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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Liebe Mitglieder und FreundInnen des
ATP,</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>beiliegend erhaltet ihr einen Artikel einer
indischen Zeitung über die Situation der Adivasi, den ich so informativ finde,
dass ich ihn euch nicht vorenthalten möchte. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Liebe Grüße, Petra Bursee</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Adivasi-Tee-Projekt (ATP)</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<P></P><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT>
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<H1 align=center><FONT color=#000000><FONT face="Comic Sans MS"
size=7> </FONT><IMG height=46 src="file:///sickle_s.gif" width=56
border=0> <FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=7>People's
Democracy</FONT></FONT></H1><FONT face="Brush Script MT" color=#ff0000
size=+2></FONT>
<P align=center><FONT face="Book Antiqua" color=#ff0000
size=3>(<STRONG>Weekly Organ of the Communist Party of India
(Marxist)</STRONG></FONT> </P>
<HR>
</TD>
<TD width=134 height=74><STRONG><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" color=#ff0000
size=2>Vol. XXIX</FONT></STRONG>
<P><STRONG><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" color=#ff0000 size=2>No.
45</FONT></STRONG></P>
<P><STRONG><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" color=#ff0000 size=2>November 06,
2005</FONT></STRONG></P></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt"
align=center><B><SPAN lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">Towards An All India Tribal
Demands Day, November 18</SPAN></B></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt"
align=center> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt"
align=right><B><SPAN lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">Kumar
Shiralkar</SPAN></B></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt"
align=right><B><SPAN lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN></B> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">THE CPI(M) has
given a call to observe November 18 as an All India Demands Day to press the UPA
government to place the Scheduled Tribes (Recognition of Forest Rights) Bill
2005 in the coming winter session of parliament with appropriate amendments,
undoing the "historical injustice" faced by crores of tribals in India since the
colonial period. </SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">The CPI(M) and
the Left have been demanding that the Scheduled Tribes (Recognition of Forest
Rights) Bill 2005 be placed in the parliament without any delay. The Common
Minimum Programme of the UPA government states, "UPA government will immediately
review the overall strategy and programmes for the development of tribal areas
to plug loopholes and to work out more viable livelihood strategies." Prime
minister Mr Manmohan Singh promised to implement this pledge in his Independence
Day speach. But the bill was not placed in parliament during monsoon season, due
to pressure from anti-tribal conservationist lobby of the forest landlords.
Recently, when the PM called a meeting to discuss the bill, the ministry of
environment and forests (MoEF) came with a new draft which dilutes the
provisions made for tribals’ rights. We have to resist such dangerous moves and
press for presentation of the bill, incorporating appropriate amendments
suggested by the CPI(M) and the Left. </SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt"
align=left><B><SPAN lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN></B> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt"
align=left><B><SPAN lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">THE STATE OF TRIBAL
PEOPLE</SPAN></B></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt"
align=left><B><SPAN lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN></B> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">There are 26
states with 187 tribal districts in which 8.5 crore tribals (8.20 per cent of
the country's total population), consisting of approximately about 1.6 crore
tribal families, are residing. The male and female ST populations are 4.31 crore
and 4.19 crore respectively. At present only 9 states, namely Andhra Pradesh,
Jharkhand, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh,
Orissa and Rajasthan, have scheduled areas notified. Out of 8.5 crore tribals, 5
crore are staying in these scheduled areas in 9 states.</SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">The NSS
estimates show 47 per cent make a living from wage employment as rural labour.
Of the 46 per cent rural tribal households who earn a major share of their
livelihood >from self-employment, 44 per cent derive their livelihood from
farming and hardly 2 per cent have access to non-agricultural self-employment.
Other occupations like hunting and food gathering are insignificant. Tribals’
lands are generally slopy, at places rocky, with a thin soil cover and without
irrigation facilities. Often it is less fertile. Most of the tribal groups
occupy hilly and plateau tracts where soils are usually of poor quality and
run-off rate rainfall is usually high. A large majority of them cannot afford
modern inputs and technology. These factors converge to low productivity in
tribal areas.</SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">This picture
indicates the prime importance of land for tribals --- directly as cultivators
and indirectly as agricultural labourers. Land is their mainstay. </SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">To meet the
demand for land to tribals, the central question is of an effective
implementation of land reforms and of ensuring distribution of surplus land
among the landless adivasi families. About 5 lakh tribal families have benefited
by the surplus land distribution under the Left Front government of West Bengal.
