More than 1,500 tribal people from southern districts of Odisha gathered at Berhampur railway station on Friday before departing for New Delhi on a special train to participate in the upcoming Janjati Sanskritik Samagam scheduled to be held on May 24.
The participants, travelling under the banner of the Janjati Suraksha Manch, include members of tribal communities from Ganjam, Gajapati and Kandhamal districts. Organisers said the large-scale participation reflects growing awareness among tribal communities regarding issues related to welfare benefits, cultural identity and constitutional rights.
Delegation Departs From Berhampur Railway Station
The massive contingent assembled at the Berhampur railway station amid enthusiastic scenes before boarding the special train bound for the national capital. Organisers stated that the primary objective of the programme is to bring together tribal representatives from different regions of the country and create awareness about issues concerning Scheduled Tribes.
The delegation is expected to attend the Janjati Sanskritik Samagam on May 24, where Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to address the gathering.
Participants Voice Concerns Over Welfare Benefits
Several participants spoke about their concerns regarding the distribution of welfare benefits meant for Scheduled Tribes. Members of the delegation said they plan to submit written representations highlighting these issues during their visit to New Delhi.
One participant alleged that certain welfare schemes intended for tribal communities were being availed by individuals belonging to other communities after religious conversion.
“We believe that benefits meant for Scheduled Tribes are being availed by people from other communities who have converted from Hinduism. We have organised this rally to raise the issue. Nearly 1,400 people from Gajapati, Ganjam and Kandhamal districts will submit these concerns in writing to President Droupadi Murmu in Delhi and return on May 26,” the participant said.
Another participant expressed concern over what they described as unequal access to welfare schemes among tribal populations.
“Our people are availing only around 20 per cent of the benefits, while those who have converted to other religions from Hinduism are receiving benefits from both sides,” the participant claimed.
Delegation to Meet President Droupadi Murmu
Apart from attending the cultural gathering, the delegation has also planned to meet Droupadi Murmu during its stay in New Delhi. Organisers said memorandums outlining their concerns and demands related to tribal welfare and constitutional safeguards would be submitted during the interaction.
The visit is being seen as a major mobilisation effort by tribal groups from southern Odisha, particularly from the districts of Ganjam, Gajapati and Kandhamal, where a significant tribal population resides.
The Janjati Sanskritik Samagam is expected to witness participation from tribal representatives from various states, with discussions likely to focus on tribal rights, welfare schemes, cultural preservation and socio-economic development.
