Constitutional status for Koyattur, code for Adivasi Religion demanded

Metro India News | Hyderabad 

Tribal leaders, intellectuals and representatives of people’s organizations on Tuesday demanded constitutional recognition for the Koyattur language, a separate code for “Adivasi Religion” in the 2027 Census, and the formation of a separate “Adivasi State” by integrating tribal regions covered under the Fifth and Sixth Schedules across the country.

The demands were raised at a State-level convention organized by the National Coordination Committee for Tribal Constitutional Rights and Cultural Protection at Sundarayya Vignana Bhavan in Baghlingampally.

Several resolutions were adopted at the meeting, held under the slogan “Our Villages – Our Rule,” calling for greater self-governance in tribal regions. Speaking at the convention, former DGP and AIBSP national coordinator Dr J. Purnachandra Rao expressed concern over the rapid disappearance of tribal languages, traditions and cultural practices.“The Koyattur language represents the life and culture of millions of Adivasis. It must be included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution and protected,” he said.

Demand for separate Adivasi state

Justice Chandrakumar said a separate “Adivasi State” was necessary to safeguard land rights, forest rights and self-governance of tribal communities living in Fifth and Sixth Schedule areas across the country. Former MLA Raja Rao alleged that projects such as Polavaram, mining activities and corporate ventures were leading to large-scale displacement of tribal communities. He criticized governments for failing to implement the PESA Act, the 1/70 Land Transfer Regulation, and the Forest Rights Act effectively.

Criticism of Tribal Advisory Councils

Tribal intellectuals criticized Tribal Advisory Councils (TACs), stating that they had become merely ceremonial bodies whose decisions were rarely implemented. They demanded enhanced constitutional powers for TACs and the establishment of a dedicated Fifth Schedule Monitoring Cell in the Governor’s office. Representatives urged the Telangana government to adopt the “Fifth Schedule Cell” model implemented by former Maharashtra Governor C.H. Vidyasagar Rao. They said the Governor should directly monitor the implementation of the PESA Act, Forest Rights Act and the 1/70 Regulation.

Several speakers recalled that during British rule, tribal lands and forests were brought under administrative control through “Agency Areas” and “Excluded Areas.” They also noted that under the Nizam administration, the Jagir, Patel and Patwari systems accelerated land alienation among tribal communities. The demands were also supported by retired IAS officer Dr P.V. Ramesh and T. Chiranjeevulu.