Urging states to make tribals ?primary beneficiaries of the development process? even as governments counter the Maoist ?cult of violence?, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday slammed Maoist sympathisers, saying ?those who claim to speak for the tribals? have not offered any ?alternate economic or social path that is viable?.
Addressing a conference of chief ministers and state ministers for tribal affairs, Singh admitted to ?systemic failure in giving tribals a stake in modern economic processes that inexorably intrude into their living spaces? and said the ?alienation built over decades? was ?now taking a dangerous turn in some parts of our country?.
?Systematic exploitation and social and economic abuse of our tribal communities can no longer be tolerated… But the fact is that no sustained activity is possible under the shadow of the gun. Nor have those who claim to speak for the tribals offered an alternate economic or social path that is viable. The cult of violence will only bring greater misery to the common people. We have to counter this threat with determination.?
?While violence cannot be tolerated, tribals must be primary beneficiaries of the development process. We have to win the battle for their hearts and their mouths,? Singh told the state ministers. ?Over the years, a large number of cases have been registered against the tribals, giving rise to a good deal of harassment to those whose traditional rights were not recognised by earlier forest laws. The heavy hand of the criminal justice system has become a source of harassment and exploitation. Therefore, we need to take a more enlightened approach, in line with current thinking on how to deal with such issues,? he said.
?I believe that the government of Jharkhand has recently withdrawn over one lakh such cases. The government of Madhya Pradesh had also done something similar in the past. I believe that states need to review such cases urgently and take similar action as appropriate. We need to make clearly a fresh start in this area,? he said.
Pointing out that there were a host of issues related to ?losses suffered by tribals displaced as a result of acquisition of land for various purposes,? Singh said, ?It cannot be said that we have dealt sensitively and with concern with these issues in the past… It is not just the displacement and disorientation caused by separation from the land that is at issue. One can only imagine the psychological impact of seeing the cutting down of the vast very forests that have nurtured the existence of these communities for centuries.?
?It is clear that we need to reflect on how to improve laws and mechanisms through which we provide compensation to displaced tribal persons. More could be done, more should be done. The tribals must benefit from the projects for which they have been displaced,? he said.
?Resettlement and rehabilitation raise serious issues, not just of monetary compensation. We have to address issues relating to creating sustainable livelihoods, preserving the traditional sense of community and helping the tribals cope with the trauma of dislocation and alienation.?
Pointing out that the ?administrative machinery in some of our tribal areas is either very weak or virtually non-existent?, Singh reminded states of ?the importance of posting committed and competent officers in tribal areas? who should be offered ?strong incentives like hardship allowances, special housing and educational facilities or grants?.
