Girijana Aikya Vedika demands better safeguards for tribal rights

The Girijana Aikya Vedika, Telangana, adopted a 29-point charter of demands at a meeting held in Hyderabad on Sunday, urging the government to take immediate steps for the protection of tribal rights and the socio-economic development of Adivasi communities.The forum sought implementation of the proposed Adivasi Bandhu scheme, conferment of the Bharat Ratna on tribal icon Komaram Bheem and establishment of a Tribal University in Adilabad district. It also demanded the creation of a separate Scheduled Tribe Commission to exclusively address issues concerning tribal communities.The meeting stressed the need for stronger measures to safeguard tribal land and forest rights. The organisation also demanded effective enforcement of the 1/70 Land Transfer Regulation and allotment of five acres of