Jammu, 23 May (H.S.): Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, today chaired an exhaustive meeting to review implementation of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Minister took a comprehensive review of the status of claims filed under the Forest Rights Act (FRA), functioning of various committees constituted under the Act and measures being taken for safeguarding the rights of tribal communities.

Emphasising the need for greater public outreach, the Minister directed the concerned officers 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 the benefits guaranteed under the law.

The Minister also reviewed the nomination of members to Block, District and UT-level committees constituted under the Act. He stressed the need for timely 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 objective of the Act is to 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 the Union Territory and the implementation process is underway in different districts.

The Minister further directed that any step regarding eviction, wherever required, must strictly follow due procedures established under law and in accordance with the guidelines laid down by the Supreme Court. He said that the rights and dignity of tribal communities must be protected at all costs.

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

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar