The Wayanad district administration has launched an innovative interactive programme to solve the issues of tribesmen in the district.
Speaking after launching the programme here on Friday, Wayanad Collector S. Suhas said the programme was aimed at making the collectorate a tribal-friendly office and ensuring that various welfare funds reach the grassroots.
Vulnerable sections
“The tribal people are the most vulnerable sections of society and they are facing various issues in their settlements. However, any tribal chieftains or Ooru Moopans are yet to visit my office to air their grievances owing to fear or lack of confidence” Mr. Suhas said adding, “I would like to make a core change in their attitude,” he added.
As many as 10 chieftains of various tribes, including the Paniyas, Kurichyas, Mullakurumas, Kattunaykkas, Adiyas, and Oorali Kurumas from different parts of the district, were invited to a special venue here as a part of the programme and various issues being faced by them in their settlements were discussed.
The majority of the grievances were related to basic infrastructure issues such as dearth of roads to their settlements, uncompleted house works, and lack of drinking water and toilet facilities.
Mr. Suhas ensured them that all their issues would be settled in a time-bound manner and directed the officials concerned to solve the issues on a war footing.
‘Not a single-day process’
“This interaction would not be a single-day process as there are more than 4,000 tribal hamlets in the district and each one has its own issues,” Mr. Suhas said adding that he was planning to invite 10 tribal chieftains every month and solve their issues after an interaction with them.
Mr. Suhas also provided a sumptuous feast to his guests as part of the Onam festival being organised by the district administration in association with the Wayanad District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC).