Jual Oram accuses Odisha govt of failing to resolve issues of tribals

Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram on Sunday accused the ruling BJD government in Odisha of neglecting the tribals in the state.

Oram said the state government "failed miserably" to resolve issues involving the tribals, and did not allot land to them, despite having promised to provide the record of rights. He also alleged that tribals are being harassed while trying to obtain caste certificates and that in the name of Special Development Council, the BJD has "snatched away" the power of elected representatives.

The minister announced that a two-day national Schedule Tribe (ST) conference will be held here from February 2. BJP President Amit Shah and other top leaders are slated to attend a rally to be held on February 3 during the national meet, Oram told reporters here.

While around 5,000 delegates, including tribal leaders from different parts of the country, are likely to attend the meet, nearly 1 lakh tribals are expected to take part in the rally, he said. Oram also hit out at the BJD government on the issue of women's reservation, terming its plea on the matter as "drama".

BJD MP, P K Deb, however, dismissed the allegations and accused the BJP-led NDA government at the centre of having done little for the welfare of tribals.

(With inputs from agencies.)