Andhra Pradesh

Rs. 15 crore for uplift of Yanadi community

NELLORE: In a bid to uplift the Yanadi community -- a Scheduled Tribe (ST) inhabiting mostly in southern parts of Andhra Pradesh particularly in the coastal areas of Nellore district -- the State Government has decided to conduct a comprehensive survey to study their backwardness besides identifying measures to bring in a qualitative change among the nomadic tribe.

Speaking to reporters after convening a review meeting with district officials and elected representatives here on Thursday, Tribal Welfare Minister D. S. Redya Naik said a Non-Governmental Organisation in collaboration with Sri Venkateswara University would conduct the basic survey and submit its report within six months.

“The Government has already sanctioned Rs. 27 lakh to take up the survey.”

Listing measures aimed at improving the living conditions of the most backward community among the Scheduled Tribes, the Minister said that Rs. 15 crore would be sanctioned through different programmes with a subsidy component to take up several welfare measures.

“The Yanadi community, which has been living mostly in 40 to 50 mandals across the district, will be given around 2,000 acres as well as financial assistance to take up a variety of farming activities,” he said.

In addition to that, the Government would issue Antyodaya cards, which would enable them to get 30 kg of rice per month at Rs. 3 per kg.

Moreover, steps would be taken to provide protected water in all Yanadigudems by laying pipelines besides digging borewells.

The Minister said the Tribal Welfare Department would implement several schemes under the Indira Kranti Patakam and other programmes to help the community financially.

“Steps will also be taken to improve their education facilities such as according priority to schools and colleges,” the Tribal Welfare Minister added.

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