Concerned over the "deplorable politics" and the ongoing controversy over the Vedanta bauxite mining in the Niyamagiri hills, a 12-member fact finding team of the Delhi Odia Students' Association (DOSA) had a two-day visit to the Lanjigarh block in Kalahandi district and viewed that the corporates, politicians and NGOs are fighting with each other instead of focusing on the development of the State.
Addressing a Press conference here on Friday, DOSA president Tejeswar Parida said that the poor tribals of the region are the victims of the continuing nasty politics, unholy nexus between the groups with vested
interests and the double standard approach while it requires qualitative improvements in the socio-economic fronts.
Parida alleged that the local administration was far from the required responsiveness and developmental interventions for ensuring better living standards while the Vedanta Aluminum Limited (VAL), claimed to have spent about `100 crore under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), need to come under the scanner of a social audit.
Parida observed that there can be harmony between the industrial development and environmental protection and also observed that the Centre should refrain from its political motive while according the environmental clearance to the Vedanta group. "If Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh could give clearances to the lavoram project and Navi Mumbai airport, why not in Odisha's case," Parida questioned.
To prevent the migration of unemployed youth and trafficking of tribal women to the different parts of country, DOSA advocated for employment generating heavy industries which only Vedanta can solve.
"The functioning of schools, health centre, vocational training, construction of small bridges, check dams for irrigation purpose and formation of women self help groups by Vedanta deserves appreciation," said Parida.
Parida alleged that some of the NGOs and political leaders were creating wrong impression and taking advantage of the ignorance of the tribals.
He further alleged that those vested interests have been exploiting the situation for grabbing huge funds in the name of development while certain NGOs are playing with the sentiments of the tribals by making immotive appeals on the basis of religion, faith and nature. Among others, Manas Mallick, Rajanikanta Das, Sibananda Mishra and Biswaranja Parida were present.
Courtesy: The Pioneer
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