Rana reviews implementation of FRA in J&K ; Calls for wider awareness on FRA, ST Atrocities Act among tribals

GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL 

SRINAGAR, MAY 23:– Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana today chaired a high-level meeting with the senior functionaries of the Forest and Tribal Affairs departments to review the implementation of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, in Jammu and Kashmir.

During the meeting, the Minister took a comprehensive review of the status of claims filed under the Forest Rights Act (FRA), the functioning of various committees constituted under the Act and the measures being undertaken to safeguard the rights of tribal communities and other traditional forest dwellers.

Ms. Sheetal Nanda, Commissioner/ Secretary, Forest, Ecology & Environment; Mr. Prasana Ramaswamy G, Secretary, Tribal Affairs Department; Principal Chief Conservator of Forests; Director, Tribal Affairs J&K; Chief Conservator of Forests, Jammu; Chief Conservator of Forests, Kashmir; Director, Tribal Research Institute, J&K, among other senior officers from Forest, Tribal and allied departments attended the meeting.

Expressing concern over the inadequate understanding of the provisions and objectives of the Forest Rights Act among certain officials, the Minister urged them to develop a clearer and more comprehensive understanding of the implementation framework of the Act.

He stressed that officers entrusted with the responsibility of implementing such an important legislation must possess thorough knowledge of its legal and humanitarian dimensions to ensure justice to the eligible beneficiaries.

Emphasising the need for greater public outreach, the Minister directed the concerned departments to intensify awareness campaigns among tribal communities regarding the provisions of the Forest Rights Act and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.

He said that the eligible beneficiaries must be made fully aware of their legal and constitutional rights so that they can avail themselves of the protections and benefits guaranteed under law.

The Minister also reviewed the nomination of members to Block, District and UT-level committees constituted under the Act.

He directed for fast-tracking nomination and effective functioning of these committees to ensure prompt disposal of claims and transparent implementation of the Act.

During the meeting, the Minister directed that all unattended claims be examined on priority and due action be taken strictly in accordance with the provisions of law.

He reiterated that the core objective of the Act is to recognise and protect the legitimate rights of forest dwellers and ensure justice to tribal communities.

The meeting was informed that Forest Rights Committees have largely been constituted across J&K and the implementation process is underway in different districts.

While underlining the importance of forest conservation and environmental protection across Jammu and Kashmir, the Minister asserted that such efforts must not come at the cost of the rights, dignity and liberty of poor and helpless tribal communities and traditional forest dwellers. He maintained that ecological protection and human rights must go hand in hand within the constitutional framework.

The Minister further directed that any step regarding eviction, wherever required, must strictly follow due procedures established under law and adhere to the guidelines laid down by the Supreme Court.

The Minister particularly directed Secretary Forest and HoFF to monitor and arrest any mischievous attempts by officers/officials down the line to play to the wishes of the empowered fringe elements in the society. He said that the rights and dignity of people especially the marginalised tribal communities must be protected at all costs.

“The basic rights of tribal communities cannot be snatched away and every action must remain within the framework of law, justice and human dignity,” the Minister asserted, while reiterating the Omar Abdullah government’s commitment towards safeguarding the rights and dignity of Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers.