Deputy Chief Minister and Panchayat Raj & Rural Development Minister Pawan Kalyan urged officials to strengthen livelihood opportunities for tribal communities. He said the government must improve income sources, promote forest-based products, and expand eco-tourism across agency areas. Additionally, he stressed the need to reduce unemployment among tribal youth through diverse and sustainable employment options.
Pawan Kalyan conducted a teleconference from his Mangalagiri camp office with Alluri Sitarama Raju district officials. Collector Dinesh Kumar, SP Amit Bardar, former Collector Sumit Kumar, and former SP Satish Kumar also joined the meeting. Furthermore, they reviewed ongoing efforts to eliminate ganja cultivation in forest zones.
Expanding Income Sources for Tribals
Pawan Kalyan said the world is moving fast, and tribal communities must progress along with it. Moreover, he highlighted the rising demand for forest products and organic produce. He asked officials to encourage coffee plantations and other crops suitable for forest areas. He also advised them to visit tribal villages regularly, understand their needs, and design programs that directly increase income. Consequently, these efforts will help tribal families gain better access to essential facilities.
He urged officers to motivate tribal youth, guide them into entrepreneurship, and help them build confidence. Additionally, he said youth must learn how to generate income through multiple options, not only traditional activities.
Linking Horticulture with Employment Guarantee Scheme
Pawan Kalyan explained that agency regions are highly suitable for horticulture crops. He noted that linking these crops with the Employment Guarantee Scheme has already produced positive results. Therefore, he asked officials to expand this model to more activities to ensure consistent work for tribals. He also encouraged them to increase the cultivation of coffee and other suitable crops to strengthen local income.
Boosting Eco-Tourism and Local Opportunities
The Minister emphasized the need to promote tourism in agency areas without harming nature. Eco-tourism, he said, is growing rapidly worldwide, and tribals should benefit from this opportunity. He urged officials to train youth in tourism services, including accommodation and hospitality. As a result, local families can earn steady income with minimal investment.
He also encouraged film, serial, and OTT shoots in tribal regions. This step, he said, will generate additional income for tribal communities and create new job opportunities for local youth.
Coordinated and Continuous Efforts Needed
Pawan Kalyan called for regular monitoring and monthly reviews to track progress. He asked officials to work together, strengthen coordination, and speed up development activities in tribal areas. Finally, he assured full government support for well-planned and result-oriented projects.
“With strong planning and continuous effort, we can improve the lives of tribal families and help them build a better future,” he said.
