Investigation demanded into secrecy shrouding Assembly panel's tribal farm visit

Civil rights groups have demanded an investigation into the secrecy surrounding a state Assembly panel's recent visit to Aralam farm, a tribal rehabilitation settlement. The criticism centres on allegations that officials deliberately obscured details of the committee's inspection to avoid public discussion of alleged irregularities in the area.

Sreeraman Koyyon, president of the Adivasi Dalit Munnetta Samithi, has raised concerns that the lack of transparency was intended to shield officials from accountability regarding suspected corruption at the facility over the past decade. He contended that keeping the visit confidential prevented civil society groups and concerned residents from raising issues related to resource allocation and administrative practices.

Activists argue that transparency in such visits is essential for effective oversight of tribal welfare programmes and rehabilitation initiatives. The case highlights ongoing tensions between administrative secrecy and demands for public accountability in governance matters affecting marginalised communities.

The allegations have prompted demands from civil rights organisations for a formal inquiry into both the circumstances of the Assembly panel's visit and the broader governance concerns at the rehabilitation area.