Organisation fighting for forest rights of tribals, Campaign for Survival and Dignity(CSD) State chapter, raised serious concern over the use of the word “beneficiary” instead of “forest rights holder” by the State SC, ST Development (SSD) Department in its website.
The CSD asserted that Forest Rights Act ( FRA) is not like other anti-poverty schemes and programmes and by using the ward “beneficiary”, the “forest rights holders” are not only disrespected but also the rights recognized under the FRA are undermined. Notably, the SSD Department is the nodal agency for the FRA implementation in the State since 2008.
“We believe that by considering and mentioning the rights holder as “beneficiary,” the Government of Odisha is trying to repeat the injustice done with the forest dwellers and FRA which recognizes the pre-existing rights of the tribals and OTFDs. After all, by recognizing these rights, The Government is not doing any charity,” the CSD claimed.
The CSD brought it to the notice of the Chief Secretary, who is also the Chairman of the FRA State Level Monitoring Committee(SLMC) and urged him to immediately correct the mistake. If not corrected, the CSD warned of bringing the gross violation to the notice of the NHRC, the NCST and Orissa High Court.
It also urged the Chief secretary to expedite the community rights recognition process, review all rejected claims including claims of OTFDs, demarcate whatever IFR titles said to have recognized under the Act till date and do RoR correction in the State.
Also CSD has requested the Chief Secretary to upload village wise details of the IFR and CFR titles in the SSD Department website showing number of claims filed and titles issued with the area recognized in all districts.