The Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) strongly objected to the Odisha government’s decision to allow Vana Suraksha Samities (VSS) to avail community forest rights (CFR) under the Forest Rights Act.
The last State Level Monitoring Committee (SLMC) under the FRA had decided that the VSS, nurtured by the Forest and Environment Department over the years, where there are no conflicts with the Gram Sabha in sustainable management of the forest resources may be identified so that CFR can be given under FRA.
The SLMC had taken the decision knowing well that as per MoTA guidelines the VSS are not eligible for availing the CFR under FRA.
“There are no statutes that vest any authority with the VSS for CFR rights. The processes of recognition of rights (Individual and Community, including CFR) are clearly laid down in the Forest Rights Act, 2006 and Rules,” noted Arun Jha, Union Tribal Affairs Secretary, in a letter addressed to State Chief Secretary G. C. Pati.
“It is for Gram Sabha to constitute a committee for protection of wildlife, forest and bio-diversity as per Rule 4(1)(e) of the Forest Rights Rules,” Mr. Jha emphasised.
Taking strong objection to selection of superintendent of police and additional SPs in District Level Committees under FRA, the MoTA secretary pointed out: “FRA lay down the composition of the sub-divisional level committee and the district level committees detailing the officials and representatives of these committees. There is no provision or scope in the FRA to co-opt any additional members.”
Forest rights activists said Forest department had been consistently making efforts to meddle in FRA implementation in the State.
