Recalling several reminders sent to the Jharkhand Government, Union Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh stressed on implementing provisions under the Forest Rights Act and exonerating forest dwellers falsely implicated under the Indian Forest Act,1927.
Speaking on the occasion of World Tribal Day, officially observed for the first time in Jharkhand, Ramesh said that the new Government had an opportunity to reverse the things in State.
“I got fatigued after writing several times to the Government earlier also. Again I want to make two requests to the new Chief Minister on the occasion. First expedite provisions of the FRA in the State and pay special attention to give forest land pattas to dwellers. Secondly revoke petty cases against tribals for taking out minor forest produces,” said the Minister while sharing dais with Chief Minister Hemant Soren.
As per latest figures Jharkhand, in seven years since the FRA came into existence in 2006, has just given 15,000 pattas of forest land to the tribals. It is against over three lakh given in Odisha and over two lakhs in Chhattisgarh.
“Jharkhand Government has not taken the Act seriously thus far. I am sure that the Act can transform the lives of tribals,” said the Minister.
Harping hard on the Forest officials, Ramesh blamed them for falsely indicting tribal people under the Indian Forest Act made by the Britishers way back in 1927.
“Numerous tribals are languishing in the jails of Jharkhand. They have fallen prey to the law for taking away minor forest produces and entering into forest areas. 99 per cent of them are innocent. I tried my best to deal with the provisions (as Minister) but the action on the ground has to be taken by the State Government,” added Ramesh on Friday.
He also said that the new Government had come up with new dreams and aspirations and expressed hope that it would not let down its people. Ramesh also rapped the functioning in the State and requested the CM to reverse the image it had relating corruption, transfer-posting and overseas bank accounts.
“People here have become annoyed and want to get rid of all these. You are young and I hope would not let them down. Centre will support you in all manner.” Shibu Soren, Congress MP Subodh Kant Sahai, Rajendra Singh, Geetashree Oraon, Siman Marandi and Champai Soren were also present on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering the CM announced that the occasion would be celebrated every year and the Government would take schemes meant for tribals to their doorsteps.
“We will provide necessary assistance; be it laptops, higher education etc to the tribal students passing matric, intermediate and other examinations. Now onward the Government would not depend on files but on the ground realities,” said the CM.
Tribal artists coming from various parts of the State performed traditional song and dance to present glimpses of rich culture and tradition before the handful of audience. Several departments also exhibited their progarmmes and schemes run for the welfare of the community.