Constitution of India prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion; race, caste, sex or place of birth (Article 15) and it provides the right to equality (Article 14). Yet, in a blatant misuse of Legislative power, making mockery of the Constitution, the Orissa Govt. passed a Regulation proclaiming that it shall not provide any loan to tribal nor allow anybody to grant any loan to tribal.
Orissa Govts prescription is that Tribal to go for traditional hunting! and gathering of some forest roots or work as an agricultural labourer or at best till barren agricultural land in perpetuity. The tribal need not venture into any commercial/industrial business activities. The Orissa Govt. promulgated a senseless Regulation 1 of 2002 (effective from 4.9.2002) indirectly providing that:-
a) No loan should be provided to an Adivasi (Tribal). Tribal, has no right of access to govt. loan for business/commercial purpose mortgaging his property.
b) An Adivasi have no business to supplement his income by way of giving his extra/additional accommodation on rent, lease even to Govt. Office/PSUS Bank, forget about non-tribal person.
c) Tribals should concentrate on traditional hunting and gathering or at best till barren agricultural land in perpetuity.
d) An Adivasi should not setup a petrol pump with even PSU Oil Marketing Companies; in his own land and for his own economic benefit as if %u2018economic empowerment%u2019 is sole prerogative of non Tribals.
