National Commission for Scheduled Tribes Issued Notices to Higher Officials
Article Today, Hyderabad: The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) has issued notices to the Telangana Agriculture Secretary, Horticulture Director, and Oil Fed Managing Director over complaints of poor-quality oil palm saplings supplied to tribal farmers. The notices have triggered serious discussion among agricultural authorities.
Officers Summoned for Hyderabad Inquiry
The Commission has summoned all three top officers to appear in person for an inquiry on Monday at Dilkusha Guest House in Hyderabad. It has specifically ordered them to attend the hearing with all relevant documents and records related to the distribution of oil palm saplings.
Failure to Attend May Invite Legal Action
In its notices, the Commission warned that if the officers fail to appear, it may invoke the powers granted under Article 338A (8) of the Indian Constitution, which allows the Commission to act with civil court authority. This has caused concern among the involved officials.
Tribal Farmer’s Complaint Sparks National Attention
Seven Years Without Fruit from Oil Palm Trees the issue began when K. Sriramulu, a tribal farmer from Jaggaram village in Bhadradri Kothagudem district, filed a complaint with the National ST Commission. He stated that despite planting oil palm saplings seven years ago, the trees had not yet produced fruit.
Farmer Blames Poor-Quality Saplings
Sriramulu claimed that the problem arose because low-quality oil palm saplings were supplied to him. According to him, the saplings were not of the promised variety, leading to total crop failure. His complaint is one of several made by farmers in the region.
Statewide Farmer Grievances
Many farmers across Telangana have also raised similar complaints, alleging that off-type saplings were widely distributed. Several farmer associations claim that certain Oil Fed officials were involved in irregularities and mismanagement, causing severe losses to farmers.
Commission Inquiry Scheduled for Monday
Officers May Attend Hyderabad Hearing the enquiry will take place at 12 Noon on Monday at Dilkusha Guest House, near Raj Bhavan in Hyderabad. The Commission has asked the tribal farmer and the senior officials—Agriculture Secretary Raghunandan Rao, Horticulture Director Yasmeen Basha, and Oil Fed Managing Director Shankarayya—to attend.
Smt Yasmeen Basha, Horticulture Director & Sri Shankaraiah, Oil Fed Managing Director
Commission Team Arriving from Delhi
A special team from the National ST Commission, led by Commission Member Jatoth Hussain, will arrive from Delhi to conduct the proceedings. However, it is not yet confirmed whether all the summoned officers will attend.
Tribal Farmers Play Major Role in Oil Palm Cultivation
Half of the Growers are Tribal Farmers , Officials report that oil palm is cultivated across nearly 90,000 acres in the undivided Khammam district. Of this, around 40,000 acres are in the hands of nearly 6,000 tribal farmers. Farmers from SC and BC communities also play a significant role in the region’s oil palm sector.
Allegations of Neglect and Injustice
Farmer groups allege that tribal farmers have been unfairly treated by the authorities, particularly Oil Fed officials. Given the large number of tribal farmers affected, the Commission has taken the issue very seriously.
Hope for Justice
Local farmers and associations believe that the Commission’s inquiry will bring long-awaited justice. Uma Maheshwar Reddy, President of the Aswaraopeta Oil Palm Growers Association, said, “We hope this investigation will deliver justice to oil palm farmers who have suffered losses for years.”
