Revenue and Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi has issued a stern warning against the illegal charging of money for processing claims under the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006, asserting that those found guilty will face stringent legal action. The minister made these remarks during a visit to Spiti in the Lahaul-Spiti district, addressing concerns raised by local residents.
Information was available with The Chenab Times indicating that complaints have surfaced suggesting that some non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and members of Forest Rights Committees have been demanding substantial sums, reportedly in the thousands of rupees, from applicants seeking to process their claims. In response to these allegations, Minister Negi directed the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Kaza to initiate a thorough investigation into the matter.
Addressing a meeting focused on the implementation of the FRA in Kaza, Minister Negi urged the local populace to come forward and report any instances where money is demanded for the processing of forest rights claims. He assured the residents that all such complaints would be meticulously examined, and appropriate legal recourse would be pursued if the allegations are substantiated.
The minister emphasized that the application process under the Forest Rights Act is designed to be free of charge. He clarified that applicants are not required to seek recommendations from any individual or organisation to submit their claims. Minister Negi expressed his displeasure regarding reports of certain committees in Kaza arbitrarily deciding on the acceptance of claims, a function that, he stated, should solely involve the reception of applications from eligible claimants.
He elaborated on the prescribed procedure for submitting claims, which involves a two-page form detailing the land in question and supporting evidence. The secretary of a Forest Rights Committee is mandated to receive the application and issue a formal receipt as acknowledgement. Following the receipt of a claim, the committee is required to notify all its members and schedule a field inspection. Crucially, the claimant, the concerned Patwari, the forest guard, and committee members must be informed of the inspection date.
Minister Negi underscored that the committee’s primary responsibility is to conduct a thorough site inspection and compile a report based on their findings. The forest guard is also expected to submit a separate report, while the Patwari must prepare relevant land records and photographs during the field visit. He further clarified that the Patwari should not be subjected to obtaining fresh permission from another officer for the preparation of these essential records and photographic evidence.
The minister outlined that the committee’s report must be presented before the gram sabha for deliberation and approval in an open meeting prior to its onward transmission to the sub-divisional level committee. He voiced concern over allegations that some committees have resorted to obtaining signatures by visiting households, bypassing the formal resolution process of the gram sabha. Minister Negi stated that if these practices are confirmed, a comprehensive inquiry will be initiated, and those found responsible could face criminal proceedings.
Appealing to the residents of Spiti, Minister Negi urged them not to be intimidated while pursuing their lawful rights. He encouraged anyone who has paid money for the processing of an FRA claim to report the matter either directly to him or to the SDM.
Prior to addressing the FRA claims issue, the minister reviewed ongoing development projects during a meeting of the sub-divisional project advisory committee in Kaza. He issued directives to the relevant departments, emphasizing the importance of timely project completion and adherence to construction quality standards. Issues pertaining to land acquisition and nautor land were also discussed, with the minister stressing the need for prompt resolution of pending cases in accordance with established regulations.
The meetings were attended by local MLA Anuradha Rana, the SDM, Integrated Tribal Development Project Officer Dixit Rana, Additional Secretary (Revenue) Balwan, and various departmental officers.
The Chenab Times News Desk