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The Hindu
11-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
In forest rights push, Centre sanctions over 300 FRA cells to ‘facilitate' implementation
In a first since the Forest Rights Act (FRA) came into being in 2006, the Union government has started funding structural mechanisms to 'facilitate' the implementation of the law meant to give forest rights to Scheduled Tribes and forest-dwelling communities. Implementation of the FRA, for the last 19 years, has been solely the domain of State and union territory governments. Under the Dharti Aba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyaan (DAJGUA), a Central scheme, the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs has so far sanctioned the setting up of 324 district-level FRA cells across 18 States and union territories implementing the forest rights law. In addition, State-level FRA cells have been sanctioned for 17 of these States and union territories. The rules governing the operation of these cells flow from the DAJGUA programme and not the principal legislation of the FRA - The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006. This law mandates the State government to set up the structure for processing forest rights claims, which includes Gram Sabha Forest Rights Committees (FRCs), Sub-Divisional Level Committees (SDLCs), District Level Committees (DLCs), and State Monitoring Committees. Activists' concern With the new FRA cells being set up through the DAJGUA programme, forest rights activists and experts have raised concerns of this being a 'parallel FRA mechanism outside of FRA's purview'. A government official told The Hindu, 'These FRA cells will have no role in interfering with decisions made by the Gram Sabha, Sub-Divisional Level Committees, District Level Committees, or State government departments under the FRA. They will merely assist claimants and Gram Sabhas to prepare all paperwork for the FRA claims and assist with data management'. The DAJGUA was launched in October 2024 and brings together 25 interventions of 17 line ministries for targeted implementation in over 68,000 tribal-dominated villages. One component of the DAJGUA programme is to speed up FRA implementation. The operational guidelines for DAJGUA mandate the FRA cells to help with 'quick disposal' of pending claims, especially ones that have been held up even after the District Level Committees' approval. According to the last available progress report from March 2025, 14.45% of the 51.11 lakh FRA claims across 21 States/union territories remain pending. Of the around 43 lakh claims that have been disposed of, over 42% were rejected. The highest number of district FRA cells sanctioned so far has been in Madhya Pradesh, where 55 have been approved. This is followed by 30 in Chhattisgarh, 29 in Telangana, 26 in Maharashtra, 25 in Assam, and 24 in Jharkhand. Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Jharkhand are among the States with the least FRA pendency, but in Assam, over 60% of claims are pending and in Telangana, around 50.27% claims are pending. While the rules framed under the DAJGUA mandate the FRA cells to operate under the State government's machinery, the cells themselves are being funded by the Centre through Grants-in-aid General, as per sanction orders for some of them in States like Assam, Himachal Pradesh, and Odisha, seen by The Hindu. The guidelines provide a budget of ₹8.67 lakh for each FRA cell at the district level, and ₹25.85 lakh for each State-level FRA cell. Significant departure This marks a significant departure from how Union governments have handled the issue of FRA implementation ever since the law was framed. So far, when confronted with the question of forest rights in Parliament, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs has maintained that the implementation was mandated 'primarily' to States and that it keeps 'exhorting' all governments to abide by the law. Apart from this, the Tribal Affairs Ministry has traditionally restricted itself to funding training and capacity-building programmes for State government officials at the centre of the FRA implementation, issuing advisories and missives to State governments, and compiling monthly progress reports on FRA data sent by the States. The DAJGUA guidelines clearly spell out that the FRA cells will deal with all matters of FRA implementation 'as directed' by the State Tribal Welfare departments and district administrations and that it will help both claimants and Gram Sabhas to prepare the claims paperwork for presentation to the Forest Rights Committees. This includes gathering evidence, certificates, Gram Sabha resolutions and putting together a claims file; assisting the Gram Sabha in conversion of forest and un-surveyed villages and habitations into revenue villages; completing demarcation of forest lands already vested to claimants; facilitating the digitisation of records and their feeding into the relevant portals. While this is the first time such FRA cells are being proposed by the Union government to speed up FRA implementation, the Odisha government has been using a similar mechanism for a couple of years now that operated as facilitators from outside of the statutory structure that processes FRA claims, according to forest rights researcher Tushar Dash. 'But the response to such a system has been mixed so far. There are concerns that many of the tasks assigned to the FRA cells already come under the functions of statutory committees set up under the FRA leading to confusion at the ground level on who to approach for what,' Mr. Dash told The Hindu. He further explained that creating more committees or cells 'will not address the structural problems in implementing the FRA'. 'It is known that a large reason for pending claims is that Sub-Divisional Level Committees and District Level Committees don't meet to decide on claims as often as they should. Secondly, there is the problem of Forest departments sitting on claims even after the approval of the DLCs,' Mr. Dash said.
