Orissa to Ensure Tribals’ Right over Land

In view of tribal in some states, Orissa government has decided to strictly put in force land reform act and laws pertaining to scheduled area, said official sources.

The government’s decision came in the wake of violence at Narayanpatna in Koraput district.

Taking note that Maoists rebels are cashing in on tribal unrest, Chief Minister Navin Patnaik asked the official to make sure that not an inch of tribal land remain in possession of non-tribals.

Tribals across the state, mostly in schedule areas, had been agitating for a long time alleging that their lands were fraudulently taken away by non-tribals while the law prohibited transfer of tribal land to non-tribals in scheduled areas.

In the meantime, the tribals had staged rallies and agitation in Koraput, Bolangir and Rayagada insisting that their land allegedly in illegal possession of non-tribals should be returned.

“The government has decided to provide legal assistance to tribals who are unable to file cases against alleged land encroacher’s,” said Revenue minister S N Patro after a high level meeting chaired by Patnaik.

He said that the government would launch an awareness drive to sensitise tribals regarding their land rights and that all vacant posts in tehsil and revenue inspector’s office would be filled on priority.

The government would also launch an awareness drive to sensitise tribals regarding their land rights, Patro said, adding that all vacant posts in tehsil and revenue inspector’s office would be filled on priority.

This apart, the sub-collectors in tribal dominated districts would hear land related cases as the Orissa Administrative Service (OAS) officers would be appointed as Officer on Special Duty (OSD).

The government had also decided to remove hurdles in providing land rights to forest dwellers by making amendments in Orissa Scheduled Tribe and Traditional Dwellers Act, 2006.

“About 20,000 tribals would be benefited from the modified Act,” Patro said, adding that chief minister would regularly monitor implementation of decisions.