Central government ignored Tribals; termed Adivasis as Vanvasis to uproot them from their land: Rahul Gandhi

NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused the BJP and the central government of ignoring the Adivasis (tribals) by describing them as Vanvasis (forest dwellers). Rahul was speaking in Dhanora, a tribal area of ​​Madhya Pradesh. He also described the promises made to tribals, scheduled tribes, backward castes and women by Congress in its manifesto.

The BJP termed the Adivasis as Vanvasis to uproot them from their land and take away their rights to water, forest and land. Land belonging to Adivasis is being taken away from them and given to industrialists. Adivasis are not even given compensation. It was the Congress that enacted the laws that ensured power to the Adivasis. During the tenure of Indira Gandhi, the land of Adivasis was returned to them. The Congress manifesto contains proposals to improve the lives of Adivasi communities. The Sixth Schedule will be implemented to ensure the rights of Adivasis in tribal majority areas. If Congress comes to power, Rs 1 lakh per year will be transferred to the bank accounts of women belonging to Adivasi, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled tribes and Backward Classes. The wages of Anganwadi workers from Adivasi communities will also be doubled. Apprentice ships will be provided to unemployed youth.

Rahul Gandhi said that Congress will end the contract system in employment, fill up 30 lakh vacancies in the government sector and ensure adequate support prices for agricultural products.

The Congress is fielding former minister and MLA Omkar Singh Markam against sitting MP and Union Minister Faggan Singh Kulaste in the Dhanora constituency of Seoni district.