More than 1,500 tribal people from southern Odisha assembled at Berhampur railway station and departed for New Delhi on a special train to participate in the Janjati Sanskritik Samagam scheduled to be held on May 24.

The participants, travelling under the banner of the Janjati Suraksha Manch, include hundreds of tribal people from Ganjam, Gajapati and Kandhamal districts. Besides attending the cultural gathering, the delegation is also scheduled to meet Droupadi Murmu during its visit to the national capital.

Delegation Heads To National Capital

The large contingent gathered at Berhampur railway station before boarding the special train bound for New Delhi. Organisers said the programme aims to bring together members of tribal communities from different regions and highlight issues concerning Scheduled Tribes.

The delegation is expected to participate in the Janjati Sanskritik Samagam on May 24, where Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to address the gathering.

Participants Raise Concerns

Speaking before departure, one participant said the group intended to submit its concerns regarding welfare benefits meant for Scheduled Tribes.

“We believe that benefits meant for Scheduled Tribes are being availed by people from other communities who have converted from Hinduism. We have organised this rally to raise the issue. Nearly 1,400 people from Gajapati, Ganjam and Kandhamal districts will submit these concerns in writing to President Droupadi Murmu in Delhi and return on May 26,” the participant said.

Another participant expressed similar concerns regarding access to welfare schemes.

“Our people are availing only around 20 per cent of the benefits, while those who have converted to other religions from Hinduism are receiving benefits from both sides,” the participant said.

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Meeting With President Planned

Apart from attending the cultural programme, the delegation has planned a meeting with President Droupadi Murmu during its stay in New Delhi. Organisers said representations outlining their concerns would be submitted during the visit.