The Odisha State Food Commission has again asked the State government to expedite implementation of the Forest Rights Act, 2006, that would help ensure food and nutritional security to the vulnerable section of society.
In a letter addressed to all Collectors, OSFC chairperson Ranglal Jamuda pointed out that “out of 4,25,563 IFR titles distributed till December 2018, demarcation of land has been completed in respect of 2,99,471 titles representing 70.37% of the total titles.”
“It is a matter of serious concern that in seven important districts (where more than 5,000 titles have been distributed) the performance on demarcation of titles is significantly below the State average,” said Mr. Jamuda.
Demarcation of titles
Keonjhar has completed demarcation of titles in case of only 34.37% while Nabarangpur achieved 34.4%, Koraput (33.68%), Sundargarh (52.96%), Deogarh (48.12%), Nuapada (35.80%) and Ganjam (51.94%).
“In all these seven districts the Collectors should undertake special drive for demarcation of land. The amins posted in other tehsils may be re-deployed in tehsils having more number of pending cases for demarcation,” Mr. Jamuda directed.
Mr. Jamuda, a retired IAS officer, said the government should take the services of retired revenue inspectors and amins to expedite implementation.
Demarcation of land regularised under Individual Forest Right and correction of preparation of record of rights have been completed only in case of Bhadrak district.
Similarly, in case of correction of RoRs, cumulative achievement has so far been 1,78,039 titles, only representing 41.83% of the titles distributed.
“Despite a series of instructions, the extent of land developed utilising Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme funds till December 2018 is only 56,340.53 acres. In five districts there was no activity in this regard,” said Mr. Jamuda.
