Mangaluru: Karnataka State SC/ST, Nomadic Development Corporation chairperson Pallavi G on Thursday expressed displeasure over the lack of power connections for many Malekudiyas in Dakshina Kannada.Pallavi told reporters after holding a grievance meeting at the deputy commissioner’s office on Thursday, that she visited the Malekudiya hamlets at Ithilapela in Savanlu village of Belthangady taluk, and other places in the district.“Houses of tribal community families lack electricity and basic amenities in Ilthilapela. Officials of Mescom, forest, social welfare and other departments were instructed to ensure electricity supply to the houses at the earliest. Officials raised a technical issue that they did not receive an NOC from the Centre to take up the work. The Malekudiya community faced severe hardship during the monsoon as a bridge, which is in a dilapidated condition, got submerged. Meanwhile, several families are still without title deeds for the land in which they reside and cultivate,” said Pallavi, who held meetings with members of Ajila, Koraga, Maila, Baira, Nalike and other communities.On her visit to a Koraga colony at Panja in Sullia taluk, she said that families there do not possess Aadhaar cards, ration cards or caste certificates, depriving them of several govt scheme benefits.Noting that several SC/ST community members lack awareness of various govt schemes, she said that officials were instructed to conduct awareness programmes once every three months.Genealogical study stressedPallavi said that members of the Koraga community raised concern over a steep decline in their population due to poor health conditions. She stressed the need for a comprehensive genealogical study involving medical experts to ascertain the reasons for the declining population. “I will discuss this issue with health and family welfare minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, chief minister Siddaramaiah and social welfare minister HC Mahadevappa,” she said.She added that Koraga community members in Madya village demanded the allotment of two acres of land per family to support their livelihood. Members of the Nalike community complained about individuals who allegedly insult Daiva Narthane by presenting the traditional ‘Daivaradhane’ practice on public platforms. She said the issue will be discussed with the chief minister, home minister and law minister.