In Tripura, almost all the alienated land has been restored to tribals under the
Left Front government. In addition, more tribal families have benefited due to
land reform measures. </SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">One may look at
the following data, as on March 31, 2002, given by the directorate of land
reforms, ministry of rural development:</SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">Area distributed
to total beneficiaries: 53.90 lakh acres.</SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">Area allotted to
ST beneficiaries: 7.79 lakh acres.</SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">Total number of
beneficiaries: 56.47 lakhs.</SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">Number of ST
beneficiaries: 8.30 lakhs.</SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt"
align=left><B><SPAN lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">NEW POLICY FOSTERS LAND
ALIENATION</SPAN></B></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">The fifth and
sixth schedules of the constitution prohibit the transfer of land from tribal to
non-tribal people in order to prevent the alienation of tribal lands. The
Supreme Court has also prevented such transfers. But large-scale transfer of
tribal land is going on. This alienation of tribal land has taken a long sweep
since the liberalisation policies were adopted by the successive governments.
The moves to amend the fifth schedule and structure forest management projects
in order to include the interests of large private firms like the Indian Tobacco
Company in Andhra Pradesh brings this issue to the top of the agenda. The
Jindals procured tribal land trough <I>benami</I> transactions in Chhattisgadh
for their steel plant. The Sahara Housing Limited grabbed 3760 acres, in Rune in
Maharashtra for a tourism project, part of which is the forestland belonging to
tribals.</SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">Notwithstanding
the laws for restoration of alienated lands to tribals for decades, the poor
implementation of these laws, legal loopholes and the corrupt nexus of rural
rich and bureaucrats have deprived the adivasis from proper restoration, and
illegal transfer of their land continues. The number of cases of alienated
tribal land in Indian courts is 3,75,164, covering about 8,55,282 acres. Of
these, the cases disposed are 3,17,643; those decided in favour of tribals are
1,62,650 and those in which land was restored to tribals are 1,58,297, covering
4,33,133 acres. The cases pending in courts are 57,521 covering 1,43,961 acres.
It shows that courts disposed half the cases in favour of non-tribal,
influential rural rich, depriving 1,54,993 tribal families. These non-tribal
moneylenders still possess 5,07,454 acres of the grabbed land. </SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">The
"Declaration" of the CPI(M)’s All India Tribal Convention at Ranchi says,
"Adivasis have a traditional and organic link with the forest and its produce.
The Forest Act and its latest version, the Forest Conservation (Amendment) Act,
1988 treat the adivasis as encroachers and interlopers in the forest instead of
being the integral part of it. The disappearance of the forest and the
degeneration of the green cover are not due to tribals, but due to the corrupt
nexus of the contractors-mafias-forest officials-ruling class politicians and as
inexorable feature of capitalist development. </SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">"The deprivation
of access to the forest and its produce, the tyrannical rule of the forest
guards-bureaucratic nexus has deprived the tribals of their food, habitat,
traditional way of life with serious social and cultural
consequences."</SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt"
align=left><B><SPAN lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">ERRONEOUS
THINKING</SPAN></B></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">Tribals have
been living in forests since ages, both having a mutual symbiotic relationship.
