PM launches title deed distribution for over 52,000 nomads in Karnataka

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday launched the 'Hakku Patra' (land title deed) distribution drive for over 52,000 nomadic Lambani (Banjara) tribes in five districts in north Karnataka.

"It's a big day for the people of Banjara (Lambani nomadic) community as over 50,000 people will get their own roof by way of Hakku Patra", the PM said at a public meeting at Malkhed in this district.

Modi distributed five 'Hakku Patra' to five nomadic couples on the occasion.

This Hakku Patra will secure future of thousands of people living in the "Thandas" (Lambani habitats) in Kalaburagi, Bidar, Yadgiri, Raichur and Vijayapura districts, he noted.

Way back in 1993, it was recommended to give revenue village status to 'Thandas' but the political party that remained in power for the longest period used the Lambanis as the vote bank and never tried to improve the living condition of these backward families, he claimed.

"Those living in Thandas had to wage a long struggle for their rights and face many difficulties. They had to wait for a long time", Modi said. "But now the depressing atmosphere is changing. I want to assure the Banjara mothers that their son (Modi) is sitting in Delhi".