Title: Need to grant land rights and provide other basic amenities to the tribals of Akrani Taehseel, Maharashtra.
(SOLAPUR): Sir, I wish to invite the attention of this august House to a very grave situation. The tribals of 75 villages of Akrani tahseel , Nandurabai District in Maharashtra… (Interruptions)
THE MINISTER OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS (SHRI RAM NAIK): You cannot read it.
SHRI SUSHIL KUMAR SHINDE : But facts will have to be given and that is why I am reading it.
THE MINISTER OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT AND POVERTY ALLEVIATION (SHRI ANANTH KUMAR): You are quoting but not reading.
SHRI SUSHIL KUMAR SHINDE : Yes, I am quoting certain figures taking the help of the paper.
Sir, for the last 300 years these tribals are staying in the Akrani village. In 1891 a survey was conducted. These tribals are staying over there for the last 300 years. I would like to bring to your notice that in 1991 a Gazette was published indicating that all facilities, like that of drinking water and roads, will be given to them. But on one fine day the Ministry of Environment on technical grounds issued the stay order. Where will they go? Poor people, living in these 75 villages, cannot even dig well to get drinking water. They are tribals but nobody is looking after them.
An MLA belonging to that area is sitting on hunger strike in Delhi. He has been pressing for these demands for the last two to three years but the Government of India has not taken cognizance of it at all. Through you, Mr. Deputy-Speaker, Sir, I request the Government of India to immediately take cognizance of it because from 11th of this month they are sitting on strike at Jantar Mantar. It is obligatory on the Government to take some action. Sir, the Ministers are sitting here. Since the matter relates to tribals, I would request the Government to respond.
So, I would request the Government of India to pay attention to this. Sir, as the concerned Minister is sitting, I would appeal him to give an answer.
THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI T.R. BAALU): Sir, I will go through the grievance and see what best can be done.
SHRI SUSHIL KUMAR SHINDE : I will ask the MLA to see you.