Yet, an erroneous view prevails that such tribals must be regarded as
encroachers. All the Forest Acts and Wildlife Acts of 1927, 1972, 1980 etc
looked upon them as outside poachers and encroachers, and the threat of eviction
consistently looms large before them. Insecurity of tenure and fear of eviction
from these lands and forests makes them a vulnerable lot. </SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">Nevertheless,
state governments took steps after independence to make allotment of forestlands
to tribals in occupation for some generations. The process was continuing when
the Forest (Conservation) Act of October 1980 halted it abruptly. Entirely
laudatory in its objective to check further depletion of forest cover, the act
left in the lurch such tribal families whose occupation had not been
regularised. To it, "encroachers" mean people who were residing in designated
reserved forest and protected areas after 1980 and whose holdings were not
regularised till then. The uncertainty lasted for a decade, till the MoEF issued
comprehensive orders in 1990 to regularise the cases of eligible occupants,
settle disputed claims over forestland arising out of forest settlement, settle
disputes regarding pattas/leases/grants involving forestland, eliminate
intermediaries, ensure the payment of fair wages, and convert forest villages
into revenue villages, etc. </SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">In 1995, the
Supreme Court directed the state governments to decide the people’s claims in
the light of these government instructions. But before any significant action
could commence, there came a case related to encroachments on extensive
forestlands by avaricious planters for quick gains, and the Supreme Court passed
orders for clearing the forests forthwith of all encroachments. Unwittingly, the
axe fell on the simple, artless, voiceless and defenceless tribals, most of whom
have genuine claims. That uncertainty and suspense over the life and liberty of
millions of forest dwelling and forest-fringe citizens should continue for
decades, is clearly unacceptable in a democratic set-up.</SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">On May 2002, the
then NDA government issued an order directing the states to destroy the tribal
houses and crops on the so-called “encroachments” in forest areas, in compliance
with the Forest Conservation Act of 1980. The Left Front governments of West
Bengal and Tripura outright refused to follow this circular. But the bourgeois
landlord governments in other states launched a merciless assault on tribals,
destroying their houses and crops. Such tribals as were organised under the
CPI(M) and the Left fought and succeeded in saving their crops and houses. On
February 5, 2004, the government issued orders that recognised “rights of the
tribals till 31.12.1993." However, the SC order of February 23, 2004 stayed it.
Though the MoEF applied for vacation of this order in July 2004, the case is
still pending in the court.</SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt"
align=left><B><SPAN lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">INHUMAN & BAD
ECONOMICS</SPAN></B></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">It is estimated
that about 15 per cent of the tribals have been evicted from their land due to
industrial and developmental projects in the post-independence period, still
lacking proper rehabilitation, compensation and jobs. Various unscrupulous
methods were adopted to deprive them. Both foreign and Indian monopolies have
embarked on penetration in mineral rich tribal areas, following large-scale
privatisation and dismantling of public sector. Displacement of tribals is
taking place through police brutality and repression. These and non-adherence to
the Samta judgement for the fifth schedule areas are some of the features of
tribal exploitation due to liberalisation policies.</SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">In addition to
the loss of agricultural land and habitats, tribals have also been losing
forestland. According to one estimate, while 187 tribal districts in the country
span 33.6 per cent of the total geographical area of the country, the forest
cover therein constitutes 60 per cent of the country’s total forest. Thus tribal
areas provide the bulk of forest cover. There are uncultivable and degraded
cultivable lands elsewhere in non-tribal areas, which demand urgent forest
cover, both from the production and ecological angles. Pushing the tribals out
of forests for further forestry operations therein is not only inhuman but bad
economics.</SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">Compared to the
total forest area of 6.8 crore hectares, tribals and other poor occupy
approximately 2 per cent. Dereserving this area, dispersed in thousands of
forest blocks, is therefore no likely to have any adverse effect of the
environment. But it will have a salutary impact on the disturbed situation in
tribal areas, bringing in long awaited justice, peace and
satisfaction.</SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt"
align=left><B><SPAN lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">CPI(M)’S
STAND</SPAN></B></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">The CPI(M)
opposes the policy drive of imperialist globalisation and privatisation to hand
over large tracts of land to the multinationals. But the MoEF, which attacks and
evicts adivasis mercilessly, has regularised the illegal diversion of 1,224
hectares of forestland to 17 mining companies in Orissa during the last 5 years.
In contrast, in the entire state of Orissa, the total area “encroachment” by
poor tribals, regularised since October 1980, comes to a grand 29
hectares!</SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">Thus the
historic injustice continues. The only way to ensure justice to the tribals is
to pass the ST Bill 2005 immediately. While welcoming the introduction of the
bill we demand that the following amendments be incorporated in the proposed
bill.</SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">1) The cut-off
date of October 25, 1980 for recognising the rights of tribals dwelling in
forests is contradictory to the very objective and purpose mentioned in the
bill’s preamble. This injustice continued even after 1980. The date was not laid
down by any logical law but by the 1990 guidelines. Therefore, those tribal
families who are cultivating the forestland for their bonafide livelihood needs
must be vested with rights over their lands even though they might have occupied
the land after October 25, 1980. The cut-off date should be based only on the
main criterion of genuine livelihood needs of tribal family till the act comes
in force. If the 1980 deadline is not removed from the proposed bill, it will
pave the way for huge evictions of the tribal people. Rather than distinguishing
between pre-1980 and post-1980 "encroachments," the proposed bill must
distinguish between livelihood needs and encroachments for commercial purposes.
