BUDGAM, October 22: The Ministry of Tribal Affairs on Thursday held an interaction programme with Scheduled Tribe (ST) beneficiaries and Forest Rights Act (FRA) title holders in Khansahib subdivision of Budgam district to explain the process of claiming forest rights and raise awareness about welfare schemes for tribal communities.
Shambhu Nath Pal, Under Secretary in the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, attended the programme and discussed provisions of the Act, with a focus on Individual Forest Rights (IFR) and Community Forest Rights (CFR). He explained the claim-filing procedure, documentation requirements and process for securing eligible rights.
Pal also stressed the need for awareness, proper guidance and coordination among departments to help eligible beneficiaries access their entitlements under the Act.
Dr Basharat Hussain, Secretary of the Tribal Affairs Advisory Board, highlighted the role of the FRA in safeguarding the rights and interests of tribal communities and called for greater awareness among eligible beneficiaries.
Earlier, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Khansahib Jahangir Ahmad Giri briefed the visiting officer on the demographic profile and socio-economic conditions of the tribal population, along with government welfare schemes and development initiatives being implemented in the subdivision.
FRA beneficiaries shared their experiences and spoke about the benefits they had received after obtaining forest rights. They also highlighted the importance of such interactions in addressing grassroots concerns and improving communication between the administration and local communities.
The programme also featured an exhibition of locally cultivated products and other items made by members of the ST community, showcasing their traditional skills and livelihood activities.