MP ahead of other states in implementation of Forest Land Right Act

Bhopal, May 27 (UNI) The Centre has lauded the performance of Madhya Pradesh in implementation of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition to Forest Rights) Act as per the scheduled programme.

Certain states that had lagged behind in this regard had been directed to send study teams to Madhya Pradesh.

This was informed at a meeting chaired by Chief Minster Shivraj Singh Chouhan at Mantralaya here yesterday to review the implementation of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition to Forest Rights) Act 2006 and Rules 2008, an official release here said.

The meeting was informed that booklets of the Act published in principal tribal dialects are being distributed to forest dwellers to acquaint the members of the Gond, Korku and Bhil tribal communities with the provisions of the Act. Conferment of land right to eligible forest dwellers is proposed to take place on August one next.

The Chief Minister directed to give due right to the people as per rule who have been in possession of the forest land prior to December 31, 2005. Actions in this regard should be taken as per prescribed schedule with utmost sensitiveness. So far, about 80,000 claims have been received in the state.

Expressing satisfaction over the progress of implementation of the Act, Mr Chouhan said was ahead of other states in this regard.

He appreciated Principal Secretary (Tribal Welfare) O P Rawat and other concerning officers for proper implementation of the Act so far, the release added.

UNI PS RL DS1423