New threat to tribal farmers? Notification allows Maharashtra govt to take away tribal land without gram sabha nod

A new danger awaits the rural areas under the influence of the proposed Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC). If a recent Maharashtra government notification, a copy which is with Counterview, is any indication, it empowers the state government to acquire tribal land for industrial development without seeking any gram sabha nod.

Apprehensions have gone strong, similar notifications may be issued by Gujarat and Rajasthan governments, undermining tribals’ forest rights under existing laws, including the Forest Rights Act, 2006, and the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996, which make consultation with tribal gram sabhas mandatory.

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Courtesy: Counterview