World Adivasi Day (International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples) was observed across Chittoor and Sri Sathya Sai districts on Sunday, with officials highlighting education, livelihood support, legal awareness and improved infrastructure for tribal communities.

In Chittoor district, Collector Sumit Kumar lit the lamp and inaugurated the event at the Collectorate building. He called on the tribal communities to understand their legal rights and fully utilise the benefits of government welfare schemes. He said that nearly 60,000 tribal people lived in Chittoor district, with over 600 habitations being identified, while several of them required better infrastructure.

Mr. Sumit Kumar said that 2,907 tribal beneficiaries had received benefits worth ₹6.52 crore under various government schemes during 2025-26 and so far in the current financial year. Under the Forest Rights Act, individual titles covering 19.99 acres were issued to 22 tribal farmers, while community rights were recognised for 50 beneficiaries over 41 acres. “The government will also ensure that basic infrastructure in all tribal welfare hostels is completed within three months, including toilets and electricity facilities,” the Collector said.

Special grievance camps would be organised to address Aadhaar, ration-card and other documentation issues. The Collector directed the officials to expedite land titles for eligible tribal farmers cultivating in gap areas and improve drinking water and mobile connectivity in tribal habitations.

Meanwhile, in Sri Sathya Sai district, World Tribal Day was observed at the Collectorate in Puttaparthi. District Revenue Officer Pakala Kondaiah and Revenue Divisional Officer (Puttaparthi) P. Suvarna were present. Community leaders, officials, students and NGOs were present. “The administration will continue working with tribal organisations to identify local problems and implement welfare measures effectively,” Ms. Suvarna said.

Published - August 09, 2026 06:46 pm IST