PNS | BHADRADRI KOTHAGUDEM
About 100 Gutthi Koya families migrated to the villages under Penagadapa Gram Panchayat limits in Bhadradri Kothagudem District from Chhattisgarh. They live in small groups in Palavagu, Jaggaram, Gattigutta, and Marrigudem villages. They earn a living through animal husbandry. They practise Podu farming of shifting cultivation.
After leaving their native State and migrating to Telangana, the Gutti Koya people do not have a roof over their heads. These habitations are located at a distance of 20 km from the district headquarters.
The people of this tribal community constantly suffer from ill health. They mostly depend on nature or self-healing. With these tribal people migrating from the neighbouring State, the government could not provide schools for their children or extend welfare schemes to them. The Gutti Koya children have to walk at least 6 km to go to school. Most of the time, these tribal people have to travel on foot only as their roads and transport facility from their habitations. Poverty and disease are haunting these tribal people.
The killing of a forest officer C Srinivasa Rao by two persons belonging to the Gutti Koya community, in November 2022 further alienated the tribe further from the society. The Gutti Koyas feel that the entire community should not be punished for the crime committed by two persons. Will the government extend welfare activities to them at least now?
