J&K to implement Forest Rights Act in true spirit, says Javed Rana
Blazing Tales News Service
JAMMU, AUGUST: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has decided to implement the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 in its true spirit to ensure justice for eligible forest dwellers, with the Tribal Affairs Department designated as the nodal agency for its implementation, Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Javed Ahmed Rana said.
Addressing a press conference in Jammu, Rana said that although the Act was extended to Jammu and Kashmir in 2019, many deserving beneficiaries were unable to avail its benefits due to ineffective implementation.
He said the Omar Abdullah-led Government has taken a landmark decision to enforce the legislation in accordance with its objectives. The Tribal Affairs Department recently issued a circular directing that no eviction of eligible forest dwellers should take place without following the due legal process.
The Minister said one of the government’s first decisions was to designate the Tribal Affairs Department as the nodal department for implementing the Act, replacing the earlier arrangement under which the Forest Department handled FRA-related matters.
To strengthen implementation, the government has established a Project Management Unit (PMU) and appointed three experts representing the Jammu, Kashmir and Poonch regions. District-level implementation cells will also be established within the next 7 to 10 days to facilitate timely disposal of claims and assist applicants, particularly tribal families living in remote areas.
Rana said Deputy Commissioners have been directed to expedite all pending and fresh claims through the statutory three-tier mechanism prescribed under the Act. He noted that the process of recognising forest rights begins at the Gram Sabha level before progressing through the prescribed legal stages.
Clarifying the government’s stand on eviction notices, the Minister said the Forest Department cannot issue notices under the Forest Rights Act, as its implementation now rests exclusively with the Tribal Affairs Department.
He reiterated that no eviction would be carried out without following the prescribed legal procedure and made it clear that no fresh encroachments on forest land would be permitted.
However, he said people who have been residing on or cultivating forest land for decades and are eligible under the Act would not be disturbed until their claims are examined and decided in accordance with the law.
The Minister also announced that the government has ordered inquiries into alleged excesses during previous eviction drives involving tribal communities. Two committees, including one headed by the Director of Tribal Affairs, have been constituted to examine complaints. The report submitted by the Tribal Affairs Department will be examined to identify any illegal actions or injustices.
Rana said appropriate action would be taken against those found responsible and assured that all genuine claims under the Forest Rights Act, whether in municipal, town or rural areas, would be processed expeditiously to ensure justice for eligible beneficiaries.