Each should have a different set of guidelines and the FCA 1980 amended
accordingly. Large non-tribal landholdings of <I>benami</I> encroachments should
be summarily evicted. The process by which the date is decided is important. In
any case the decision making has to be democratic, giving rights to the tribal
people in tune with the existing ground level factual data. The 2001 census can
be the cut-off date.</SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt"
align=left><B><SPAN lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">UNJUST
CEILING</SPAN></B></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">2) The
landholding limit of 2.5 hectares per family is unscientific, unjust and
discriminative. It does not take into account the any quality of land, the
rainfall, the crop pattern, the environmental conditions and the geological
situations. Why the tribals should have a ceiling limit of 2.5 hectares when the
limit for non-adivasis’ agricultural lands is more than this? Tribal families in
many areas are joint families and cultivate their lands jointly. Some of the
tribal families have more than 15 members. The provision of vesting rights of
forestland by giving joint <I>pattas</I> to the male and female members of a
family is a progressive step. But the same rights on minor forest produce should
also be included for women members also. The bill does not give the clear-cut
definition of nuclear family. This will create confusion. So this 2.5 hectare
ceiling limit must be removed and land should be regularised for every existing
real tribal family on “as is where is” basis. </SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">3) The bill
recognises Gram Sabha as one of the authorities for recognising and vesting of
such rights to tribals. The Draft Rules, Chapter IV, says that "Gram Sabha shall
be the village assembly - - - at the village level." But the tribal families
residing in interior hilly areas are living scattered and their Gram Panchayats
are also joint Gram Panchayats consisting of many villages, with <I>padas</I>
(hamlets) spread over large inaccessible areas. So <I>pada</I> (small
habitation) and not the village must be the unit of authority.</SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">4) The written
land records with the Forest Department are faulty, inaccurate and inadequate.
In many cases there is no written proof or evidence with tribal families. The
Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes Commission recommends: "To facilitate and
expedite the solution of the so-called encroachments, the procedure adopted by
the government of Maharashtra in the revenue and forest departments Decision No.
Sankirn 2002/372/J-1 dated 10 October 2002 - - - for regularisation of
"encroachments" on forest lands, are commended for adoption - - -." To verify
claims for regularisation of "encroachments" on forestlands, <I>the affidavit of
the claimant tribal family</I> should be taken as evidence and the ground level
factual data should be taken as final proof. Similarly, all settlements, whether
recorded or not, should be included under the bill’s scope if they are found
within a designated forest area till the date the proposed act comes into
effect.</SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">5) The lands
occupied by tribal families, or allotted by the forest department itself
previously but forcefully snatched again by the forest department or Forest
Development Corporation for plantations, should also be covered under this
bill.</SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt"
align=left><B><SPAN lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">COMMUNITY PROPERTY
RIGHTS</SPAN></B></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">6) A section
2(I) should be introduced to define "community property right" as forest areas
under the jurisdiction of Gram Panchayats or autonomous district councils under
the sixth schedule, or forestlands referred to as community forests in specific
states like Orissa, Himachal and others. It will also refer to "village forests"
under section 28 of the Indian Forest Act 1927, and "community reserves" defined
under section 36 C of Wildlife Protection Act, 2002.</SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">7) Section 15
should be amended to make clear that, once notified, this act shall prevail in
case it comes into conflict with other acts.</SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">8) “The forest
right of a person who has committed an offence shall be derecognised." This
penal provision of derecognition against holders of forest rights is quite harsh
and unjust. No act, including the Indian Penal Code, gives power to any
authority to derecognise the rights of any person committing an offence. Why,
then, must the tribals be punished by such action? So this provision must be
removed. There are many other provisions to punish a guilty person.</SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">9) A new section
should be introduced on the state’s responsibility towards forest dwellers, with
the following provisions. The central government shall be responsible for
protection of all forest rights vested in forest dwelling tribals from
<I>benami</I> transactions by corporate houses, big landholders and powerful
land grabbers within and outside the village. In order to meet the obligation
under 5 A(1) the centre must delegate powers to the state level monitoring
committees. All big developmental projects must have the prior consent of the
Gram Sabha before they are given approval of the central advisory committee. The
centre must have an obligation to ensure that all forest right holders have
access to basic amenities and inputs required for sustainable land and forest
use. It must be liable to pay adequate compensation and ensure a satisfactory
relocation package for those tribals and other poor people who are evicted once
the procedure of verification and settlement is over under Section 4(7) of this
act.</SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">10) The bill
must clarify the Gram Sabha’s powers. Forests are considered state property
under the IFA 1927. On what basis will a Gram Sabha get the authority to
administer such an area unless the act is amended? The PESA 1996 includes only
'minor forest produce' as a subject under the control of the Gram Sabha and not
"forest areas." The government needs also to decide how it will treat the sixth
schedule areas. A section needs to be introduced on the powers and authority
of district councils by reviewing the sixth schedule
provisions.</SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">11) The bill
vests in the tribal people the right to collect, utilise or transfer minor
forest produce. This means tribals can sell this produce for their bonafide
livelihood needs. The proposed legislation should contain some provision to
protect them tribal people from exploitation by vested interests like traders,
contractors, industrialists and land mafias.</SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">12) The proposed
bill covers only forest dwelling scheduled tribes, excluding those living
outside but intrinsically dependent on forests for their livelihood. As many as
a third of the scheduled tribes and landless labourers are dependent on forests
for subsistence; forests also provide them important supplementary occupations.
