CPI-M seeks Centre's intervention on tribal rights in Andhra

The CPI(M) today charged the Andhra Pradesh government with taking a series of "illegal" actions which, it said, were adversely affecting tribal rights over forest land and sought the Centre's intervention for proper implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA).
Senior party leader Brinda Karat met Tribal Affairs Minister Kishore Chandra Deo here and drew his attention towards the "illegal actions of the Andhra Pradesh government and the Forest Department which were in violation of the FRA".
In a memorandum to Deo, Karat said the state government had "refused to recognise the occupation of tribals of forest land prior to 2005 and give them pattas as mandated by FRA".

In most cases where pattas have been given, "only a fraction of the actual extent of land is possession or occupation of the tribals has been recognised" and the rest "grabbed" by the Forest Department, the memorandum said.
It also pointed out that 'podu' cultivation (shifting or jhoom cultivation), recognised under FRA, has been termed illegal and hefty fines impose, thus "criminalising tribal livelihood".
Karat sought the urgent intervention by the minister for restoration of tribal rights.