Samata
Samata (in German: "equality" ) is in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh committed non-governmental organization , working for the rights of the tribal population (ger .: tribals ), the original inhabitants of India, deploys, and supports them financially, for example, in court or. Workshops are also held to educate people about critical issues such as hygiene, education and the legal situation.
Samata's work began in 1987 in the East Godavari district in the mountain ranges of the Eastern Ghats and the vicinity of the port city of Visakhapatnam . Since then, Samata has been supporting the indigenous people in the region with the establishment of infrastructure , legal advice and helping them to defend themselves against exploitation by companies based in the region.
Samata 1987-1997
For ten years the main activities of Samata were development work in the municipalities with the following priorities:
- Supporting the tribal population in the establishment of necessary infrastructure such as education, health care, drinking water supply and housing.
- The promotion of sustainable development with consideration for the richness of nature in the affected regions.
- Educating the natives about their legal rights.
- The organization of Adivasi groups for independent resistance against the exploitation of raw materials and mineral resources.
- The achievement of socio-economic independence for the people of the region.
The "Samata Judgment" 1997
In 1997, after years of litigation, Samata achieved a historic victory before the Supreme Court of India: The ruling, which has since been referred to as the "Samata judgment", makes it clear that no one, not even the government, is entitled to land in the so-called Adivasi inhabited "fifth scheduled areas" to buy or give away.
This victory over the government affects all Adivasi in India (approx. 80 million) and is intended to ensure that their land is not used industrially, but rather can continue to serve as a livelihood for the Adivasi.
Despite the ruling, there have been repeated violations of the new land law in recent years. The governments of India and the affected states are constantly examining how to circumvent or abolish the judgment.
Samata 1998 to date
After 1998, Samata's work focused mainly on providing legal advice to the Adivasi, with great successes being achieved. In addition, the media, campaigns and lobbying work are trying to get more public attention for the problems of the indigenous population.
Furthermore, Samata has set itself the task of monitoring compliance with the Samata ruling and taking action against mining and forestry companies who want to use land that has been inhabited and cultivated by the tribes for generations.
Samata heads the Indian network "Mines, Minerals & People", which draws attention to the social problems caused by mining, and is a member of the international group "Women & Mining".
Balamitra
Since the illiteracy rate in many Adivasi regions is 70 percent and more, but the government fails to set up enough schools, Samata has launched the "Balamitra" (in German: "Friends of the Children" ) educational program.
In the recent past, more than 40 primary schools have been built in the villages in the north of the state of Andhra Pradesh. The aim is on the one hand to offer the young Adivasi a perspective in modern, up-and-coming Indian society through education, but on the other hand to preserve their unique culture and the relationship to nature. Ideas from Rudolf Steiner's art of education are introduced and regularly consolidated in workshops.