AP to distribute land to tribals

Vijayawada, Oct 1 (UNI) The Andhra Pradesh government will issue 'pattas' for 10 lakh acres of lands to three lakh tribals, who were cultivating these lands in the state, minister for Tribal Welfare D S Redya Naik said today.

Speaking at a review meeting held with forest, revenue and tribal welfare officials here, he said the UPA government headed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had introduced the 'Forest Act-2006' in Parliament, which would allow the state to provide 'pattas' to tribals.

Directing the forest officials to identify tribal lands in the state, he said the 'pattas' would be distributed after getting the consent of the Forest Rights Committees.

For setting up the committees and creating awareness among tribals, the government had sanctioned Rs 20 crore, he added.

UNI CS AB KP2117