The Andhra Pradesh government remains firmly committed to protecting the constitutional rights, lands, employment and welfare of tribal communities living in Scheduled Areas, District Collector T. Nishanthi said on Thursday.

In a statement, Ms. Nishanthi said the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution provides special safeguards for Scheduled Tribes and that the government has been implementing welfare measures and enforcing laws to protect their rights and promote their development.

She said the Andhra Pradesh Scheduled Areas Land Transfer Regulation, 1970 (1/70 Act), remains a key legislation for preventing the illegal transfer of tribal lands to non-tribals and assured that it would be implemented effectively.

Referring to G.O.Ms. No. 3, the Collector said it was issued to provide employment opportunities for local Scheduled Tribe candidates in educational institutions in Scheduled Areas. Though subsequent judicial decisions affected its implementation, the government’s commitment to safeguarding tribal interests remained unchanged.

Ms. Nishanthi urged tribals not to believe rumours or misinformation and advised them to approach government authorities for accurate information. She also appealed to them not to resort to protests based on misinformation and to maintain peace and harmony.