**Bhubaneswar: ** Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram has urged Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to do away with existing discrepancies in procurement of Kendu leaves in the State in order to facilitate the sale of the produce and provide relief to villagers depending on it.
In his letter to the Odisha Chief Minister, the Union Tribal Affairs Minister highlights the plight of villagers/Kendu leaf gatherers of Golamunda block in Kalahandi district.
“I am made to understand that there is a conflict between the provisions of Forest Rights Act’ 2006 and Odisha Kendu Leaves (Control of Trade) Act’ 1961. Since Government of Odisha has not taken any steps to amend the provisions of Odisha Kendu Leaves (Control of Trade) Act’ 1961 in line with those of FRA’2006, these poor villagers are deprived of their rights thereby losing livelihood and facing unspeakable difficulties,” the Union Minister mentions.
He also further mentions, “Owing to the apathy as well as lackadaisical attitude of the State Government towards the whole issue, poor people are suffering badly and running from pillar to post to address their grievances I am told that State Government has issued an office order only in respect of Nabarangpur district for sale of Kendu leaves through Gram Sabha. By doing so, all other districts have been deprived of this facility.”
“This shows lack of seriousness on part of State Administration towards the rights of Tribals,” the Union Tribal Affairs Minister mentions in his letter written to the Odisha Chief Minister, citing, “The State Government instead of implementing the Provisions of Forest Rights Act (FRA)’ 2006 in letter and spirit, has approached my Ministry to amend the existing provisions so as to benefit the forest dwellers. I am to remind you that the implementation of FRA is the sole responsibility of State Government. Even after distribution of titles/pattas, lower level officials are not allowing the title holders to take possession of the land.”
Till the filing of the story, no reaction from the Chief Minister Office (CMO) was available over the Union Tribal Affairs Minister’s letter.
