Samata (NGO)

Samata ( in German: "equality" ) is a dedicated in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh non-governmental organization dedicated to the rights of the tribal population (English: tribals ), the original inhabitants of India, deploys, and supports them, for example, in court or financially. In addition, workshops are conducted to elucidate critical issues such as health, education and law situation.

The work of Samata started in 1987 in the district of East Godavari in the mountain ranges of the Eastern Ghats and around the port city of Visakhapatnam. Since then Samata support the indigenous peoples in the region with the establishment of infrastructure, legal advice and helps them to defend themselves against exploitation by established companies in the Region.

Samata 1987-1997

For ten years were the main activities of Samata development work in the municipalities with the following priorities:

• The support of the tribal population in the construction of necessary infrastructure such as education, health, drinking water supply and dwellings.

• The promotion of sustainable development in view of the richness of nature in the affected regions.

• The elucidation of the native people about their legal rights.

• The organization of Adivasigruppen for independent resistance against the exploitation of raw materials and natural resources.

• The attainment of socio -economic independence for the people of the region.

The " Samata judgment " in 1997

In 1997, Samata after years of litigation a historic victory in the Supreme Court of India: The verdict, which has since been referred to as " Samata judgment ," makes it clear that no one, including the government, is entitled to land in the inhabited by Adivasi so-called "fifth scheduled areas" to buy or pass.

This victory over the government thus affects all Adivasis in India (about 80 million ) and to ensure that their land is not used industrially but can still serve as livelihood of the adivasis.

Despite the decision on the merits, there was in the last few years but always violations of the new land law. The governments of India and the concerned states constantly check how to deal with the judgment or can remove it altogether.

Samata 1998 - today

After 1998, the work of Samata focused mainly on legal advice the Adivasi with great successes have been achieved. In addition, an attempt is made by the media, campaigning and lobbying to get more public attention to the problems of the indigenous population.

Furthermore, Samata made ​​it their mission to monitor compliance with the Samata judgment and to act against mining and forestry companies, the country which is inhabited and cultivated for generations by the tribes, would like to use for their purposes.

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 Adivasiregionen at 70 % and more, but the government failed to sufficiently establish schools, Samata has the educational program " Balamitra " ( in German: "Friends of Children" ) has been launched.

In recent years, more than 40 primary schools in the villages in the north of the state of Andhra Pradesh could be built. Here, on the one hand tries to offer through the formation of the young Adivasi a perspective in the modern, emerging Indian society, but on the other hand, to preserve their unique culture and the relation to nature. Here ideas of Waldorf Education are introduced regularly and solidified in workshops.