Experts advocate forest, land rights for tribals

To bridge the gap of knowledge and understanding about various rights and laws on land and forest, a seminar was conducted by Indian School of Business (ISB), Hyderabad and Jharkhand Van Adhikaar Manch here on Thursday. Advocate and social activist, Anil Garg was the key speaker of the event. Garg stressed on spreading awareness among the people about various laws and provisions provided in the Constitution on land and forest so that the oppressed can fight for their rights.

 “Pathalgadhi Movement is the constitutional right of the village panchayat. The tribals have the right over land and forests through the Forest Rights Act, PESA Act and Panchayati Raj. This has been accepted by the Supreme Court in 2011. The government or Ministry cannot interfere into this matter without the approval of the village panchayat.” said Garg.

The seminar was attended by activists from various organizations across the State. Garg said, “If the people become aware of their rights and understand the laws of land and forest, they could question the authorities and ask them to perform their duties responsibly.”

Further explaining the need to comprehend the laws, Garg said that it is necessary for the villagers and tribals to understand the rights bestowed to them under Schedule five of the constitution. In order to do so the tribals have to read the official documents related to land which will help them take effective actions and seek justice.

“The village panchayat has the power and authority to administer over the resources of the village. According to Schedule five of the constitution, it is the duty of the Head of village Panchayat to maintain law and order in the village,” said Garg.

The coordinator of Jharkhand Van Adhikaar Manch, Sudhir Pal, Satyam from Shruti Organization, New Delhi, and Manas Mishra from Vasundhra Organisation, Odisha were present at the event.