JEYPORE: Tribal leaders of Koraput have demanded immediate inquiry by the Vigilance Department into supply of rice by various departments under the Food-for-Work programme (FWP) here.

In a memorandum to the State Government, tribals of Dasmantpur, Laxmipur, Lamatput, Jeypore, Koraput and Nandapur said, neither the village-level committees nor tribal elders have any knowledge of implementation of the programme in these areas.

They further alleged that though different departments have lifted over 5,000 quintals of rice from the Food Corporation of India (FCI), its distribution under the FWP is yet to be taken up.

They also accused the officials of these departments of not notifying the names of beneficiaries under the programme. It has evoked resentment among tribals, they said.

A clear picture of the state of affairs would emerge only after a thorough inquiry is done by the Home Department, they added.

Food, medicines for tribals during rainy season

JEYPORE: The administration will provide food and medicines to tribals in the cut-off Dasmantpur block under Koraput sub-division during the rainy season.

Collector Aurobinda Padhi said PDS items will be stocked in cut off villages for three months as all routes to these areas will be blocked due to the rain. As many as 315 drug distribution centres would be opened, which will stock medicines for malaria and diarrhoea.

Padhi also directed nodal officials of the block to be alert to tackle natural calamities and warned of stern action against erring ones.

WELFARE PROGRAMME: The administration would take up welfare programmes for tribals in the district following clearance by Palli Sabhas only.

At a meeting in Koraput recently, officials of the District Rural Development Agency urged the Palli Sabhas to ensure that the needy are listed to avail benefits under government schemes.

42-year-old tribal hacked to death

KELAKOM (KANNUR): A 42-year-old Paniya tribal was hacked to death at Melemandhancherry near Kottiyur late on Saturday night. Puthanveedu Gopalan, a resident of Melemandhancherry tribal hamlet, was found dead in a pool of blood close to his house around midnight.

Police suspect Madathani Thankachan, 45, who is at large, to be behind the murder. The body was later taken to the General Hospital, Thalassery for autopsy.