VISAKHAPATNAM: The joint action committee (JAC) of various tribal organizations and some political parties has decided to observe 48 hours bandh (titled as “Manyam Bandh”) in tribal pockets of the Andhra Pradesh on Feb 11 and 12, opposing AP Legislative Assembly Speaker Ch Ayyanna Patrudu’s remarks to amend the 1/70 Act to attract investments in tourism sectors from private parties in tribal pockets.
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The JAC demanded an apology from Ayyanna Patrudu over his recent suggestions for amendment in the 1/70 Act.
The JAC leaders said the Land Transfer Regulation Act 1 of 1970- popularly known as 1/70 Act which prevents the transfer of tribal land to non-tribals and protects the interests of the tribals. Assembly Speaker Ayyanna Patrudu’s suggestion to the officials will violate the Act and tribals will lose their livelihood and Rights, they added.
It may be recalled that Ayyanna Patrudu during the Regional Tourism Investors Meet in Vizag city, said there was immense potential for tourism in Vizag region, including in the tribal pockets, but something was lacking.
He also opined that even Ooty in Tamil Nadu has several facilities but not in Lammasingi in ASR district of Andhra Pradesh, adding that more tourists will visit Araku and Lammasingi if resorts and boarding amenities are improved, he added.
Ayyanan also called for amendment in the 1/70 Act citing that not many investors would think of investing in tribal regions as there are provisions in the law that only tribals need to invest in the tribal locations. He expressed that the amendments in the Act would attract investments in the tourism sector and Araku and Lammasingi will witness growth in tourism by attracting huge tourist inflow.
Speaking to TOI, leader of Girijana Sangam and CPM, P Appala Narsa said non-tribals owned some resorts, hotels, and properties in Araku region through tribal proxies.
If the government violate the 1/70 Act, tribals will lose their existence. Various tribals organiations had given the 48 hours Manyam Bandh Call (Feb 11 and 12) demanding strict implementation of 1/70 Act and booking of case against the violators of Law, he added.
The JAC said they will observe the two day bandh opposing Assembly Speaker’s remarks, demanding 100 per cent quota for tribals for teachers’ posts in scheduled area in Andhra Pradesh, setting up tribal advisory council (TAC) and construction of TAC Bhavan, issue of special DSC notification (recruitment of teachers) for tribals, said JAC leader Rama Rao Dora.
