“Awareness and collective action essential for empowering tribal communities”
JAMMU, AUGUST 24: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, today attended a one-day seminar on “Implementation of Forest Rights Act and the Way Forward” organised by the Gujjar Bakarwal Students Alliance (GBSA), Jammu & Kashmir, at the University of Jammu.
The seminar was organised as part of the 3rd Foundation Day celebrations of GBSA and brought together students, members of tribal communities and other stakeholders for deliberations on the implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA).
Addressing the gathering, the Minister highlighted the importance of ensuring effective implementation of the Forest Rights Act, saying that the legislation represents an important step towards recognising the legitimate rights and entitlements of forest-dwelling tribal communities and other traditional forest dwellers.
The Minister emphasised the need for greater awareness among eligible communities about the provisions of the Act so that they are able to exercise their rights and access the benefits available to them within the prescribed legal framework.
He said that awareness, participation and collective action are essential for translating the provisions of the Forest Rights Act into meaningful rights and opportunities for tribal communities.
“Let us engage, learn and act for our rights and our future. Awareness is the first step towards empowerment, and collective participation is the key to ensuring that every eligible beneficiary is able to realise the rights guaranteed under the Forest Rights Act,” Rana asserted.
Rana stressed that empowerment of tribal communities must remain an integral part of the development process, with focused efforts required to improve access to education, livelihood opportunities and government welfare programmes.
The Minister also underlined the importance of close coordination among concerned departments, grassroots institutions and community representatives for addressing implementation-related challenges and ensuring that the objectives of the Forest Rights Act are achieved effectively.
He called for constructive engagement with tribal communities and youth, observing that informed participation and awareness are essential for strengthening the implementation of rights-based legislation.
The seminar also witnessed discussions on various aspects of the Forest Rights Act, including awareness, recognition of forest rights, institutional mechanisms, community participation and the way forward for strengthening its implementation.
Rana appreciated the GBSA for organising the seminar and providing a platform for meaningful discussion on issues concerning tribal communities and forest rights.
The event was attended by representatives of the Gujjar Bakarwal Students Alliance, students, members of tribal communities, social activists and other stakeholders.
The GBSA expressed its gratitude to the Minister for introducing two important laws under the Forest and Tribal Affairs departments, both under his charge, aimed at ensuring the effective implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA) and safeguarding the rights of eligible forest-dwelling communities.
