Mysuru: The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes member Dr Asha Lakra on Tuesday undertook an extensive visit to HD Kote taluk, engaging directly with tribal communities and reviewing grassroots welfare initiatives.She interacted with Jenu Kuruba women managing a millet store near HD Kote. During the interaction, a beneficiary, Ratnamma, shared her inspiring journey—from migrating for strenuous daily wage labour to achieving financial stability through collective enterprise. The store, run by a group of women, has become a model for sustainable livelihood and women’s empowerment.Addressing the gathering, Lakra reiterated the commission’s commitment to safeguard the rights and dignity of STs across remote hamlets. She urged community members to report any instances of exploitation or harassment directly to the commission.To strengthen economic self-reliance, she recommended advanced training in food processing and called for geo-tagging of tribal products, to enhance traceability and market value. She also emphasised the need to establish online marketing platforms in collaboration with Sahakar Bharati.At the Prakruthi food products unit in Jaganakote Haadi, where women produce different varieties of ragi-based products with monthly sales of around Rs 1.5 lakh, concerns were raised about illegal liquor sales affecting village life and youth. Taking serious note, Lakra directed excise officials to conduct surprise raids and curb such activities.She also visited Viveka School of Learning in Hosahalli, where she inspected facilities and encouraged skill-based training for girls, including mechanical tools and tailoring under TSP grants. She was accompanied by officials from the tribal welfare department and representatives of Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement.