Thus the proposed act, as it stands today, will not only create new conflicts in
the process of settlement of rights but also pave the way for more <I>benami</I>
transactions between those who are eligible for rights and those who are not. To
avoid this, the bill needs some provision in this regard also. It is necessary
to cover traditional forest dwellers under the act but have strict separate
definitions so as to evict the real non-tribal encroachers who have illegally
occupied the tribal land for commercial purposes.</SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt"
align=left><B><SPAN lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">WHY </SPAN><SPAN
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">THE</SPAN><SPAN lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"> CPI(M) CAMPAIGN
</SPAN></B></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">The CMP of the
UPA government pledges to "provide for full equality of opportunity,
particularly in education and employment for scheduled castes and tribes.” The
commitment of the state to provide basic amenities to all tribal people needs to
be reiterated. The government cannot shirk its responsibly for the minimum tasks
in tribal areas and for making adequate fund allocations for education, health
facilities and civil amenities.</SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">The recent
judgement of the Ranchi High Court refusing to make any distinction between the
scheduled and non-scheduled Areas is very dangerous, anti-tribal and against the
constitution. The CPI(M) has filed an appeal against this judgement, in the
interests of all adivasis in 5th scheduled areas covering nine states.
</SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">The bourgeois
and semi-feudal values in society have led to a degradation of the status of the
women. Landlords, mafias, contractors and forest guards subject them to sexual
harassment at workplaces. The CPI(M) campaign proposes to take up these issues
too in order to fight against the exploitation of tribal women.</SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">The tribals are
faced with the threat of losing their identity as they are losing their
languages and culture. Successive central governments have ignored the tribal
languages. Bureaucratic controlled items of tribal culture are presented as folk
cultures. But we have to preserve and encourage the positive aspects of tribal
culture, particularly their collective and egalitarian ethos. However, there
must also be a fight from within the community against retrograde practices like
witch hunting, depriving women of land, polygamy etc.</SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">The imperialists
are taking advantage of the present situation to forge separatist and
ethnic-based conflicts. Only by strengthening the federal decentralised set-up
with genuine autonomy for minority groups can we fulfil the diverse aspirations
of the tribal mass regarding their identity, language and culture. </SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">The RSS and its
several outfits, who are endangering the unity and integrity of the country,
have stepped up their activities in tribal areas. They are trying to divide the
tribals between Christians and non-Christians, and to impose Brahminical caste
divided Hindutva on tribals. They do not recognise the tribals as adivasis. To
them they are 'Vanvasis' which confines the tribal people solely to the forests
and negates their history. The RSS and its saffron affiliates are thus against
the secular and democratic ethos of this country. </SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">We have to
preserve the unity of all tribals and forge unity among the tribal and
non-tribal toiling sections. Struggles against feudal and bourgeois economic
exploitation must be integrated with the struggles being waged by tribals and
other socially oppressed sections. Only this can build real unity of the people
and usher into a new era for the country’s unity and integrity.</SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN lang=EN-GB
style="FONT-SIZE: 10.5pt"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0pt; WORD-SPACING: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 100%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0pt; WORD-SPACING: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 100%"
align=left><FONT face="Book Antiqua" size=3><SPAN></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" align=center><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"> </SPAN><A href="http://pd.cpim.org"><IMG height=26
src="file:///gohome.gif" width=90 border=0> </A></P>
<P>
<HR>
<P></P>
<META content="Microsoft FrontPage 5.0" name=GENERATOR>
<META content=FrontPage.Editor.Document name=ProgId>
<TABLE borderColor=#ffffff height=100 cellSpacing=0 borderColorDark=#ffffff
cellPadding=3 width=768 bgColor=#ffffff borderColorLight=#ffffff border=0>
<TBODY>
<TR>
<TD align=middle width=618 height=74>
<H1 align=center><FONT color=#000000><FONT face="Comic Sans MS"
size=7> </FONT><IMG height=46 src="../../sickle_s.gif" width=56
border=0><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=7> People's
Democracy</FONT></FONT></H1><FONT face="Brush Script MT" color=#ff0000
size=+2>
<P align=center></FONT><FONT face="Book Antiqua" color=#ff0000
size=3>(<STRONG>Weekly Organ of the Communist Party of India
(Marxist)</STRONG></FONT>
<HR>
</TD>
<TD width=134 height=74><STRONG><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" color=#ff0000
size=2>Vol. XXIX</FONT></STRONG>
<P><STRONG><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" color=#ff0000 size=2>No.
