India's Constitution, recognizing the living socio-economic systems of tribal or adivasi communities, guarantees, in the Fifth Schedule, their right to the land they live in.  It prevents transfer of land from tribals to non-tribals, and also limits interest on loans. Furthermore, if there is a default, neither land nor home can be taken by a moneylender or by court.  Scheduled areas also enjoy Tribal Self Rule and certain powers in matters of governance. Government Orders specify employment quotas for Scheduled Tribes, particularly in departments serving Scheduled areas.

     In 1980, the government of Andhra Pradesh enumerated 805 girijana (adivasi) villages to incorporate into the 5th Schedule of the constitution. Adivasi villages of Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Bihar, who submitted lists at the same time, have been incorporated in the 5th Schedule. Yet adivasis of the 805 villages in AP have been waiting 27 years for the government to implement this measure!

     Recently, hundreds of adivasis held a rally in Hyderabad, drawing massive support from people and organizations throughout Andhra and India.  The groups plan to intensify the struggle through the statewide Pallebata (Chief Minister's tour) program in all non-scheduled tribal villages, and to mobilize people for the June Assembly session.  Through this series of actions, people hope to compel the government to complete the long pending process of granting these 805 villages their constitutional rights.

The campaign, coordinated by Nisarga Trust, will help over 1 lakh adivasis in these villages.  AID College Park has approved $5000 to support this work.