Tribal bodies threaten protests

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, Oct 26, 2015 : Speaking to media, Koraga Abhivriddhi Sanghagala Okkuta, Udupi district president Shashikala said, that the district is receiving funds to improve basic infrastructure including housing, irrigation, self employment, education, health, rehabilitation programme, etc.

The programme will also help poor patients from the tribal communities to avail the benefits of health care. They could invest substantive amount on the treatment and could avail best medical facilities.

 The Koraga Abhivriddhi Sanghagala Okkuta, Karnataka - Kerala, in association with Karnataka Aranya Mula Budakattu Samudayagala Okkuta, will jointly stage an indefinite strike from October 26 in front of the DC’s office condemning the government decision to fund vehicles for three PHCs under Integrated Tribal Development Programme (ITDP).

She said the fund released by the government under ITDP is now being misused as government has released funds for the purchase of vehicles for PHCs. "Despite the district administration informed over the irregular activities, the DC and also the district in-charge minister has failed to sort out the issue," she accused.

Karnataka Aranya Mula Budakattu Samudayagala Okkuta president Susheela Nada demanded that the action should be taken against the officials, utilizing funds to purchase vehicles. She demanded that the govert should earmark Rs 2 crore for the health care needs of the tribals.

"They should be facilitated with the good quality treatment and ITDP should bear the expenses. The treatments should be made available at private hospitals. The govt should take measures to complete the health testing programme initiated for the tribal communities which is stopped midway," she demanded.

She also demanded that the community people should be given smart cards and Koraga community women should be trained as health messengers on the lines of DK, Kodagu districts. "We will go for an indefinite hunger strike from Nov 1, if our demands are not met," she added.