The Deputy Commissioner (DC) Budgam, Shahbaz Ahmad Mirza today convened a meeting here to discuss the modalities and preparedness about implementation of Forest Rights Act (FRA).
Speaking on the occasion the DC said that all preparations have been proactively made to facilitate smooth and hassle free implementation of FRA in the district. He said, in this connection Panchayat forest committees are being constituted duly represented by the members from Department of Forest, Revenue and Rural Development besides members having status of Sarpanch or above. The DC directed the concerned authorities that committees should be framed and constituted before 11th of January, so that the implementation process of the Forest Rights Act will commence from the given date. Earlier elaborating on clause, objective and implementation status of Forest Rights Act through power point presentation, the Division Forest Officer (DFO) Pir Panjal Division Budgam, M Ashraf Kathoo said that for the implementation of Forest Rights Act, committees are being constituted through Gram Sabha level in all concerned areas.
He said the committee will be imparted requisite training by concerned BDOs and Master trainers so that they shall fully go through about the means and objectives of the policy. The DFO said that after rollout process, the job of the committee framed shall be to call for claims and authorize the FRC to accept the claims as per the formats provided and such claims shall be made within a period of 3 months from the date of such calling of claims with at least 2 evidences. He said any claim put forth will be verified on spot in the field after due scrutiny if found acceptable will be accordingly recommended for onward course of action under the Act.
The meeting among others was also attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner Budgam, Dr. Nasir Ahmad, SDHs of Khansahab, Beerwah and Chadoora, ACD, ACR Budgam, all Tehsildars, all BDOs and concerned officers and officials of the forest and other departments.