The Print
31-05-2025
- Politics
- The Print
Khandu lays foundation of Rs 750-cr education infra projects
A major portion of the investment focuses on strengthening educational infrastructure. This includes upgrading 39 government higher secondary schools across the state under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme at a cost of Rs 300 crore. These projects, to be executed by the Rural Works Department (RWD), are scheduled for completion in the current financial year. Itanagar, May 30 (PTI) Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Friday virtually laid the foundation stones of Rs 750-crore infrastructure development projects in the education sector. Additionally, Rs 322 crore has been earmarked for the construction of 156 hostels and teachers' quarters in all districts under the scheme. Under the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DAJGUA), 14 high-capacity hostels with 120 beds each will be built at a cost of Rs 71.40 crore. The initiative also covers the construction of 60 bachelor barracks in rural schools with an allocation of Rs 9 crore. Further, Rs 30 crore will be used for infrastructure development at Arunachal University in Pasighat (East Siang district), while Rs 23.64 crore has been set aside for constructing 394 kitchen sheds-cum-stores under the PM Poshan scheme. 'This is in line with our commitment to successfully implement the Shikshit Arunachal 2029 Mission adopted by our government,' Khandu stated. He emphasised that the mission aims to comprehensively address infrastructure requirements in government schools, while also enacting policy reforms to revamp the state's education system. Reiterating his stance on improving quality, the chief minister announced that non-functional schools or those with zero attendance will be shut down. These will be replaced by an inter-village school model to optimise resources and outcomes. 'Over the years, in our pursuit of quantity, we compromised on quality. Under the Shikshit Arunachal Mission, we aim to elevate the standard of education to top-notch levels by 2029,' he asserted. PTI UPL UPL ACD This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
Time of India
30-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Khandu lays base of 750cr edu infra projects digitally
Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu on Friday digitally laid the foundation for various infrastructure development projects across the state worth Rs 750 crores under the education department to be executed by rural works department (RWD) in FY 2025-26. A major part of this effort involves the implementation of multiple education infrastructure projects, including upgrading 39 govt higher secondary schools under the SASCI scheme with a budget of Rs 300 crore, construction of 156 hostels and teachers' quarters in all districts under SASCI with Rs 322 crore, 14 large-capacity hostels (120 beds each) under the DAJGUA scheme costing Rs 71.40 crore, 60 bachelor barracks in rural schools with Rs 9 crore, infrastructure development of Arunachal University, Pasighat with Rs 30 crore and constructing 394 kitchen sheds cum stores for the PM Poshan scheme with Rs 23.64 crore, an official statement from the CMO said. "This is in line with our commitment to successfully implement the Shikshit Arunachal 2029 Mission adopted by our govt," Khandu said. Under this mission, he said, all infrastructural needs of govt schools will be fulfilled while also making policy decisions to rejuvenate the education system of the state. Khandu reiterated that schools not functioning or with zero attendance will be closed and the inter-village school model will be implemented. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Dermatologista recomenda: simples truque elimina o fungo facilmente Acabe com o Fungo Undo "Over the years with focus on quantity, we lost quality. Under this Mission Shikshit Arunachal, we intend to take the quality of our education to top-notch by 2029," he said. He expressed optimism that under education minister PD Sona, the mission will be achieved as stipulated. Congratulating the RWD and education department on the huge responsibility, he advised the officers and officials of RWD to maintain quality and the timeline for completion without fail. Deputy CM Chowna Mein, education minister PD Sona, advisor to education minister Mutchu Mithi and senior officials from the RWD and education depts were present on the occasion.
United News of India
30-05-2025
- Politics
- United News of India
Khandu lays base of Rs 750-Cr education infrastructure projects across Arunachal
Itanagar, May 30 (UNI) In a significant move towards transforming the educational landscape of Arunachal Pradesh, Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Friday digitally laid the foundation stones for a series of infrastructure development projects worth Rs 750 crore under the Education Department. These projects will be executed by the Rural Works Department (RWD) during the financial year 2025–26. The projects include: Upgradation of 39 Government Higher Secondary Schools under the SASCI (Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment) scheme with an outlay of Rs 300 crore; Construction of 156 hostels and teachers' quarters across all districts under SASCI, costing Rs 322 crore; C/o 14 large-capacity hostels (120 beds each) under the DAJGUA (Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan) scheme at Rs 71.40 crore; 60 bachelor barracks in rural schools for Rs 9 crore; infrastructure development of Arunachal University, Pasighat with Rs 30 crore; and C/o 394 kitchen sheds-cum-stores under PM Poshan scheme with Rs 23.64 crore 'This (initiative) is in line with our commitment to successfully implement the Shikshit Arunachal 2029 Mission adopted by our government,' Khandu said. Under this Mission, he said, all infrastructural needs of government schools will be fulfilled while also making policy decisions to rejuvenate the education system of the state. Khandu reiterated that schools not functioning or with zero attendance will be closed, and the Inter-Village (IV) school model will be implemented to optimize resources and improve outcomes. 'Over the years, our focus on quantity diluted quality. With Mission Shikshit Arunachal, we aim to elevate the standard of education in the state to top-notch levels by 2029,' he revealed. Expressing confidence in Education Minister Pasang Dorjee Sona's leadership, Khandu said he is optimistic about achieving the Mission's targets on time. Congratulating the Education and Rural Works departments for undertaking this critical responsibility, he advised all officials of RWD to ensure quality and adhere strictly to project timelines. The event was also attended by Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, Education Minister PD Sona, Advisor to the Education Minister Mutchu Mithi, and senior officials from both RWD and the Education Department. UNI TD GNK
