Joda: Amid allegations that mechanized mining operations have killed the job hopes of locals, hundreds of people from Karakhendara, Ulliburu, Deojhar, Anseinkala, Kandara and Thakurani in the Joda block of Keonjhar district walked 20 km and met the Joda BDO Tuesday over the issue.
The tribals organised under the Akhila Bharatiya Krantikari Adivasi Mahasabha (ABKAM) submitted a memorandum to the BDO, seeking jobs for their unemployed youths in mines and factories.
In the memorandum, activists of Adivasi Mahasabha said youths have no scope for jobs in these sectors as mining operations have been mechanized and that tribal widows are not getting pensions. They demanded a grievance camp to identify and register all tribal widows.
“Houses allotted as per the Biju Pucca Ghar Yojana should be provided to all poor people. Safe drinking water and electricity should be given to people living in Uparasahi and Buru Sahi in Karakhendara panchayat,” they said.
There is a need for a bridge across Satukan River to connect Nalda and Hensaburu, they said.
They also said that the people of Deojhar panchayat have been facing a lot of problems in getting safe drinking water as their tube-well has stopped working. They have to trek two km to bring water to their village.
Tribals like Mansingh Tiria, Sukumani Munda, Tulasi Munda, Raibari Pingua, Main Munda, Chandkar Munda said that they are unable to understand schemes like PEETHA and KALIA.
The tribal organisation said that villagers in the region have been suffering since years without basic facilities.
“When elections come leaders come to villages with promises, but nothing happens after that,” they said. The tribals said they will launch a hunger strike if their demands were not accepted.
Barbil Tehsildar Khirod Behera, who is holding charge of Joda BDO, said that steps will be taken soon regarding the demands of the Adivasi Mahasabha.
PNN