New Delhi, Feb 2 (PTI) With an eye on Scheduled Tribe votes across the country, BJP today formed a five-member study group to examine the issues and problems related to tribals and prepare a report on it. The study group will be headed by former Jharkhand Chief Minister Arjun Munda and includes Anant Naik, Jual Oram, Vishnu Sai and Faggan Singh Kulaste.
"The Study Group will visit tribal areas, especially in NDA-ruled states, and prepare a report on the problems and issues concerning tribals," Munda said after a meeting of tribal affairs ministers of NDA-ruled states chaired by party chief Nitin Gadkari. The issues include education of tribals, their access to forest produce, land acquisition grievances, development of villages, participation and strengthening of Panchayats, and electrification."The group will also look at ways to protect the tribal culture," Munda said. When asked if the study group would also investigate the impact of Naxalism on tribals, Munda said the issue was on the agenda of the team.
However, the issue of re-conversion of those who left Hinduism is not on the list. "This (re-conversion) is an independent issue.
But those who want to come back (to Hinduism) are welcome," Munda said. Senior BJP leaders Bal Apte and Devdas Apte will act as mentors for the group.
The recommendations of the group will be implemented by NDA-ruled states, Munda claimed.
