The Ministry of Tribal Affairs provided a response in Lok Sabha regarding eviction concerns of tribal communities, specifically addressing representations from Van Gujjar communities in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. These representations concerned issues related to rights under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 (FRA).
Since implementation of the FRA lies with State Governments and UT Administrations, the Ministry forwarded these representations to the respective state governments and concerned district administrations for examination and necessary action in accordance with FRA provisions and other applicable laws. The Ministry has been exhorting all State Governments/UT Administrations to abide by FRA provisions and holds regular review meetings to assess progress of FRA implementation.
The Ministry also forwards grievances and representations regarding FRA violations to concerned States/UTs to ensure legitimate claimants are not denied their forest rights. States/UTs have been advised to undertake periodic training of Sub-Divisional Level Committee (SDLC) and District Level Committee (DLC) members and ensure adherence to due process under FRA. All training modules and pamphlets are regularly shared with States/UTs, with capacity building and training measures being undertaken by State Governments/UT Administrations.