Summary:
Nashik, Sep 15 (PTI) Maharashtra Tribal Development Minister Vijaykumar Gavit on Thursday said a timebound programme will be implemented for the upliftment of the Katkari community here.
He was addressing a meeting amid reports that children from tribal communities in Nashik were being used as bonded labourer in Ahmednagar district.
The meeting was attended by Collector Gangatharan D, Superintendent of Police Sachin Patil, Tribal Development Additional Commissioner Sandeep Golait, among others.
"A survey of tribal communities, benefits of government schemes, reason for migration and socio-economic factors must be held in every small hamlet where they stay,” Gavit said.
"The state government will take firm steps for rehabilitation of the Katkari community and preventing migration.
Families whose children are engaged in bonded labour will be given Rs 30,000 as assistance.
A proposal to give Rs 2 lakh aid to these families from the Union government will also be submitted immediately," Gavit added.
A 10-year-old girl from the community was found dead near her home recently and social activists had alleged that she was deployed as bonded labour, like many of her peers, after being sold to a man owning sheep.
PTI COR BNM BNM
.