Maharashtra to run Aadhaar, birth certificate drive in 16 tribal-majority districts

The Maharashtra government will run a special campaign for eligible people in tribal-majority areas who do not have Aadhaar cards and birth certificates. Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said on Tuesday that the campaign will cover 16 tribal-majority districts of the state and aims to get these essential documents to such people.

Bawankule was chairing a meeting at Mantralaya. It discussed pending problems concerning tribals, labourers, women, children and workers. The meeting was called after representations from the Shramjeevi Sanghatana and the All India Kisan Sabha.

The minister directed that every tribal district be given a separate Aadhaar registration kit and that special camps be held for birth registration. District collectors have been asked to draw up an action plan within a fixed time so that no tribal resident is left out of government welfare schemes for want of documents.

Bawankule appealed to local public representatives and tribal organisations to spread awareness, hold public meetings and help people complete the documents needed for government benefits. He also warned that negligence in implementing the campaign would not be tolerated.

The minister also asked officials to run a campaign within a fixed timeframe to dispose of pending individual and community forest rights claims. The committees concerned have been asked to examine Gram Sabha papers, proof of possession and other legally valid documents and take the right decision. Satellite images and technical information may also be used as supporting evidence.

To settle the cases of tenants in Dahanu, Talasari and other areas whose names are not recorded or who have been evicted, Bawankule directed that a special campaign be started. The Palghar collector has been asked to examine the legal provisions needed to remove technical hurdles and submit a proposal.

For people freed from bonded labour, and their families, in Thane, Palghar, Nashik, Pune, Raigad and Ahilyanagar districts, the minister asked for a comprehensive rehabilitation plan. It should include a release certificate, immediate assistance, economic rehabilitation, housing, healthcare, children's education and livelihood opportunities.

A separate meeting of the revenue, forest, rural development and tribal development departments will be called to resolve pending proposals concerning populated areas (abadi) in Thane and Palghar districts. Collectors have been asked to identify gaps in the proposals, pending approvals and the responsibilities of different departments, including in cases involving forest land, and to speed up approvals.

Collectors in tribal areas will form committees to identify families deprived of basic rights, labourers' rights, government schemes and essential facilities. The committees will have representatives of the Zilla Parishad, the collector's office, the tribal development office, the municipal council and the resident deputy collector's offices.

The initiative will be reviewed over the next six months. Officials have also been asked to coordinate across departments and build a uniform information framework and fixed procedure so that eligible families receive benefits. The minister also directed that a simple guide be prepared explaining the documents required for Scheduled Tribe certificates and caste validity certificates, the application process, the competent authority, timelines and the appeal system.