VIJAYAWADA:Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has called for immediate action to end the distressing practice of transporting sick individuals in slings (dolis) in tribal areas. During a review meeting with Tribal Welfare Department officials at the Secretariat on Tuesday, Naidu emphasized the urgent need for infrastructure improvements and the reinstatement of feeder ambulances to handle medical emergencies in these regions.
Naidu criticized the previous YSRC government for the decline in living standards and the dismantling of essential programs. He highlighted the benefits of the Pregnant Women Hostel facilities introduced by the TDP government from 2014 to 2019 and urged officials to revive these hostels.
Addressing issues in education, health, and welfare schemes, Naidu accused the previous YSRC administration of weakening several beneficial programs initiated by the TDP government, including NTR Vidyonnathi, Ambedkar Overseas Vidyanidhi, and Best Available School schemes. He also noted that the crucial feeder ambulances for tribal areas were halted under the previous regime.
In addition, Naidu expressed concerns about the neglect of Araku Coffee and other tribal products, which had been prioritized by the TDP government. He suggested that improved marketing facilities could enhance the economic conditions of tribal communities and promote products like honey, coffee, and horticultural crops. Naidu also proposed encouraging nature farming in tribal areas to leverage the fertile lands.
The Chief Minister directed a crackdown on the presence of ganja in tribal regions and ordered the activation of the Tribes Finance Corporation (Tricor), Girijan Cooperative Corporation (GCC), and Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA) to increase their activities for tribal welfare. He also instructed officials to organize World Tribal Day in August.
Naidu requested a thorough review of Central government schemes for tribes and asked for plans to secure additional central funding for the state. He called for detailed reports on tribal land use, crop cultivation, and income from produce for the next meeting.