Tribals must have first right to resources: Advani

Khandwa, MP, Jan 5 (UNI) Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and former deputy prime minister L K Advani today said that tribals should have the ''first right'' to the country's resources, followed by the dalits and the economically-weak segment.

''If the Sachar Committee wishes to make a real assessment of the country's progress then it must see the face of India's poorest and that of the last person in the last row,'' he said while addressing a Madhya Pradesh government programme at this district's Khedi village.

The programme was presided over by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

Mr Advani unveiled a scheme for distributing 1,300 metric tonnes of the iodised salt 'Vanya', in 89 tribal blocks across 18 districts, at Re 1 per kg. More than 50,000 tribals of the Nimad-Malwa region took part in the programme.

''The pace at which public welfare schemes are being implemented will make this state numero uno in the coming years,'' said Mr Advani.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Chouhan pointed out that women and farmers' panchayats were conducted and a tribal panchayat is being organised for ensuring public participation in decision-making.

''A board will soon be formed for farm labourers' welfare,'' he assured.

State Tribal Welfare Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah and Jails Minister Antar Singh Arya also spoke on the occasion.

UNI