During the budget session of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly, Congress MLA from Dungarpur, Ganesh Ghogra, delivered a stern address regarding the rights of the tribal community, land allocation disputes, and local administrative corruption. Highlighting the grievances of the tribal population, the MLA emphasized that the community wouldn't remain silent if their constitutional rights over water, forest, and land were compromised. He called upon the state government to address the systemic issues facing the tribal regions and ensure that the marginalized sections aren't exploited by influential land syndicates.
Concerns Over Land Rights and Livelihood
MLA Ganesh Ghogra stated in the house that the tribal population in his constituency lacks diverse employment opportunities, with most families depending on small landholdings of 1-2 bighas for their survival. He alleged that even these small patches of land are being targeted for encroachment. According to the MLA, tribals have been in possession of these lands for generations, yet they're now facing the threat of displacement. He argued that the tribal community never encroached upon urban spaces; instead, urban expansion moved toward tribal villages, leading to the current conflict over land ownership and identity.
Allegations Regarding Atal Awas Yojana and Land Mafia
Raising the issue of land allocation under the Atal Awas Yojana, Ghogra alleged that the benefits are being diverted to the wealthy and the land mafia instead of the intended beneficiaries. He pointed out that tribals who have occupied land for over 100 years are being denied ownership rights, while plots are being facilitated for influential individuals through administrative loopholes. The MLA demanded that under the provisions of the Fifth Schedule, tribals in scheduled areas shouldn't be evicted and should be granted legal titles to their ancestral lands immediately.
Corruption Claims in Gapsagar Lake Management
The MLA leveled serious allegations against the local municipal council regarding the management of the historic Gapsagar Lake in Dungarpur. He informed the house that land belonging to the lake bed is being illegally carved into plots and sold to land mafias in deals worth crores of rupees. Also, he claimed that the natural drainage channels feeding the lake have been blocked, posing a severe threat to the lake's ecology. He demanded an immediate reopening of these channels before the monsoon and a comprehensive inquiry into the alleged land scam surrounding the water body.
Controversy Surrounding Mala Katara Board Removal
Ghogra expressed strong resentment over the removal of the 'Mala Katara' board, which holds historical significance for the tribal community of Dungarpur, while he noted that the region is historically associated with Dungaria Bhil and Mala Katara. The MLA alleged that the board was removed overnight and replaced with religious slogans, an act he described as an attempt to erase tribal heritage and incite social tension. He demanded the immediate restoration of the Mala Katara board and strict legal action against those responsible for its removal to maintain communal harmony.
Demand for Administrative Transparency and Sensitivity
Concluding his address, the MLA urged the government and ministers to adopt a more sensitive approach toward the tribal population. He emphasized that understanding the pain and struggles of the rural tribal community is essential for effective governance. Ghogra warned that if the government continues to ignore the fundamental needs and constitutional rights of the tribals, the community would be forced to intensify its protests. He called for transparency in land and water resource management in tribal areas to protect the interests of the local residents.