�Problems of non-tribals in Agency areas will be addressed�

                              Issues raised are genuine, says Minister Jogu Ramanna

Forest Minister Jogu Ramanna on Saturday assured non-tribal people and others living in the Agency areas of the districts, which formed undivided Adilabad, of looking into their problems. He said the matter relating to part relaxation of Land Transfer Regulation (LTR) Amendment Act 1 of 1970 in Agency areas will be taken to the notice of the government for further action. The non-tribals and others from the Agency area convened a public meeting under the aegis of the SC, ST, BC, OC, Minority United Front to raise the demand for relaxation of laws which directly have an impact on their lives. They contended that as the LTR is in force in the Agency villages, they are not able to even eke out their livelihoods.

The Minister said the problem raised are genuine and will be settled. He however said the interest of all concerned will be kept in mind. Adilabad MP G. Nagesh said he had raised the issue in the AP State Tribal Advisory Committee way back on 2001-2002 when he was the Tribal Welfare Minister. Others who attended the public meeting were MLAs A. Rekha Naik of Khanapur, Kova Laxmi of Asifabad and Rathod Bapu Rao of Boath, besides State government representative in New Delhi S. Venugopalachary.