45</FONT></STRONG></P>
<P><STRONG><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" color=#ff0000 size=2>November 06,
2005</FONT></STRONG></P></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"
align=center><B><SPAN lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">Towards An All India Tribal
Demands Day, November 18</SPAN></B></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"
align=center> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"
align=right><B><SPAN lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">Kumar
Shiralkar</SPAN></B></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"
align=right><B><SPAN lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN></B> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">THE CPI(M) has
given a call to observe November 18 as an All India Demands Day to press the UPA
government to place the Scheduled Tribes (Recognition of Forest Rights) Bill
2005 in the coming winter session of parliament with appropriate amendments,
undoing the "historical injustice" faced by crores of tribals in India since the
colonial period. </SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">The CPI(M) and
the Left have been demanding that the Scheduled Tribes (Recognition of Forest
Rights) Bill 2005 be placed in the parliament without any delay. The Common
Minimum Programme of the UPA government states, "UPA government will immediately
review the overall strategy and programmes for the development of tribal areas
to plug loopholes and to work out more viable livelihood strategies." Prime
minister Mr Manmohan Singh promised to implement this pledge in his Independence
Day speach. But the bill was not placed in parliament during monsoon season, due
to pressure from anti-tribal conservationist lobby of the forest landlords.
Recently, when the PM called a meeting to discuss the bill, the ministry of
environment and forests (MoEF) came with a new draft which dilutes the
provisions made for tribals’ rights. We have to resist such dangerous moves and
press for presentation of the bill, incorporating appropriate amendments
suggested by the CPI(M) and the Left. </SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"
align=left><B><SPAN lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN></B> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"
align=left><B><SPAN lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">THE STATE OF TRIBAL
PEOPLE</SPAN></B></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"
align=left><B><SPAN lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN></B> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">There are 26
states with 187 tribal districts in which 8.5 crore tribals (8.20 per cent of
the country's total population), consisting of approximately about 1.6 crore
tribal families, are residing. The male and female ST populations are 4.31 crore
and 4.19 crore respectively. At present only 9 states, namely Andhra Pradesh,
Jharkhand, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh,
Orissa and Rajasthan, have scheduled areas notified. Out of 8.5 crore tribals, 5
crore are staying in these scheduled areas in 9 states.</SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">The NSS
estimates show 47 per cent make a living from wage employment as rural labour.
Of the 46 per cent rural tribal households who earn a major share of their
livelihood from self-employment, 44 per cent derive their livelihood from
farming and hardly 2 per cent have access to non-agricultural self-employment.
Other occupations like hunting and food gathering are insignificant. Tribals’
lands are generally slopy, at places rocky, with a thin soil cover and without
irrigation facilities. Often it is less fertile. Most of the tribal groups
occupy hilly and plateau tracts where soils are usually of poor quality and
run-off rate rainfall is usually high. A large majority of them cannot afford
modern inputs and technology. These factors converge to low productivity in
tribal areas.</SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">This picture
indicates the prime importance of land for tribals --- directly as cultivators
and indirectly as agricultural labourers. Land is their mainstay. </SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">To meet the
demand for land to tribals, the central question is of an effective
implementation of land reforms and of ensuring distribution of surplus land
among the landless adivasi families. About 5 lakh tribal families have benefited
by the surplus land distribution under the Left Front government of West Bengal.
