Shivpuri: The Sahariya tribal community in Shivpuri district has long been grappling with several grave issues, the most prominent being the proliferation of illegal liquor shops in their settlements. These shops have been operating without any action from the Excise Department. The root of these problems lies in widespread bribery and corruption, which has prevented the benefits of welfare schemes from reaching the tribal community.
The Sahariya community has been forced to pay bribes to access benefits from various government schemes like the Janman Awas Yojana and land allotment rights, which is a violation of their fundamental rights. While the operation of Anganwadi centers appears smooth on paper, the reality is quite different. In some places, ration distribution is non-existent, and in others, payments for nutritional supplements are not being made. Even the construction of homes under the Janman Awas Yojana faces hurdles as local strongmen have illegally occupied government land.
Frustrated by these issues, the Sahariya community has raised its voice through the “Sahariya Kranti Andolan” (Sahariya Revolution Movement). Hundreds of Sahariya Kranti members, led by Sanjay Bechain, marched five kilometers from the Bairad region to the Collector’s office to present their grievances. The Collector took the Sahariya Kranti’s demands seriously, addressing several issues immediately while promising solutions for others.
Sahariya Kranti’s Serious Allegations: Unveiling Corruption in Gram Panchayat Kharai Jalam
The Sahariya Kranti movement has highlighted widespread corruption and irregularities in the implementation of government schemes in Gram Panchayat Kharai Jalam (Pohri). The movement accused Gram Panchayat Secretary Bholu Kushwaha of taking bribes from tribal families, causing them financial losses and violating their rights.
Sahariya Kranti’s Demands and the Administration’s Response
Sahariya Kranti’s convener, Sanjay Bechain, presented the issues faced by the tribals from Shivpuri and Pohri Janpads to the Collector, Ravindra Kumar Choudhary, who took prompt action on several matters.
- Immediate Suspension of Gram Panchayat Secretary: Bholu Kushwaha has been immediately suspended, and an inquiry has been ordered to ensure a fair investigation.
- Refund of Bribes: The Collector assured that the money taken from tribals under the pretext of providing benefits from the Janman Awas Yojana would be returned.
- Comprehensive Investigation in Tribal Panchayats: Detailed investigations into the development works and beneficiary schemes in all tribal-dominated panchayats of the Pohri region have been ordered.
- Payment of Pending Wages: Instructions have been given to promptly deposit the pending wages into the accounts of workers under the Janman Awas Yojana.
- Providing Housing to Eligible Tribal Families: A survey has been ordered to identify and provide housing benefits to all eligible tribal families in each village.
- Depositing Nutritional Supplement Funds into Women’s Accounts: Camps will be organized in every panchayat to ensure women receive the funds meant for nutritional supplements.
- Issuance of Ration Cards: Orders have been given to promptly issue ration cards to tribal families who do not yet have them.
- Resolving Land Disputes in Village Dendri and Panchayat Maheshpur: The SDM has been directed to resolve land disputes in these areas.
- Issues Related to Janman Awas and Forest Land Patta in Village Bara: The problem of 55 tribal families who have not received land pattas will be addressed.
The Sahariya Kranti movement has made it clear that the tribal community is now aware of its rights and is raising its voice against corruption. The administration is expected to take swift and concrete action in this direction so that the tribal community can receive their rightful benefits from government schemes.
