CPM State secretary John Wesley today demanded that the State government take up the tobacco leaves’ procurement works immediately by inviting tenders and completing the tender process.
In a statement here, he said the Forest department completes the tendering process by January every year for the procurement works of the tobacco leaves, which provides employment to tribals and non-tribal poor of the State.
“But this year, the State government has not done it so far. The work of the tenders has not been completed.
The tribal people are worried. Therefore, the Telangana State committee of the CPI(M) is demanding that the State government immediately start the tendering process,” he said.
He also said the forest department would carry out the procurement of the tobacco leaves in about 14 districts of the State and added that nearly 10 lakh people were dependent on it while noting that thousands of people are indirectly employed by the work of lading, unloading and other works.
“Pruning will be done in February after completing the tendering process every year. The result is higher yield. But this work did not happen on time. The Forest department seems to be negligent in responding.
The tribals decide on many economic activities and good deeds with the proceeds from this season. The tribals are worried because of the delay. Immediate steps should be taken to ensure that labourers and tribals do not lose their jobs in the areas where the tobacco leaves are available in the agency areas,” he said.
Wesley said their party was demanding that if the tenders were not conducted, suitable directions should be given to procure it at least through the Forest department