Tripura CM demands implementation of forest right act

Agartala, Dec 20 (UNI) Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar has demanded an immediate enforcement of Forest Right Act for providing a sustainable economic base to the tribals of North East and asked for a 50 per cent share of total tax collection to the states.

In a meeting of the 54th National Development Council (NDC) in New Delhi yesterday, Mr Sarkar said bridging the rural-urban divide was absolutely essential to mitigate poverty.

He, however, demanded to focus on the revival of agriculture, rural development and on a strong effort in promoting programme that would deliver essential services to the common people and provide livelihood support for the poor.

Mr Sarkar also expressed concern over the delay in implementation of Forest Right Act and said the poor tribals had been deprived of their traditional practices and economic benefit involving the forest.

UNI