Replying to a question in Lok Sabha today the Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Shri Durgadas Uikey informed that the representations that were received in the Ministry from Van Gujjar communities of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh concerning the issues related to rights under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, (in short FRA), 2006, were examined. Since the implementation of the FRA lies with the State Governments and UT Administrations, these representations were forwarded to the respective State Governments and concerned District Administrations for examination and taking necessary action in accordance with the provisions of the FRA and other applicable laws.

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has been exhorting all State Governments/UT Administration to abide by the provisions contained in FRA. Regular review meetings to assess the progress of FRA etc are held with State Governments/UT Administration. Further, grievances /representations received in the Ministry regarding violation of provisions of FRA are forwarded to the States/UTs concerned, to ensure that legitimate claimants are not denied their forest rights.

Ministry of Tribal Affairs has advised States/UTs to undertake periodic training of Sub-Divisional Level Committee (SDLC) / District Level Committee (DLC) members and to ensure adherence to due process under the FRA. All training modules/ pamphlets are regularly shared with States/UTs. Capacity Building and training measures are being undertaken by State Governments/UT Administrations.

***

RN