The national‑level Adivasi conclave held on July 6, 2026 in Bhadrachalam adopted a ten‑point resolution demanding stronger constitutional safeguards for tribal peoples. The meeting was organised by the All India Adivasi Constitutional Rights and Culture Protection Coordination Committee and chaired by its national chairman, former MLA Chanda Lingaiah Dora. Leaders from Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha and Maharashtra participated, with former DGP J. Purnachandra Rao as chief guest.
Key Developments
- Unanimous demand for effective implementation of the Fifth Schedule and tribal self‑governance through Gram Sabhas under the PESA.
- Call for strict enforcement of the Land Transfer Regulation (LTR) Act, 1970 and the Forest Rights Act.
- Demand for comprehensive rehabilitation of families displaced by the Polavaram project.
- Resolution to launch a nationwide movement against the transfer of tribal lands, forests and natural resources to corporate entities.
- Request for a separate religion code for indigenous tribal faiths in the national Census.
- Proposal to include the Koya language in the Eighth Schedule.
- Calls for revision of G O M s No 3 and enactment of legal safeguards to protect employment opportunities for STs in Scheduled Areas.
Important Facts
The conclave highlighted a rising trend of tribal land being transferred to corporations, threatening livelihoods and cultural heritage. Participants stressed that existing laws like the Forest Rights Act are not being enforced effectively.
They also pointed out that the current Census does not capture tribal religious practices separately, which hampers policy formulation for these communities.
Exam Relevance
Understanding the constitutional provisions for tribal areas (Fifth Schedule, PESA) is essential for GS 2 (Polity). The issues raised intersect with GS 3 (Economy) through land‑use policies, infrastructure projects like Polavaram, and corporate acquisition of natural resources. The demand for language inclusion touches upon cultural preservation, a topic in GS 1 (History & Culture) and GS 2. Aspirants should note the link between constitutional safeguards and development challenges in Scheduled Areas.
Way Forward
For effective implementation, the government should:
- Strengthen monitoring mechanisms for the LTR Act and ensure compliance at the district level.
- Accelerate rehabilitation and compensation for those displaced by the Polavaram project, with tribal participation in planning.
- Amend the Census framework to record tribal religious affiliations separately.
- Fast‑track the inclusion of the Koya language in the Eighth Schedule.
- Introduce legal safeguards to protect tribal employment in Scheduled Areas, revising G O M s No 3 as recommended.
These steps would align policy with constitutional intent and address the grievances voiced at the Bhadrachalam conclave.