In the backdrop of the outrage among tribal people in Tamil Nadu caused by the gunning of 20 of their members in Seshachalam forest by Andhra Pradesh Special Task Force, CPI MLA P.L. Sundaram representing Bhavani Sagar, a constituency covering a plethora of hamlets on Sathyamangalam Hills in Erode district, has written to the Chief Secretary calling for a public announcement on implementation of Forest Rights Act 2006.
Though the rules were notified in 2008, implementation of FRA was pathetic in Tamil Nadu, Mr. Sundaram said in his representation to the Chief Secretary who is the Chairperson of the State Level Monitoring Committee (SLMC) constituted under the Act to ensure establishment of Gram Sabhas, constitution of Forest Rights Committees, and determine Community Forest Resources rights by the Gram Sabhas.
As on February 28, 2015, only 3,723 titles for land ownership were ready for distribution to tribal community people pending approval of the Supreme Court. State-wide, the procedure had to be completed only for 21,781 (18,420 individual and 3,361 community) claims.
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“It clearly shows a lack of progress,” Mr. Sundaram said, explaining that though the approval of the Court was required, there was no bar on completion of the process.
The SLMC must immediately take stock of the situation and complete the procedures for identification of hamlets or settlements, and instruct Tribal Welfare Department to convene hamlet-level Gram Sabha and constitute Forest Rights Committees.
The Tribal Welfare Department had to organise training about the Act to all the members of the Forest Rights Committees along with the members of the Sub-Divisional Level Committees and District Level Committees.
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The Tamil Nadu Government must immediately reiterate its commitment for speedy implementation of FRA through a public announcement on pursuit of the processes, the letter said.
As on February 28, 2015, only 3,723 titles for land ownership were ready for distribution