Tribal leaders seek Governor’s interference in Fifth Schedule rights, demand CBI probe into sand mining

Adivasi Samanvaya Committee leaders after presenting a memorandum to Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla on the problems faced by Adivasi Gonds, Koyas and other Scheduled Tribes in Hyderabad on Thursday. | Photo credit: NAGARA GOPAL

HYDERABAD

A delegation of tribal leaders, retired civil servants, intellectuals and social activists led by Chanda Lingaiah Dora, former MLA and national president of the All India Coordinating Committee for the Protection of Constitutional Rights and Culture, along with her advisor and former DGP J. Purnachandra Rao, submitted a memorandum to Governor Shiva Pratap Bhuhavan through Special Secretary Lok on Thursday.

The delegation comprising Lake Raja Rao, former MLA and State Commissioner; PV Ramesh, IAS, former Chief Secretary and others met the Governor to protect the constitutional rights of Scheduled Tribes in the Fifth Plan Area citing problems of land alienation, displacement, unemployment and erosion of tribal institutions despite existing protection under PESA, Forest Rights Act and Land Transfer Ordinance. They demanded restitution of stolen land, stricter enforcement of conservation laws and comprehensive rehabilitation of project-affected families, especially those affected by the Polavaram project.

They also sought recognition of tribal languages ​​such as Koya or Koyatur, a separate religious code for indigenous beliefs, and the sharing of revenue from natural resources. The key demand was a CBI inquiry into sand mining in the Godavari basin along with a white paper and a special audit to ensure transparency.

The delegation asked for setting up a tribal cell at Lok Bhavan and urged the Governor to personally visit the planned areas and assess the ground reality. They expressed confidence that constitutional guarantees would be strengthened under the governor’s mandate.

Published – 11 Jun 2026 21:02 IST