Odisha is aiming for a full rollout of Forest Rights Act
- While many States are nowhere near completing implementation of FRA, Odisha is aiming for full rollout by 2024.
Key Highlights
- Odisha is the first State to make budgetary provision for implementation of the Central Act.
- Till last year, forest rights committees were functioning in Tribal Sub Plan areas.
- Now, they have been extended to the entire State.
- State is ensuring tenurial security and entitlement over land and addressing livelihood and food security.
Nodal agency
- ST and SC Development Department is the nodal agency for Act’s implementation.
- Forest rights cells would function from State to the tehsil level.
- District-level nodal officers, civil society organizations, Panchayati Raj Institution members, revenue inspectors and local youth will work for faster implementation of the Act.
- State government has set up a dedicated project management unit for FRA implementation.
Habitat Rights
- Granting of habitat rights to Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) have been approved by gram sabhas.
- Of 13 PVTGs identified in Odisha, habitat rights are being processed for 11 groups.
- Lodhas and Lanjia Sauras tribe, who do not believe in the concept of habitat, could apply for individual forest rights.
Conclusion
- FRA implementation remained static in almost all States except few states like Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh in past year.
- Odisha’s new push could close the gap in the months ahead.
Prelims Take Away
- PVGTs
- FRA
- Gram Sabha
- Panchayats
- Lodhas Tribe
- Lanjia Sauras tribe