In Tripura, almost all the alienated land has been restored to tribals under the
Left Front government. In addition, more tribal families have benefited due to
land reform measures. </SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">One may look at
the following data, as on March 31, 2002, given by the directorate of land
reforms, ministry of rural development:</SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">Area distributed
to total beneficiaries: 53.90 lakh acres.</SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">Area allotted to
ST beneficiaries: 7.79 lakh acres.</SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">Total number of
beneficiaries: 56.47 lakhs.</SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">Number of ST
beneficiaries: 8.30 lakhs.</SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"
align=left><B><SPAN lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">NEW POLICY FOSTERS LAND
ALIENATION</SPAN></B></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">The fifth and
sixth schedules of the constitution prohibit the transfer of land from tribal to
non-tribal people in order to prevent the alienation of tribal lands. The
Supreme Court has also prevented such transfers. But large-scale transfer of
tribal land is going on. This alienation of tribal land has taken a long sweep
since the liberalisation policies were adopted by the successive governments.
The moves to amend the fifth schedule and structure forest management projects
in order to include the interests of large private firms like the Indian Tobacco
Company in Andhra Pradesh brings this issue to the top of the agenda. The
Jindals procured tribal land trough <I>benami</I> transactions in Chhattisgadh
for their steel plant. The Sahara Housing Limited grabbed 3760 acres, in Rune in
Maharashtra for a tourism project, part of which is the forestland belonging to
tribals.</SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">Notwithstanding
the laws for restoration of alienated lands to tribals for decades, the poor
implementation of these laws, legal loopholes and the corrupt nexus of rural
rich and bureaucrats have deprived the adivasis from proper restoration, and
illegal transfer of their land continues. The number of cases of alienated
tribal land in Indian courts is 3,75,164, covering about 8,55,282 acres. Of
these, the cases disposed are 3,17,643; those decided in favour of tribals are
1,62,650 and those in which land was restored to tribals are 1,58,297, covering
4,33,133 acres. The cases pending in courts are 57,521 covering 1,43,961 acres.
It shows that courts disposed half the cases in favour of non-tribal,
influential rural rich, depriving 1,54,993 tribal families. These non-tribal
moneylenders still possess 5,07,454 acres of the grabbed land. </SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">The
"Declaration" of the CPI(M)’s All India Tribal Convention at Ranchi says,
"Adivasis have a traditional and organic link with the forest and its produce.
The Forest Act and its latest version, the Forest Conservation (Amendment) Act,
1988 treat the adivasis as encroachers and interlopers in the forest instead of
being the integral part of it. The disappearance of the forest and the
degeneration of the green cover are not due to tribals, but due to the corrupt
nexus of the contractors-mafias-forest officials-ruling class politicians and as
inexorable feature of capitalist development. </SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">"The deprivation
of access to the forest and its produce, the tyrannical rule of the forest
guards-bureaucratic nexus has deprived the tribals of their food, habitat,
traditional way of life with serious social and cultural
consequences."</SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"
align=left><B><SPAN lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">ERRONEOUS
THINKING</SPAN></B></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">Tribals have
been living in forests since ages, both having a mutual symbiotic relationship.
