Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav chaired a meeting of the executive committee of the task force for the effective implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA) and the PESA Act at the CM’s residence, Samatva Bhawan, in Bhopal on Saturday.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister issued directives to ensure the schemes were implemented efficiently.
In a post on X, the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) stated: “Today, CM Yadav held a meeting with the executive committee of the task force constituted for the effective implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA) and the PESA Act in the state at the CM’s residence, Samatva Bhawan. During the meeting, the Chief Minister gave necessary instructions for the effective implementation of the schemes.”
According to an official release, the Chief Minister said during the meeting: “All claims presented under the PESA Act must be resolved on a priority basis with a set time limit. This will be reviewed in the upcoming Collector-Commissioner Conference.”
He also agreed to establish a PESA cell within the Tribal Affairs Department to strengthen the implementation of the PESA Act.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, he added: “The Dharti Aaba-Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DAJGUA) scheme must ensure 100 per cent saturation of all eligible beneficiaries in various welfare schemes.”
Discussing the state’s position as a major producer of tendu leaves, Yadav remarked: “Tendu leaves are currently utilised commercially in other states. A strategy should be developed to promote tendu leaf collection and related businesses within Madhya Pradesh to benefit the tribal communities.”
The Chief Minister further instructed officials to expedite the provision of Record of Rights to villagers under the government’s initiative to convert forest villages into revenue villages. “Out of 925 forest villages in the state, 827 are to be converted into revenue villages. So far, 792 have been converted, and gazette notifications for 790 have been issued,” he noted.
Yadav emphasised the need to prioritise the improvement of living standards for tribal communities and the conservation of forest areas. He said: “Local residents must be actively involved in the conservation and management of community forest resources. Social organisations should also be engaged to expand these activities.”
He also directed officers from the Forest, Revenue, and Tribal Affairs Departments to collaborate effectively at the district level. Various aspects of the Madhya Pradesh Forest Rights Act and its implementation were discussed in detail during the meeting, the release added.
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