-The New Indian Express
BHAWANIPATNA: Hundreds of Dongria
Kondhs of Lanjigarh in Kalahandi district resolved not to accept PDS
rice at a meeting at Parsali under Kalyansinghpur block of Rayagada
district on Saturday.
The Dongria Kondhs of Lanjigarh, who
attended a meeting chaired by convenor of Niyamgiri Surakhya Manch Lada
Sikoka at Rayagada, refused to the accept rice under National Food
Security Act (NFSA). The meeting was also attended by senior members
Dadhi Sikoka, Bari Pidikaka and Ludu Krungelika.
Listed as
Primitive Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), the Dongria Kondhs
inhabiting Niyamgiri Hills and five blocks of Lanjigarh, Kalyansinghpur,
Muniguda, Ambadola and Bisamcuttack in Kalahandi and Rayagada districts
were enlisted under Antyodaya Anna Yojana and were availing 35 kg rice
free of cost. But after implementation of NFSA, they will get only 5 kg
rice per head. Moreover, the beneficiary will have to pay for the rice.
Worried
about their sustenance if the new system of 5 kg rice per head is
implemented as most of the tribal families are small, the Dongria Kondhs
have informed both the district administrations about their decision
not to accept rice under NFSA till the old system is restored.
They
have also threatened to take to the streets and close block and
panchayat offices in the five blocks indefinitely if their demands are
not met.
The tribals also alleged step-motherly treatment by Gram
Sevaks and district officials who rarely visit them to know about their
problems. The Dongria Kondhs said deficit rainfall has damaged crops
grown on hills and many families are spending days without food but the
administration is yet to take any steps and come to their rescue.