VIJAYAWADA: Coinciding with the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, former chief minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy extended greetings to tribal communities in the state. Taking to X, he emphasised their role as custodians of India’s ancient history and culture.On the day, YSRC leaders organised a grand celebration at their Tadepalli office, paying floral tributes to Gam Mallu Dora, Birsa Munda and Jaipal Singh Munda, apart from Dr. B. R. Ambedkar and Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy. Those who participated in the programme included former MLA and YSRC State ST Cell president K. Bhagyalakshmi, MLC Dr. Kumba Ravibabu and MLA Regam Matsyalingam. Addressing the event, YSRC leaders underlined that the tenure of Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy government witnessed unprecedented tribal welfare initiatives, including distribution of 3.22 lakh acres of land under the Forest Rights Act and pushing for constitutional amendments to secure tribal job rights. In contrast, they alleged that the current coalition government led by N. Chandrababu Naidu has failed to distribute even a single acre of land to tribal people. MLA Matsyalingam demanded the restoration of GO No. 3 for tribal job reservations. Bhagyalakshmi highlighted educational reforms, including a ₹500 crore medical college in Paderu and a tribal university in Salur. She claimed that Jagan’s policies empowered 32 lakh tribal people with land titles, education, and healthcare.
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