Other States - Orissa   

Forest dwellers feel let down

BHUBANESWAR: Dhansingh Majhi, a forest dweller from Orissa’s Kalahandi district, is a much distraught man today.

When the revolutionary Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 came into force, he thought his existence, which was under the mercy of Forest Department, would get legal recognition. But Dhansingh’s hopes were fast fading away as he was all set to miss the deadline of submitting application for his inability to provide supporting documents.

Hundreds of traditional forest dwellers in several districts of the State have been facing similar difficulties for which they could well miss the opportunity that comes once in several generations. “After going through many hassles, I had managed to fill up the form. When I reached the sub-collector’s office to submit the application, I was told that my submission was incomplete due to absence of caste certificate,” Dhansingh said here on Tuesday. He came here under the banner of Bhu-Adhikar Sanghathan that flayed the State government for its non-seriousness to implement the Forest Rights Act.

Describing the practical problems being faced by forest dwellers, Badal Naik from Keonjhar said since many applicants had no records of rights earlier they were not issued any caste certificates. Similarly, many tribals did not know how to measure a piece of land, which was under their possession for years, but it was mandatory to mention the extent of land, Mr. Naik said.

More importantly, non-availability of adequate forms for making claims under the act marred the process. As per the provision, forest dwellers needed to apply within 90 days of ‘palli sabha’. However, the State government approached the implementation of the Act hastily. ‘Palli sabhas’ were organised on March 16 and 23 en masse in the State. “All residents should have been informed about conduct of ‘palli sabhas’ 15 days in advance but we doubt this guideline was adhered to at many places,” Y. Giri Rao, an activist said. “As a result, most of the forest dwellers now know nothing about the process. ,” he said. Now, the deadlines are June 16 and 23. The sangathan demanded that, the State government needs to take appropriate steps to extend the date for final submission of forms.”

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Women prisoners perform ‘Savitri puja’
Four injured in lightning
Major reshuffle in BU academic faculties
Jewellers observe bandh
Forest dwellers feel let down
Students protest seat reduction
SBI officers’ stir on June 6
Decision taken on cases of naxal violence
Two killed in accident
Novel protest by women
Campaign launched against ill-effects of leather

Copyright © 2008, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu