The National Commission for Scheduled Tribe (NCST), New Delhi has slammed the State Government in its recent direction for the alleged violation of Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006. The direction is based on a petition filed by Campaign for Survival and Dignity (CSD) State convener Gopinath Majhi during the visit of the NCST to Odisha from September 2 to 5. The commission taking cognisance of the petition had written a letter to the Chief Secretary on October 21 and directed the Chief Secretary to investigate into the alleged FRA violations.
The NCST has sought the facts and information on the action taken for protection of the tribal people and their land within 30 days of receipt of the notice. The NCST has also cautioned the Chief Secretary that if it does not receive any reply, it may exercise the process of civil court conferred on it under Article-338A of the Constitution and issue summon to the Chief Secretary for appearance in person or by representative before the commission.