PM writes to CMs for speedy implementation of Recognition of Forest Rights Act
Saturday 12 January 2008

New Delhi, Jan 11 (ANI): Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh has written to the Chief Ministers of all the states seeking their cooperation and commitment to ensure effective implementation of the Scheduled Tribes and Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006.

The act requires State governments to constitute committees that will process the cases and ensure distribution of land rights.

Dr. Singh has urged the state governments to set up, at the earliest, the State and District Level Monitoring Committees and the local - below district level committees so that the work can be commenced promptly.

Dr. Singh also stressed on the need to ensure wide publicity of the provisions of the act at the local level.

He pointed out that while implementing the act it should be ensured that adequate protection is provided to critical wildlife habitats as provided for in the act. (ANI)
--MP