The Odisha State Food Commission (OSFC) has directed all district Collectors to ensure proactive execution of the Forest Rights Act for the protection of livelihoods of forest dwellers.
In a letter, OSFC chairperson Ranglal Jamuda stated it is felt that much more has to be done to translate the intended benefits to favour the right holders which would be possible if the Act is implemented in true letter and spirit.
Jamuda mentioned that not a single person in Puri district was given benefit under the FRA 2006 while only two districts, Bhadrak and Jharsuguda, have completed the exercise related to demarcation of land and correction of records.
So far, the Government has distributed 3,97,898 titles under the Act. However, demarcation of land has been completed only in respect of 2,41,731 titles, which is 60.75 per cent of the total titles.
Besides, the figures relating to six districts, Cuttack, Kandhamal, Koraput, Mayurbhanj, Nabarangpur and Sundargarh, appear to be doubtful. As many as 19,860 out of 2,41,731 titles were demarcated without correcting the land records, he noted.
“Therefore, it would be just and proper if the Collectors take the lead role in effective and efficient implementation of the FRA,” he mentioned.
Apart from the Collectors, the DRDA PDs have to play a crucial role in execution of the Act. Since the grievance petitions (under the NFSA, 2013) being filed for consideration of the DGRO are increasing steadily, she/he can assess the need of the hour much better particularly relating to the plight of the indigenous people, Jamuda remarked.
"Considering the significance of forest for the lives of livelihoods of forest dwellers, proper development of vested land, creation of irrigation facilities through a series of check-dams, water harvesting structures, promotion of horticulture and agro-forestry would go a long way in supplementing and complementing the food and nutritional needs of the title holders under the FRA,” he pointed out.
The OSFC has directed the Revenue Divisional Commissioners (RDCs) to monitor the progress on monthly basis and report to the Commission.