Tribal leaders seek Governor’s intervention on Fifth Schedule rights, demand CBI probe into sand mining

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Leaders of the Adivasi Samanvaya Committee after submitting a memorandum to Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla on issues faced by Adivasi Gonds, Koyas, and other Scheduled Tribes, in Hyderabad on Thursday. | Photo Credit: NAGARA GOPAL

A delegation of tribal leaders, retired civil servants, intellectuals and social activists led by Chanda Lingaiah Dora, former MLA and National Chairman of the All India Adivasi Constitutional Rights and Culture Protection Coordination Committee, along with its Adviser and former DGP J. Purnachandra Rao submitted a memorandum to Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla, through the Special Chief Secretary, at Lok Bhavan on Thursday.

The delegation comprising Lake Raja Rao, former MLA and State Convenor; P.V. Ramesh, IAS, former Chief Secretary and others, met the Governor to safeguard the constitutional rights of Scheduled Tribes in Fifth Schedule Areas, citing challenges of land alienation, displacement, unemployment and erosion of tribal institutions despite existing protections under PESA, Forest Rights Act and Land Transfer Regulation. They demanded restoration of alienated lands, stronger enforcement of protective laws, and comprehensive rehabilitation for project‑affected families, particularly those impacted by the Polavaram project.

They also sought recognition of tribal languages like Koya or Koyatur, a separate religion code for indigenous faiths, and revenue sharing from natural resources. A key demand was a CBI investigation into sand mining in the Godavari basin, along with a White Paper and special audit to ensure transparency.

The delegation requested the establishment of a Tribal Cell in Lok Bhavan and urged the Governor to personally visit Scheduled Areas to assess ground realities. They expressed confidence that constitutional safeguards would be strengthened under the Governor’s mandate.