Aug 13 2015 : The Economic Times (Delhi)
FOREST RIGHTS ACT - Don't Rush On Tribal Land Rights: Centre
Nidhi Sharma
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New Delhi:
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Taking No Chances: Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand told to follow law in letter and spirit
The Centre has sent a stern directive to Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh governments to follow proper procedure for settling land rights claims of tribal people under the Forest Rights Act.The directive has come after the state governments issued circulars to hold gram sabhas and get certificates from the tribals that their rights had been settled by a certain deadline.While Chhattisgarh had issued a circular on July 27 asking all district collectors to wrap up the process on August 15 by calling special gram sabha meetings, Jharkhand government set a deadline of October 2. The tribal affairs ministry intervened, asking the two states not to settle the land rights claims in a hurry .
“While this ministry appreciates the efforts of the government towards taking pro-active measures for implementation of the Forest Rights Act, it is also important to draw attention to the fact that the vesting and recognition of forest rights under the said Act requires careful consideration by the gram sabha,“ the ministry said in letters to chief secretaries of the two states.
The ministry has also asked Chhattisgarh not to settle the claims in the special gram sabha meetings called on August 15. Pointing out specific rules under the Forest Rights Act, the ministry said, “As these meetings have multiple agenda items, it is apprehended that the sabhas will not be able to consider the question of whether rights recognition process under Forest Rights Act is complete in the area under their jurisdiction with the requisite attention and application of mind.
“While this ministry appreciates the efforts of the government towards taking pro-active measures for implementation of the Forest Rights Act, it is also important to draw attention to the fact that the vesting and recognition of forest rights under the said Act requires careful consideration by the gram sabha,“ the ministry said in letters to chief secretaries of the two states.
The ministry has also asked Chhattisgarh not to settle the claims in the special gram sabha meetings called on August 15. Pointing out specific rules under the Forest Rights Act, the ministry said, “As these meetings have multiple agenda items, it is apprehended that the sabhas will not be able to consider the question of whether rights recognition process under Forest Rights Act is complete in the area under their jurisdiction with the requisite attention and application of mind.
