New union minister for tribal welfare and panchayati raj V Kishore Chandra Deo on Wednesday said he would strive to strengthen the panchayati raj institutions and solve the problems in adivasi areas.

Addressing a press conference here, Deo said that after discussion with cabinet ministers concerned he will fulfil the twin objectives.

The government would take all possible steps to provide necessary infrastructure in panchayati raj institutions, the minister said.

Deo, who visited his native place Kurupam in Vizianagaram district on July 22 after assuming charge as union minister a few days ago, was here to preside over a review meeting of panchayati raj officials and public representatives.

Asked about the mining activities in Paderu and Araku areas in Visakhapatnam district, Deo said he was against such activities in the tribal areas.

The minister said he was against the allocation of lands in tribal areas for non-tribal purposes.