TAC sub-committee consults tribal groups over anomalies

A Tribal Advisory Council (TAC) sub-committee headed by Minister Neelkanth Singh Munda on Wednesday made a consultation with the members of certain tribal groups over reported anomalies existing in the caste list.

The anomalies are said to be clerical in nature but have been depriving the members from that particular communities from reservation and other benefits.

“Members of the TAC sub-committee listened to the representatives of Lohara, Chik, Badaik and several others. Due to clerical mistakes done in the past like Lohar or Lohara, Chik or Chik-Badaik they were facing disadvantage. The sub-committee has taken note of it and a final report would be submitted to the TAC soon in this regard,” said member of the sub-committee and Congress MLA Sukhdeo Bhagat.

Representatives of the communities presented substance over similarities in custom, tradition and beliefs of the affected groups with those included into the list of the sections of tribals to drive home their point.

“Lohara and Lohar for example follow similar traditions for decades and have matrimonial, religious and cultural relation among themselves. Similar is the case with other groups facing the predicament. On this ground their claims were accepted for consideration and would be sent to the TAC for taking a final call,” said Bhagat.

This apart, the sub-committee also discussed the appropriate way to rectify the differences so that it can sustain legal scrutiny as well satisfies those belonging to the section.

“Since the issue is sensitive for those who are already enjoying the perks coming with tribal there may be reservations among them over adding new members. The sub-committee has to find out any appropriate way to induct those claiming injustice along with full satisfaction to those who are in. There should be no heartburn for anyone,” said Neelkant Singh Munda after the meeting. Following the consent of the TAC the recommendation of the sub-committee would be sent to the Governor before final notification is made.