"In the name of protecting forest dwellers, Maoistshave created an atmosphere of fear (in society). Our fight against the rebels is continuing. Through schemes for tribal welfare and women empowerment, with a strong political willpower, we will defeat their designs," he told a meeting of Adivasi Adhikar Samavesa at Narla in Odisha's Kalahandi district.
Stating that Maoists were using tribals as shields, Ramesh said the Naxalites' issue can be tackled by strengthening gram sabhas and accelerating political processes and greater participation among forest dwellers.
"As promised, the UPA government has undertaken several developmental schemes for the uplift of tribals and many more are in the offing," Ramesh said.
Jairam also said the tribal villages will be soon be free from the liquor menace.
"Women self help groups (SHGs) have done exemplary works in curbing country liquor sale in some parts of the country. In Kalahandi also, the women SHGs will be strengthened to stop liquor sale and consumption," the Union minister said. "It has to be a social reform. The women will soon launch the anti-alcohol movement in the district," said the minister.
Jairam also said that the draft for national land reform policy is ready. "Representatives of all the states will meet on April 6 to discuss the draft," he said.
Union Tribal Affairs Minister V Kishore Chandra Deo, who also attended the function, said tribals were still deprived as benefits of developmental schemes failed to percolate to them and they should be brought into the social mainstream.
About 5,000 tribals welcomed Jairam at Asurgarh. Tribal leaders from different parts of the state appealed to the minister to fix a minimum support price for forest produce and set up a tribal museum at Asurgarh.
A large number of tribal representatives from different parts of Kalahandi and adjoining districts drew the attention of the two Union ministers to various problems, including the issue of fake caste certificates.
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