, Lambadi, and Chenchu be rendered justice if Mr. Jagan returned to power.

They also highlighted appointment of Lambadi representatives to temple boards, including the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams and Srisailam boards, and the inclusion of a tribal woman as a member of the ST Commission and adviser to SVBC channel.

They said during Mr. Jagan’s tenure, 1.53 lakh tribal families had received ROFR pattas covering nearly three lakh acres, while 25,000 families granted DKT pattas for about 38,717 acres. They claimed that tribal communities benefited to the tune of ₹19,471 crore through DBT and non-DBT schemes.

Criticising the coalition government led by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, the leaders alleged that tribal welfare had been neglected over the past two years. They accused the government of failing to deliver justice in the Sugali Preeti case despite promising a CBI inquiry during elections.

Several party leaders, including former State TRICOR Chairman Gunda Surendra, YSRCP Grievance Cell president Narayana Murthy, and other tribal representatives, participated in the event.