In order to highlight the difficulties faced by tribals across the state, city-based intellectuals and activists will organise a meeting at Metro Channel in the city on Thursday. Announcing the event, noted writer and activist Mahashweta Devi said: “According to studies conducted by the Geological Survey of India, there are enough coal reserves to supply power to all villages in the state, but several tribal villages have no electricity supply till date.”Roads, communication, housing and protection of forest areas are some of the issues that need to be addressed immediately, said the writer, adding, “The city needs to join their struggle for rights.” “I have come to know that certain CPM leaders have siphoned money from the funds allocated for the Indira housing scheme meant for the tribals to build their own houses,” the author said.“Widows don’t get pension in our village, we are unable to claim the patta land allotted to us and educated youth from our community are not able to find jobs, ” said Gopinath Mahali, a tribal from Sankrail in West Midnapore.