The Hindu
06-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
In M.P.'s Duglai, a remote hamlet, unprecedented civic push follows a horrific crime
It's early morning in Duglai, a village in Madhya Pradesh's Balaghat district, and around a dozen residents are huddled around two electricians busy installing power meters outside the house of a resident, Shyamlal Tekam. Above them, a third electrician is replacing power cables damaged several decades ago with new lines. Also read: Number of Left Wing Extremism districts reduced to 6 from 12: Amit Shah Duglai is located deep inside the forests of Balaghat, which was last month removed from the Union Home Ministry's list of the districts 'most-affected' by left-wing extremism and notified as a 'district of concern', suggesting that Maoist influence in the area is on the wane. Till 10 days ago, the village was isolated from the rest of the country. Except for a few weeks nearly 12 years ago, when electricity poles and cables were laid for the first time, it has never had electricity. 'The cables got damaged within a few weeks and were never replaced,' says Mr. Tekam. It has also never been connected with the State road network. But the 130-odd Gondi-speaking residents here, most of whom live in mud houses with thatched roofs, have seen a flurry of activity over the past few days, with senior the district officials, police officers, and political leaders making frequent visits and supervising the large-scale civic infrastructure overhaul, which includes a plan to lay a road connecting Duglai with a link road built just six months ago. While the administration says that the works are part of the Centre's Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DAJGUA) and the Road Connectivity Project for Left Wing Extremism Affected Areas (RCPLWEA) schemes, many Duglai residents claim that the civic revamp started only after an outcry following the gang-rape of four village residents — three minors and a woman — last month. The assault The incident happened around 1.30 a.m. on the intervening night of April 23 and 24, when four minor girls and a woman, accompanied by their uncle, were returning from a wedding in the neighbouring Thakurtola village located two kilometres away. The group was accosted by seven men who had chased them on motorcycles from the venue of the event. As per the police, the accused beat Mr. Chamru, gang-raped the four victims, and fled. The six Duglai residents returned to the village around 4 a.m. and shared their ordeal with others. On the morning of April 24, the victims' parents, along with residents of Thakurtola, approached the family members of the accused in Bhagatpur, 3.5 kilometres away, but were allegedly turned away. Bhagatpur has electricity, roads, concrete houses, cattle, tractors and other farm machines. 'They first refused to believe that their sons had done this and later offered us money to settle the matter amongst ourselves,' said the father of one of the victims. Balaghat Superintendent of Police (SP) Nagendra Singh told The Hindu that while some area residents were pushing for a 'settlement', the victims stood their ground. 'The village has been under the influence of Maoists for a long time, during which people here have been taught to avoid the police and the administration. Now, a police team is visiting the victims every day. The victims have begun sharing their ordeal with us, helping the case move forward,' he says. 'Won't back down' On April 25, the victims, their parents and members of a few tribal outfits reached the Godri police checkpost and an FIR was filed under charges of gang rape, assault, and provisions of the POCSO Act. By evening, the police arrested the accused, identified as Lokesh Matre, 22, Inglesh Matre, 19 (brothers), Ajayendra, 27, Maniram Bahe, 21 (brothers), Raju Bagdate, 21, Rajendra Sabre, 24, and Lal Chand Khare, 34. While the accused are currently in judicial custody, the survivors are staying at a State-run shelter home for children in Balaghat town. Reena*, who, along with other rape survivors, are given police protection to visit their families, said the pressure from the accuseds' families to reach to an agreement did not deter her from pursuing the case. 'Before leaving us in the jungle, they threatened us, saying we won't be able to do anything. So we should not tell anyone about the crime. But I told the police everything,' she said. Sorting tendu leaves from the forest, which is the main occupation of the residents here, Shyamlal*, the father of one of the rape survivors, however, is troubled by the frequent visits by officials from the district administration and police department. 'Nobody ever came here earlier. Now, so many people are coming and asking so many questions,' he said. At the house of Lokesh Matre, his wife, 24, who is seven months pregnant, said, 'My husband didn't tell me anything. We only found out when the police came and took all of them. I haven't seen him ever since.' 'My father-in-law is ill. I will need to visit the hospital often now. Who will take me?' she added, terming the case 'fake'. Meanwhile, Kankar Munjare, a former MP and a prominent political figure in the area, dubbed the 'hurried' development works in Duglai an 'insult' to the survivors and their families. 'Does someone have to get raped or killed to get basic civic services? This is not a form of compensation but an insult to their suffering,' he said. Balaghat Collector Mrunal Meena said there was no connection between the crime and the civic services push in the area. 'We had identified 200 priority villages for electrification under the DAJGUA scheme, and the work is under way in many other villages as well. Duglai is among the villages most affected by Maoism. But we are working to connect these places with the mainstream,' he said. * names changed to protect identity
