It is important for officials and citizens to understand forest rights: Negi

Himachal Pradesh: Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi today chaired a workshop on the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006, at Chaupal in Shimla district. He stated that awareness about the Forest Rights Act is equally important for officials as well as the general public. The workshop aimed to simplify the complexities of the Act and ensure that eligible beneficiaries receive its benefits in a timely and transparent manner. During the meeting, the Minister discussed in detail the objectives of the Forest Rights Act as well as the circumstances surrounding its implementation. He stated that beneficiaries, primarily in rural areas, are often deprived of their rights due to lack of awareness and procedural hurdles. He said, “Therefore, it is essential that both officials and citizens fully understand the Act.”
Panchayat representatives at the Chaupal raised issues such as difficulties in documentation, problems in demarcation, obstacles at the Patwari level, and delays in administrative processes. The Minister urged active participation from all stakeholders so that eligible people can reap maximum benefits. Negi also highlighted the damage caused by natural disasters during the monsoon season, stating that, like last year, torrential rains have caused significant loss of life and property in the state. The state expects full support from the central government to compensate for these losses. He stated that the state government has made a historic increase in the disaster relief program, which is benefiting the affected families. He added that the state government has launched the Universal Carton Scheme to ensure fair prices for orchardists. He added, “In addition, the price of apples purchased through APMCs has been increased by Rs. 2 per kg. So far this season, 70,000 metric tons of apples have been procured, and under the Market Intervention Scheme, a lump sum payment of approximately Rs. 154 crore has been made to orchardists.”