The tribal belt of Andhra Pradesh has once again witnessed a massive public movement as thousands of tribal people gathered in Paderu, the headquarters of Alluri Sitarama Raju district, demanding stronger implementation of the 1/70 Land Transfer Regulation and restoration of Government Order (GO) No. 3. The large-scale protest, titled “Manyam Garjana” (Roar of the Forest), was organized through social media campaigns and saw tribal communities arriving in large numbers from various agency areas.
The protesters issued an ultimatum to the state government, asserting that their identity, land ownership, educational opportunities, and employment rights must be protected without further delay.
Araku MP Gumma Tanuja Rani Extends Support to Tribal Movement
Araku Member of Parliament Dr. Gumma Tanuja Rani extended her support to the protest, stating that the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) has consistently stood by the tribal community.
She said she had already raised the issues of GO No. 3 and the 1/70 Regulation in Parliament on eight different occasions. If the Andhra Pradesh government fails to respond, she warned that a large-scale protest would be organized at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi to intensify the agitation.
What is GO No. 3? A Long Legal Battle Over Tribal Teacher Reservations
The demand for restoring GO No. 3 is closely linked to tribal education and employment.
- In 1986, the Andhra Pradesh government issued GO 275, reserving teaching posts in agency-area schools exclusively for local tribal candidates.
- However, the Supreme Court struck down the order in 1999.
- Subsequently, in 2000, during the government led by N. Chandrababu Naidu, GO No. 3 was introduced, providing 100% reservation for Scheduled Tribe candidates in teacher recruitment within agency areas.
- Following prolonged legal challenges, the Supreme Court declared GO No. 3 unconstitutional and invalidated it in 2020.
Since then, tribal organizations have been demanding either the restoration of GO No. 3 or a legally sustainable alternative that protects tribal employment opportunities.
Concerns Over the 1/70 Land Transfer Regulation
The 1/70 Regulation, enacted to prevent the transfer of tribal lands to non-tribals in scheduled areas, has become another major point of concern.
Recent remarks by Speaker Ayyanna Patrudu, suggesting that the law requires amendments, have triggered widespread anxiety among tribal communities. They fear that any dilution of the regulation would expose tribal lands to increased encroachments and illegal transfers.
Tribal leaders also allege that:
- Benami transactions and illegal land occupations have already increased in agency areas.
- Around 1,700 petitions challenging the 1/70 Regulation are currently pending before the Supreme Court, posing a serious threat to tribal land rights.
Government Accused of Failing to Fulfil Election Promise
During the Assembly election campaign at Araku, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu had reportedly promised either to restore GO No. 3 or introduce an alternative legal framework to protect tribal reservations.
However, tribal organizations argue that despite nearly two years in office, the government has not taken any concrete decision. They accuse the administration of betraying the trust of tribal communities by failing to implement its election commitments.
Statewide Manyam Bandh Planned in August
As part of the next phase of the agitation, tribal organizations have called for an indefinite statewide Manyam Bandh on August 8 and 9.
YSRCP leaders have also announced their support for the movement, stating that they are prepared to sacrifice even their positions if necessary to safeguard tribal rights.
The protesters are demanding that the Andhra Pradesh government immediately announce a clear decision on restoring GO No. 3, ensure strict implementation of the 1/70 Land Transfer Regulation, and fulfil the promises made to tribal communities during the elections.
