Srinagar, Aug 2: In a major step towards safeguarding the rights of tribal communities and traditional forest dwellers, the Jammu and Kashmir Government has directed all Deputy Commissioners to complete the verification and settlement of all pending and fresh claims under the Forest Rights Act (FRA) in a time-bound manner, while making it clear that no eligible claimant shall be evicted from forest land under occupation until the statutory recognition and verification process is completed.
Addressing a press conference, the Minister said the decision reflects the commitment of the Omar Abdullah-led Government to protect the lawful rights, dignity and livelihoods of Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers.
Describing the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, as a landmark social justice legislation, he said the law aims to recognize the legitimate rights of forest-dependent communities. Although the Act became applicable to Jammu and Kashmir after 2019, many eligible families have remained deprived of its benefits due to delays in implementation.
To address these gaps, the Tribal Affairs Department, designated as the nodal agency for implementing the Act, has strengthened the institutional framework by establishing a dedicated Project Management Unit and district-level Forest Rights Act (FRA) cells. These units will assist district administrations in processing claims and help applicants, particularly those living in remote areas, navigate the legal procedures.
The Minister said Deputy Commissioners have been instructed to ensure that every claim is received, verified and decided strictly in accordance with the provisions of the Act.
Under the FRA, claims are first examined by the Gram Sabha or, in municipal areas, by the Ward Committee or an assembly of adult residents. The claims are then scrutinized by the Sub-Divisional Level Committee before final approval by the District Level Committee. The law also guarantees every claimant an opportunity to be heard before any decision is taken.
"Claims must neither be rejected mechanically nor kept pending indefinitely," the Minister said, adding that district administrations will certify completion of the prescribed three-tier verification process wherever it has already been concluded.
The Government has also clarified that the Act applies equally to eligible forest-dwelling families residing in municipal and urban areas. Traditional villages and tribal habitations that have subsequently come within the limits of municipal bodies will continue to enjoy the same legal protections and rights under the Act.
The Minister emphasized that the most significant aspect of the government's directive is protection against eviction before the completion of the recognition process.
"No member of a Scheduled Tribe or other traditional forest dweller can be evicted from forest land under occupation until the recognition and verification of rights is completed," he said.
However, he clarified that this protection does not amount to automatic regularisation of every claim. Each application will be examined on its individual merits, eligibility and supporting evidence, while fresh encroachments on forest land will not be tolerated.
"The Government will protect genuine traditional rights while taking strict action against new and illegal encroachments," he said.
The Minister also stressed the need for close coordination among the Tribal Affairs, Forest and Revenue Departments, district administrations and local bodies to ensure a transparent and citizen-friendly implementation process.
Appealing to eligible families to cooperate with the authorities by submitting necessary information and evidence, he reiterated that the Government is committed to ensuring fair, transparent and time-bound implementation of the Forest Rights Act across Jammu and Kashmir.
He reaffirmed that every genuine claimant will receive a fair hearing and that no eligible forest-dwelling family will face eviction before the due legal process under the Act is completed.