SHIMLA (Himachal Pradesh, India): The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) has directed the government of Himachal Pradesh government to expedite the resolution of cases pending under the Forest Rights Act (FRA) in the state’s tribal regions, stressing the need to ensure that eligible beneficiaries receive their entitlements without delay.
The directive came during a two-day visit to Shimla by an NCST delegation consisting of Chairman Antar Singh Arya and members Nirupam Chakma and Asha Lakra. The delegation held a review meeting with senior state government officials to assess the implementation of tribal welfare programs and discuss issues affecting tribal communities.
During the meeting, the commission examined the status of FRA claims in tribal areas and instructed authorities to accelerate the disposal of pending cases. The commission also called for stronger delivery of public services and infrastructure in remote tribal regions.
The review covered a range of development sectors, including education, healthcare, road connectivity, electricity and drinking water supply. The commission acknowledged the progress made by Himachal Pradesh in improving basic infrastructure and welfare services in tribal districts, according to an official press release.
The delegation also interacted with young people from tribal communities to get feedback on development-related issues, educational opportunities, employment prospects and social empowerment. Arya noted that tribal regions in Himachal Pradesh had witnessed improvements in several socio-economic indicators.
Additional Chief Secretary Onkar Sharma conducted the proceedings. Among those present at the meeting were NCST Joint Secretary Amit Nirmaj, Directors Purendu Kant and P. Kalyan Reddy, and secretaries and heads of various state government departments, attended the meeting.
Earlier, the delegation held meetings with representatives from tribal areas, forest conservation committees, forest rights beneficiaries and various social organizations. Detailed discussions were held regarding issues concerning tribal communities and the effective implementation of the FRA. The meeting featured comprehensive discussions on various matters related to the protection of tribal interests, their welfare and development. During the event, representatives from the Hati, Gujjar, Gaddi, Kinnaura and other tribal communities presented issues and suggestions concerning their respective regions to the delegation. Arya assured the representatives that necessary steps would be taken to address the issues and suggestions raised, ensuring maximum benefit for the people of the tribal areas.
The delegation also reviewed ongoing departmental works in tribal areas with the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation and the Public Works Department. The Commission also held a meeting with Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) from the state.
FRA was enacted in 2006 to recognize and vest forest rights in Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers who have historically depended on forests for their livelihood and habitation. The law provides for individual and community rights over forest land and resources, while also giving local communities a role in forest governance.
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