State govt. has set aside ₹10-crore grant for development of nomadic communities
The State government has set aside a grant of ₹10 crore for the development of deprived and marginalised nomadic communities in the State.
Sharing this information at a press conference in Chamarajanagar near here on Saturday, chairperson of the Karnataka Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) Nomadic and Semi Nomadic Development Corporation G. Pallavi said the corporation, which is Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's pet project, had identified a total of 99 nomadic communities including 51 from SCs, 23 from STs, and 25 forest dwellers.
She said tours were being undertaken across the State to gather information on the actual reach of government facilities to these marginalised nomadic communities. She regretted that no proposals had been submitted from Chamarajanagar for any schemes or programmes of the corporation, even though a grant of ₹1.49 crore had been allocated to the district.
The State government had implemented various schemes for nomadic and semi-nomadic communities, including the Micro-Credit Loan Scheme, Self-Employment Scheme, Entrepreneurship Scheme, Land Ownership Scheme, Ganga Kalyana Scheme, and Svalambhi Sarathi Scheme.
Also, to avail bank loans, the applicants belonging to nomadic communities have been given exemption from submitting most documents other than caste certificate and Aadhaar, she said.
The admission of nomadic children to residential schools and creches will be free and without any entrance examination, while adding that they had even been provided a reservation of 10%.
While directing the officials to ensure that the nomadic people receive the benefits of loans within a stipulated time, Ms. Pallavi said there is a lack of awareness among the nomadic communities about the government facilities. She called upon the officials of all departments to organise awareness camps and spread information about the same.
The beneficiaries for the government schemes should be selected during meetings chaired by the Deputy Commissioner and proposals should be submitted to the government in coordination with the relevant departments, she said.
She also asked the officials to allocate government land to nomads without sites, burial grounds, or agricultural land. If government land is not available, private land should be purchased and provided to them, she said.
Pointing out that it had been learnt that nomadic parents were unwilling to enroll their children in residential schools, Ms. Pallavi asked the officials to counsel such parents about the importance of education and arrange their visits to the institutions and hostels.
Deputy Commissioner of Chamarajanagar Shilpa Nag, who was also present on the occasion, said the district administration in coordination with the Forest Department was ensuring basic facilities to the forest-dwelling nomads including roads, drinking water, and electricity.
Also, under the 'My Identity-My Campaign' initiative, Aadhaar cards are being delivered to their doorsteps, she said while adding that it was the responsibility of the district administration to ensure that the nomads receive the facilities necessary to lead a dignified life in society.
Chamarajanagar zilla panchayat Chief Executive Officer Mona Roat, Superintendent of Police B.T. Kavitha, and other officials were also present on the occasion.
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