Set up tribal autonomy council in Gujarat: MLA Vasava

Vadodara: A Janata Dal (United) MLA has demanded setting up of the tribal autonomy council in Gujarat for the protection of rights and preserving age old culture, customs of the community. "The identity of the tribals in the state is in danger due to the entry of non-tribals in areas dominated by them. It is high time that the Gujarat government takes steps for protection of tribals," said Jhadiya MLA Chhotubhai Vasava.

He also demanded scrapping of Rs 15,000 crores Vanbandhu Kalyan Vikas Yojna (VKY) which was announced by the then chief minister Narendra Modi in 2007 as it has failed to serve its purpose and only benefitted non-tribal community. The key object of the Yojana was an attempt to bridge the economic and social divide between tribal areas and other areas of the state.

Vasava announced that he would undertake a social justice rally from Vapi to Ambaji (covering an entire eastern belt of Gujarat) beginning April 14 to 26 in support of their various demands. Among the various demands put forth by the MLA include introducing Budget cards to enable people know whether the amount allocated in the budget for welfare schemes has been spent or not, reserving seats for OBC and tribal candidates in all the political parties.

The MLA also made it clear that JD (U) will not align with any political party for Gujarat Assembly poll. "The JD(U) will not have any alliance with any political party for Gujarat assembly poll scheduled to be held in December this year," said Vasava.