Reminding all the chief ministers of the need for speedy and effective implementation of the Scheduled Tribes and Traditional Forest Dweller (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has written to them urging their personal attention to expedite action on the matter.Recalling his earlier letter on the same issue sent in January this year, the PM has pointed out that it is primarily the responsibility of the state governments to ensure that a very vulnerable section of the population of our country finally gets its basic rights over the land which has historically been in its possession.“Needless to stress, it is important for those states which have large tribal populations to ensure that the opportunity through this landmark legislation is not missed and every genuine claimant is provided with title deeds.”Operationlised on January 1 this year, the Forests Rights Act provides that no member of a forest-dwelling Scheduled Tribe or other traditional forest dweller should be evicted or removed from forest land under his occupation till the recognition and verification procedure is complete. In doing so, the Act also puts the responsibility to protect, conserve and regenerate wildlife, forests and biodiversity on people who get these rights.
