SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology and Environment, and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, has called for swift and streamlined implementation of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, across the Union Territory. The directive was issued during a high-level review meeting held at the Civil Secretariat in Jammu to assess the progress of the Act’s application.
According to details received by The Chenab Times, the meeting was attended by senior officials including Commissioner Secretary Forests, Ecology and Environment Sheetal Nanda; Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Sarvesh Rai; Secretary Tribal Affairs Department Prasanna Ramaswamy G; Director Tribal Affairs Mohd. Mumtaz Ali; Director Finance Iftikhar Chouhan; and Nodal Officer Tribal Research Institute Dr. Abdul Khabir.
Minister Rana emphasized the necessity of establishing a transparent and time-bound framework to expedite the recognition of forest rights and to operationalize Forest Rights Act (FRA) cells at the district level. He highlighted the critical role of these cells in managing documentation, fostering inter-departmental coordination, and ensuring timely record-keeping. The Minister instructed that the formation of these FRA cells be accelerated and that implementation be made accountable at every stage to safeguard the rights of tribal communities.
Underscoring the importance of inter-departmental collaboration, Rana urged for enhanced synergy between the revenue, forest, and tribal affairs departments. This collaboration aims to reduce administrative delays and overcome procedural obstacles that may hinder the effective implementation of the Act. He further noted that the Tribal Affairs Department has been designated as the nodal agency responsible for implementing the Forest Rights Act in Jammu and Kashmir, taking over this responsibility from the Forest Department.
The Minister also directed officials to meticulously maintain detailed records of all rejected claims. These records should include specific reasons for rejection to ensure transparency and to prevent the exclusion of individuals who are genuine beneficiaries under the Act. The process aims to maintain an auditable trail and facilitate a review of decisions where necessary.
Addressing the role of Gram Sabhas, the Minister stressed the need for stronger representation of tribal communities in the verification and recommendation processes mandated by the Act. He stated that the active participation of these local self-governance institutions is crucial for accurate identification and rightful claims.
Furthermore, Minister Rana instructed officials to intensify awareness campaigns across the Union Territory. These campaigns, including district-level drives and training programs, are intended to educate eligible beneficiaries about their rights under the Forest Rights Act and the procedures for submitting claims. Such initiatives are vital to ensure that all intended recipients are aware of and can access the benefits provided by the legislation.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to the welfare of forest-dwelling communities, the Minister called for consistent monitoring, periodic reviews, and strict adherence to established timelines. These measures are designed to ensure the effective and equitable implementation of the Forest Rights Act throughout Jammu and Kashmir.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
