Hyderabad, Apr 8 (TNT) : Telangana Minister for Tribal Welfare Adluri Laxman Kumar , on Wednesday expressed displeasure over delays in execution of works despite funds being sanctioned for infrastructure development in tribal and agency areas and warned that such delays would not be tolerated.
Chairing a high-level review meeting at the Secretariat along with Government Adviser Shabbir Ali, the Minister said better coordination among departments was essential to improve implementation and directed officials to prepare and begin execution of an action plan by the end of this month for resolving key issues in tribal areas.
He instructed officials to adopt a humanitarian approach in addressing problems in tribal regions and accord top priority to the creation of basic infrastructure.
Stating that the government was committed to improving the lives of tribal communities, the Minister stressed the need to prioritise roads, housing, electricity and drinking water facilities in tribal habitations, saying such infrastructure was crucial for improving living standards.
Referring to Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’’s focus on tribal welfare, he directed officials to ensure strict monitoring so that allocated funds are utilised effectively.
On issues relating to forest lands, podu cultivation and issuance of rights documents under the Forest Rights Act, the Minister asked forest and revenue departments to work in coordination for speedy resolution of pending matters.
He suggested constituting a special task force if required to expedite solutions and directed forest officials to facilitate cultivation opportunities for tribals dependent on forest-based livelihoods in accordance with legal provisions.
The Minister also reviewed issues relating to caste certification affecting tribal youth and instructed officials to consult the Advocate General and work towards a permanent solution in matters concerning ST certificates.
He further directed district collectors, ITDA officials and departments concerned to conduct district-level reviews and resolve issues locally through coordinated action.
The Minister said sand transportation issues should not hamper construction of Indiramma houses in tribal areas and directed officials to grant special permissions wherever necessary to expedite works.
He also instructed authorities to address drinking water issues by drilling new borewells and restoring old water sources.
To ensure better oversight, Laxman Kumar announced the setting up of a special monitoring cell for tribal area development and said he would personally visit tribal villages to assess ground realities.
Several legislators and senior officials, including district collectors, ITDA officers and forest officials, attended the meeting.
TNT TS
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