Jalpaiguri, Aug. 30 -- Allegations of widespread encroachment of tribal land across North Bengal have prompted the BJP-led state government to launch a special "Land Literacy" programme to educate tribal communities about their land rights and legal safeguards.
The West Bengal Tribal Development Cooperative Corporation has begun awareness camps for tribal women in Alipurduar, Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling and Kalimpong. The programme aims to make vulnerable tribal communities aware of restrictions on the transfer and occupation of tribal land.
Several tribal organisations have alleged that tribal people are being lured with money and persuaded to part with their land. They claim such land has subsequently been used for tea gardens, houses, markets, resorts and homestays. They have also alleged that repeated written complaints over encroachment failed to bring adequate administrative action.
In June, Bablu Majhi, Jalpaiguri district general secretary of the Progressive Tea Workers' Union, submitted a complaint alleging widespread encroachment of tribal land in the district.
The Adivasi Vikas Parishad has also submitted complaints to the Land and Land Reforms Department in several districts, alleging encroachment across the Terai and Dooars.
"Small and large tea gardens, private cottages, resorts and homestays have been set up after occupying tribal land," said Tejkumar Toppo, working president of the Parishad's state committee.
Sangay Dorji, development officer at the corporation's North Bengal regional office, said groups of 25 to 30 tribal women were being trained at the camps.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.