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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

CPI for amendments in Forest Rights Act

Staff Reporter

Party plans to stage protests on July 10 across State

ADILABAD: The Communist Party of India (CPI) on Thursday demanded certain amendments to the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 so that it becomes more effective. The party would take up this matter with the Union Government in near future according to CPI’s Floor Leader in State Legislature and Bellampally (SC) MLA Gunda Mallesh.

At a press conference, Mr. Mallesh said the Act should encompass tribals, Dalits and all other landless poor who were tilling forest lands in plain areas. It would be an injustice towards them if the government deprives them of this opportunity, he pointed out.

Unfair provision

Referring to the provisions in the Act, the CPI Floor Leader demanded removal of the provision that seeks recognition of rights for those who have tilled the lands for three generations. He said this criterion would work against the interests of genuine landless poor.

Mr. Mallesh wanted the government to identify lands that are lying waste in many villages in the district that have been deserted by tribals. He said such lands should also be included for distribution among the tribals and other landless.

The CPI would take up agitations across the State on July 10 demanding the government control the inflation, the CPI leader disclosed.

He said his party would also launch a prachara jatha on July 15 in Municipal areas to spread awareness on need for house site pattas to those who have settled in the lands for a long time.

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