Chairing a meeting of the Tribal Advisory Council at the state secretariat ‘Nabanna’, Banerjee reportedly said that errors in identifying eligible beneficiaries must be avoided at any cost. According to a source, she was handed a letter by a senior minister claiming that in certain cases, individuals not belonging to SC, ST, or OBC communities had availed quota benefits meant for backward groups. The Chief Minister immediately forwarded the matter to Chief Secretary Manoj Pant and instructed him to investigate and take corrective action.
“Why should there be errors in the OBC certificates? Who is liable for that? Our government and our party are committed to ensuring the welfare of the backward communities and tribals, both economically and educationally. Any deviation from this principle is inexcusable,” Banerjee reportedly remarked.
The Chief Minister also raised concerns over Santhal students receiving question papers in other languages during the recently held Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed) examinations in Jhargram. She reminded the administration that the state has already granted official recognition to Ol Chiki, the script used to write the Santhali language, and stressed that it must be respected.
In addition, Banerjee instructed four ministers from tribal-dominated regions to stay alert against any attempts to dispossess tribals and indigenous communities of their ancestral lands. She further directed officials to ensure that plantation workers in north Bengal receive land deeds (pattas) without delay.
The meeting, however, was marked by the absence of BJP MP and Tribal Advisory Council member Khagen Murmu, who cited inadequate communication from the state government regarding the meeting agenda.
Banerjee, while calling for inclusive dialogue, said she wanted all stakeholders to participate in discussions on tribal welfare “rising above political differences.” She added, “However, if anyone stays away, that is up to them.”
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