RS Praveen Kumar demands Congress govt to end Podu farmer evictions, issue land pattas

BRS general secretary RS Praveen Kumar accused the Congress government in Telangana of violating constitutional rights by evicting tribals from forest lands and obstructing housing schemes. He warned that the party would escalate the issue to national commissions if the harassment continues.

Hyderabad: Condemning the harassment of tribals by forest officials, BRS general secretary RS Praveen Kumar demanded immediate intervention by the State government to protect their rights.

He warned that the BRS would approach national bodies, including National Commissions for SCs, STs, BCs and Human Rights, if the situation continues.

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Addressing a press meet at Telangana Bhavan on Wednesday, Praveen Kumar accused the Congress government of violating constitutional rights, especially the Right to Life under Article 21, by evicting people from forest areas and denying them housing and livelihood.

He said despite promises made in the Chevella, Kamareddy and Warangal declarations during the 2023 Assembly elections, eligible beneficiaries were yet to receive land titles.

He recalled that during the previous BRS regime, around four lakh acres of Podu land titles were distributed to 1.5 lakh farmers, along with welfare benefits such as Rythu Bandhu, Rythu Bima, free power and irrigation support.

However, the BRS leader said since the Congress came to power, the forest officials were preventing cultivation, seizing vehicles and even demolishing structures in tribal villages across districts from Mannanur to Asifabad.

He said in some areas, tribals were not being allowed to build houses under sanctioned schemes like Indiramma housing. He asserted that attacks and evictions of forest dwellers must stop.

He also raised concerns over the lack of coordination among departments, stating that while the Housing department was sanctioning units, the forest officials were obstructing construction on the ground.

“The Ministers concerned who are showing keen interest in land encroachments, dispute settlements and government tenders, did not hold even a single joint review meeting to resolve the issues in favour of tribals,” he added.

Accusing the government of forcing tribal communities like Chenchus to relocate from Amrabad forests, Praveen Kumar termed such actions as discriminatory and against the Forest Rights Act, 2006. He demanded that land titles be issued to all eligible tribal and non-tribal residents. He urged the government to stop anti-people policies, ensure justice to forest dwellers and focus on governance.