Officials highlight education, welfare for tribals on World Adivasi Day

World Adivasi Day (International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples) was observed across Chittoor and Sri Sathya Sai districts on Sunday, with officials highlighting education, livelihood support, legal awareness and improved infrastructure for tribal communities.

In Chittoor district, Collector Sumit Kumar lit the lamp and inaugurated the event at the Collectorate building. He called on the tribal communities to understand their legal rights and fully utilise the benefits of government welfare schemes. He said that nearly 60,000 tribal people lived in Chittoor district, with over 600 habitations being identified, while several of them required better infrastructure.

Mr. Sumit Kumar said that 2,907 tribal beneficiaries had received benefits worth ₹6.52 crore under various government schemes during 2025-26 and so far in the current financial year. Under the Forest Rights Act, individual titles covering 19.99 acres were issued to 22 tribal farmers, while community rights were recognised for 50 beneficiaries over 41 acres. “The government will also ensure that basic infrastructure in all tribal welfare hostels is completed within three months, including toilets and electricity facilities,” the Collector said.

Special grievance camps would be organised to address Aadhaar, ration-card and other documentation issues. The Collector directed the officials to expedite land titles for eligible tribal farmers cultivating in gap areas and improve drinking water and mobile connectivity in tribal habitations.

In Sri Sathya Sai district, World Tribal Day was observed at the Collectorate in Puttaparthi. District Revenue Officer Pakala Kondaiah and Revenue Divisional Officer (Puttaparthi) P. Suvarna were present. Community leaders, officials, students and NGOs were present. “The administration will continue working with tribal organisations to identify local problems and implement welfare measures effectively,” Ms. Suvarna said.

Government addressing tribal issues: MLA

Meanwhile, Tirupati MLA Arani Srinivasulu said that the State government was resolving the issues faced by Adivasis during the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples celebrations held at Kachchapi Auditorium in Tirupati on Saturday.

Girls performing folk dance during the World Adivasi Day celebrations at Kachchapi Auditorium in Tirupati on Saturday.
| Photo Credit:
K.V. POORNACHANDRA KUMAR

“In the past, Adivasis living in hilly, forest, and remote valley areas were often unable to reach their homes for at least two days during the rainy season. The NDA government has now provided road connectivity right up to their settlements. Electricity and schools would come up following the development of roads,” the MLA said.

Mr. Srinivasulu further said that students from tribal-dominated districts such as Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, and Parvatipuram-Manyam have risen to become IAS and IPS officers, as well as engineers. He urged them to make the best use of the welfare and development schemes offered by the government.

Speaking on the occasion, District Collector S. Venkateswar said that distinct tribal communities exist in only a few countries worldwide, and India was home to numerous such tribes. He pointed out that the people of the modern civilised world were once tribals themselves. Observing that tribal communities often lack self-confidence, he emphasised the need to conduct awareness programmes to boost their morale.