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Speed up implementation of Forest Rights Act: Aiyar

Special Correspondent

Hold gram sabha meetings to initiate execution, says letter to CMs

Organise training for panel members
Time-bound action needed at all levels

Union Minister for Panchayat Raj Mani Shankar Aiyar

NEW DELHI: Union Panchayati Raj Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar has asked all States to expedite implementation of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act and Rules.

In a letter to the Chief Ministers, he has asked them to initiate the process of execution by organising gram sabhas on February 28.

The provisions of the Act and Rules and the role and responsibilities of the gram sabhas should be explained at these meetings. “Well before this, the gram panchayats and members of divisional and district-level committees must understand the entire process and their assigned roles.” Training must be organised for the sub-divisional committee members and pradhans and other representatives of the panchayati raj institutions much before the date of the meeting of the gram sabhas.

As time-bound action is called for at all levels, the issues of claims, resolving conflicts, documentation and familiarisation should be addressed on priority, he said.

The State government is required to constitute State-level monitoring committees. It is mandatory to convene gram sabha meetings, where members of the Forest Rights Committee are elected. This panel will collect claims filed in the prescribed format, maintain records of the claimants, verify these and present its findings to the gram sabhas. These will be forwarded to the sub-divisional-level committee for further processing and thereafter the district-level committee will consider the claims for approval.

However, the Campaign for Survival and Dignity, a platform of tribal and forest dwellers from 11 States, alleges that the Centre is trying to “subvert the implementation of the Forest Rights Act.”

The intention was apparent even at the time of notification of the Rules, which “undermined” key provisions of the law on decision-making bodies, community conservation and procedures for wildlife conservation, while exacerbating the flaws and ambiguities of the Act, says the Campaign.

“It has now become clearer with the Minister’s letter asking the States to convene gram sabhas in all villages on February 28. This is clearly impossible. Wherever it takes place, it will lead to both misuse and confusion.”

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