DWACRA Women Want Royalty Paid On Cashew Grove

From Our Bureau

Deccan Chronicle. March 10, 2002

Khammam, March 9:

Differences came to the fore between the officials of the Integrated Tribal Development Agency and the Forest Development Corporation over the payment of royalty on 1,600 acres cashew grove situated at Naramvarigudem in Dammapet mandal of the district.

As many as 532 tribal Dwacra women, who were enjoying the produce, were assured by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, at a public meeting that the lands would be handed over to them. The Forest Development Corporation raised a cashew grove in 1,600 acre government land 15 years ago and was marketing cashew nuts every year. Later, the corporation referred to hand over the land to the tribals saying that it was against the Forest Act. But the district administration insisted on the land transfer and argued that the cashew grove was located where 1/1970 Act was in vogue. Then, the administration and the corporation came to an understanding on the issue. According to the understanding, the ITDA was to pay a royalty on the grove every year according to the market rate.

The ITDA paid Rs.25 lakh royalty to the corporation in the first year and handed over the crop to tribal Dwacra groups. The ITDA as a nodal agency, supervised the production and sale of the crop. The profit accrued was being distributed to the 532 Dwacra women. The ITDA did not face any problem regarding the payment of royalty and giving away the profit to women in the first year. But, in the second and third year, the Agency did not get the royalty amount as it was paid to the FDC due to fall in price of cashew nuts. On the other hand, Dwacra women insisted that the Agency pay their wages at least. Under the circumstances, the IRDA owed Rs.12 lakh royalty to the corporation. As a result, the ITDA made a new proposed that the revenue should be distributed between the Dwacra groups and the corporation in a ratio of 80.120 and the district administration sent to the government for approval. But, the Forest Development Corporation rejected the proposal and the Dwacra women rejected the proposal and the Dwacra women appealed to the CM to pay the royalty.

The Hindu May 13, 2002

TRIBAL-NON TRIBAL CLASH AVERTED

By Our Staff Reporter

KHAMMAM, MAY 12:

Tension prevailed in Nagupalli village of Dammapet mandal as tribals, who staked claim for the Bhoodan lands in the possession of a farmer resorted to confrontation with non-Tribals last night. About 200 Tribals including women and children.

Armed with bows and arrows laid siege to a mango groove. They insisted on a share of the crop.

The police forces, which moved to the village from different police stations, foiled the attempt of the Tribals to loot the crop.

The revenue divisional officer of Palvancha, Devaputranandam, also reached the village and asked the tribals to wait for an amicable settlement of the issue.

He assured them of conduction a survey of he landing dispute and solve it once and for all as soon as the mandal revenue officer, who was on leave, reported for duty.

The police dispersed eh Tribals and non tribals and booked police patrolling continued in the village even on Sunday.