LINGALA: Though the State Government is taking every possible measure for the uplift of the downtrodden and is initiating various schemes for the welfare of the tribals, they, however, are either not taking off or facing closure midway even before the goals are achieved.

The issue in question is the Girijan Vidya Vikas Kendras (the centres of learning for the tribals).

The negligence by the officials of the Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA) only is to be blamed for it. The government has set up Girijan Vidya Vikas Kendras in eight villages of Lingala mandal in 1995 and appointed one teacher to each centre.

The government had implemented mid-day meal scheme specially at these centres to encourage the children to come to the schools.

About 20 to 26 students were learning in each centre and the teachers are outsiders. All the teachers discontinued as the wages were meagre and due to alleged harassment by the officials.

But the records show that these centres are being maintained properly.

The services of the teachers at three centres were regularised and these centres were transferred to Ashram schools on April 19, 2000. These centres have remained completely closed since then. The tribals appeal to the ITDA officials to take some urgent measures to reopen the closed Kendras in the mandal.