Khatana raises concern over slowdown in Forest Rights Act implementation in J&K

Srinagar, Dec 11: While raising a supplementary question to Union Ministers in the Rajya Sabha, Rajya Sabha MP Er Ghulam Ali Khatana expressed serious concern over the slowdown in the implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA) 2006 in J&K, said a press release.

He stated that after the abrogation of Article 370, FRA implementation had gained remarkable momentum, delivering long-awaited justice to tribal communities. However, over the past one year, this progress has slowed significantly, affecting tribal communities, forest dwellers, and nomadic groups dependent on forest land. Khatana further stressed that the CM Omar Abdullah–led National Conference government had earlier resisted and delayed FRA implementation, depriving forest-dependent communities of their rightful protections for decades.

Khatana emphasised that the rights of tribal communities must remain a national priority and cannot be compromised under any circumstances. He noted that while the FRA had shown strong progress post-2019, recent administrative delays have hindered both individual and community claims.

He praised the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, stating that it was under their administration that FRA was formally extended to J&K, enabling thousands of forest rights titles to be recognized and strengthening tribal welfare across the Union Territory.

Khatana urged the concerned ministries and the J&K administration to revitalize and fast-track FRA implementation, ensure transparency in title processing, and enhance district-level monitoring. He also called for proactive outreach to ensure every genuine beneficiary—especially tribal communities—receives their due rights without delay.

During the discussion, Union Cabinet Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change, . Bhupender Yadav, assured that all possible steps will be taken to accelerate the implementation of FRA in Jammu & Kashmir. Khatana thanked the Minister for his assurance and proactive commitment toward protecting tribal rights.

Reiterating his commitment, Khatana stated that safeguarding tribal rights is essential for social justice, inclusive development, and preserving the cultural identity of Jammu & Kashmir’s forest-dependent populations.