A tribal organisation will lead a march from Bhiwandi in Thane district to Mantralaya in south Mumbai on October 27, demanding time-bound action on pending forest rights claims, access to government documents and free, quality education for tribal children.
The Shramjivi Sanghatana announced the protest under the banner of the Samvidhan Hakka Sangharsh Morcha at a press conference on Saturday. The organisation said the march aims to secure written commitments from the state government on long-pending issues affecting tribal communities.
Written commitment sought on forest rights claims
Sita Ghatal of the Shramjivi Sanghatana said the organisation would not be satisfied with verbal assurances and would seek clear decisions from the government.
“The tribal community will no longer accept vague verbal assurances. This march will not be withdrawn until clear written decisions are delivered. Primary demands include guaranteed free and quality education up to Class 12, and written commitment that all pending Forest Rights Act claims will be fully processed and settled by December 15 this year,” Ghatal said.
The organisation wants the government to set a firm deadline for resolving pending claims under the Forest Rights Act and ensure eligible applicants receive decisions on their applications.
Aadhaar cards and government documents among demands
The lack of essential government documents remains another concern raised by the organisation. Ghatal said thousands of tribal people still do not have Aadhaar cards, which can make it difficult for them to access government services and welfare schemes.
The march is also intended to draw attention to the difficulties faced by people in remote villages and hamlets, where access to public services and administrative support can be limited.
Organisers expect at least one lakh participants
The Shramjivi Sanghatana expects at least one lakh people to participate in the march, according to Ghatal. Preparations are under way in tribal settlements, with women helping organise food for those taking part in the protest.
The organisation said more than 1,500 volunteers would be deployed to coordinate arrangements and maintain order during the mobilisation.
Arrangements planned for water, sanitation and medical care
Volunteers are expected to coordinate drinking water, sanitation and medical assistance for participants. Special arrangements are also being planned for the large number of women expected to join the march, Ghatal said.
The organisers have described the mobilisation as an effort to press the government for concrete decisions on issues that tribal communities say have remained unresolved for years.
The demands include action on forest rights claims and access to essential documentation, alongside a commitment to provide free and quality education up to Class 12.
(With inputs from PTI)
