Srinivas Goud Demands Immediate Fulfilment of Congress Promises to Tribals

Former minister V. Srinivas Goud has demanded that the Congress government immediately implement the promises it made to the tribal community during the elections. Addressing a media conference with tribal representatives at the BRS party office in Mahabubnagar, Srinivas Goud accused the government of failing to honour its commitments despite being in power for nearly three years. Former Tribal Corporation chairman Valya Naik and several other leaders attended the meeting.

Srinivas Goud said the Congress government had disappointed tribal communities by not acting on the assurances given before the elections. He contrasted its record with the measures taken during the previous BRS government, stating that the administration led by former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao had introduced 10 per cent reservation for Scheduled Tribes in line with their population.

He also pointed to the recognition of 3,146 thandas as gram panchayats, which, he said, created political opportunities for nearly 30,000 tribal people to serve as elected representatives. The former minister argued that the move strengthened grassroots participation and gave tribal communities a greater role in local administration.

According to Srinivas Goud, the previous government also invested in infrastructure and welfare facilities for tribal communities. He cited the construction of Sevalal Banjara Bhavan and Komuram Bheem Adivasi Bhavan in Hyderabad, along with development works involving assets worth around Rs 100 crore and funds of nearly Rs 25 crore. He said tribal settlements were provided electricity and household drinking water, while residential schools and hostels offered students education, accommodation and meals.

Criticising the Congress government, Srinivas Goud alleged that the condition of tribal gurukuls and hostels had worsened after the change in government. He called for adequate financial support to Tribal Corporations and urged authorities to immediately hand over land allocated to the Erukala community.

He further demanded action on promises concerning ST opportunities in private companies, assignment land, Podu land pattas and financial incentives ranging from Rs 25,000 to Rs 1 lakh for tribal students. The government must ensure better access to education, employment and economic opportunities, he said, stressing that election promises should be fulfilled rather than left pending.