Workshop on Forest Rights Act Held at Janedghat, Junga Tehsil
Shimla, February 5:
A one-day workshop on the implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA) was organized in Janedghat Gram Panchayat of Junga Tehsil. The workshop witnessed participation from more than 80 Forest Rights Committee (FRA) members representing nine panchayats of the tehsil.
Presiding over the workshop, Tehsildar Kartikeya Sharma said that cases involving individual or community possession of forest land for at least three generations prior to 13 December 2005 must be presented before the Gram Sabha through the Forest Rights Committee. He emphasized that the Gram Sabha is empowered to verify and confirm the individual or collective rights of the concerned families or villages under the provisions of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006.
The Tehsildar informed that three prescribed forms related to forest land claims will be filled during the Gram Sabha proceedings. He clarified that the cultivated forest land under claim, continuously occupied for three generations, should not exceed one hectare per claimant as per the Act’s provisions. Both individual and community claims regarding forest land occupation can be submitted.
He further explained that once verified by the Gram Sabha, FRA cases will be submitted to the concerned Tehsildar and SDM for further scrutiny and reconfirmation of claims involving forest land occupied for three generations. After due verification, the cases will be forwarded to the state government through the Deputy Commissioner for necessary action.
Kartikeya Sharma urged FRA committee officials to create awareness in their respective panchayats and ensure that eligible cases are presented before the Gram Sabha within the stipulated timeframe, so that affected families can receive timely recognition of their rights.