Yet, an erroneous view prevails that such tribals must be regarded as
encroachers. All the Forest Acts and Wildlife Acts of 1927, 1972, 1980 etc
looked upon them as outside poachers and encroachers, and the threat of eviction
consistently looms large before them. Insecurity of tenure and fear of eviction
>from these lands and forests makes them a vulnerable lot. </SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">Nevertheless,
state governments took steps after independence to make allotment of forestlands
to tribals in occupation for some generations. The process was continuing when
the Forest (Conservation) Act of October 1980 halted it abruptly. Entirely
laudatory in its objective to check further depletion of forest cover, the act
left in the lurch such tribal families whose occupation had not been
regularised. To it, "encroachers" mean people who were residing in designated
reserved forest and protected areas after 1980 and whose holdings were not
regularised till then. The uncertainty lasted for a decade, till the MoEF issued
comprehensive orders in 1990 to regularise the cases of eligible occupants,
settle disputed claims over forestland arising out of forest settlement, settle
disputes regarding pattas/leases/grants involving forestland, eliminate
intermediaries, ensure the payment of fair wages, and convert forest villages
into revenue villages, etc. </SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">In 1995, the
Supreme Court directed the state governments to decide the people’s claims in
the light of these government instructions. But before any significant action
could commence, there came a case related to encroachments on extensive
forestlands by avaricious planters for quick gains, and the Supreme Court passed
orders for clearing the forests forthwith of all encroachments. Unwittingly, the
axe fell on the simple, artless, voiceless and defenceless tribals, most of whom
have genuine claims. That uncertainty and suspense over the life and liberty of
millions of forest dwelling and forest-fringe citizens should continue for
decades, is clearly unacceptable in a democratic set-up.</SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">On May 2002, the
then NDA government issued an order directing the states to destroy the tribal
houses and crops on the so-called “encroachments” in forest areas, in compliance
with the Forest Conservation Act of 1980. The Left Front governments of West
Bengal and Tripura outright refused to follow this circular. But the bourgeois
landlord governments in other states launched a merciless assault on tribals,
destroying their houses and crops. Such tribals as were organised under the
CPI(M) and the Left fought and succeeded in saving their crops and houses. On
February 5, 2004, the government issued orders that recognised “rights of the
tribals till 31.12.1993." However, the SC order of February 23, 2004 stayed it.
Though the MoEF applied for vacation of this order in July 2004, the case is
still pending in the court.</SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"
align=left><B><SPAN lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">INHUMAN & BAD
ECONOMICS</SPAN></B></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">It is estimated
that about 15 per cent of the tribals have been evicted from their land due to
industrial and developmental projects in the post-independence period, still
lacking proper rehabilitation, compensation and jobs. Various unscrupulous
methods were adopted to deprive them. Both foreign and Indian monopolies have
embarked on penetration in mineral rich tribal areas, following large-scale
privatisation and dismantling of public sector. Displacement of tribals is
taking place through police brutality and repression. These and non-adherence to
the Samta judgement for the fifth schedule areas are some of the features of
tribal exploitation due to liberalisation policies.</SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">In addition to
the loss of agricultural land and habitats, tribals have also been losing
forestland. According to one estimate, while 187 tribal districts in the country
span 33.6 per cent of the total geographical area of the country, the forest
cover therein constitutes 60 per cent of the country’s total forest. Thus tribal
areas provide the bulk of forest cover. There are uncultivable and degraded
cultivable lands elsewhere in non-tribal areas, which demand urgent forest
cover, both from the production and ecological angles. Pushing the tribals out
of forests for further forestry operations therein is not only inhuman but bad
economics.</SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">Compared to the
total forest area of 6.8 crore hectares, tribals and other poor occupy
approximately 2 per cent. Dereserving this area, dispersed in thousands of
forest blocks, is therefore no likely to have any adverse effect of the
environment. But it will have a salutary impact on the disturbed situation in
tribal areas, bringing in long awaited justice, peace and
satisfaction.</SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"
align=left><B><SPAN lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">CPI(M)’S
STAND</SPAN></B></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">The CPI(M)
opposes the policy drive of imperialist globalisation and privatisation to hand
over large tracts of land to the multinationals. But the MoEF, which attacks and
evicts adivasis mercilessly, has regularised the illegal diversion of 1,224
hectares of forestland to 17 mining companies in Orissa during the last 5 years.
In contrast, in the entire state of Orissa, the total area “encroachment” by
poor tribals, regularised since October 1980, comes to a grand 29
hectares!</SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">Thus the
historic injustice continues. The only way to ensure justice to the tribals is
to pass the ST Bill 2005 immediately. While welcoming the introduction of the
bill we demand that the following amendments be incorporated in the proposed
bill.</SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">1) The cut-off
date of October 25, 1980 for recognising the rights of tribals dwelling in
forests is contradictory to the very objective and purpose mentioned in the
bill’s preamble. This injustice continued even after 1980. The date was not laid
down by any logical law but by the 1990 guidelines. Therefore, those tribal
families who are cultivating the forestland for their bonafide livelihood needs
must be vested with rights over their lands even though they might have occupied
the land after October 25, 1980. The cut-off date should be based only on the
main criterion of genuine livelihood needs of tribal family till the act comes
in force. If the 1980 deadline is not removed from the proposed bill, it will
pave the way for huge evictions of the tribal people. Rather than distinguishing
between pre-1980 and post-1980 "encroachments," the proposed bill must
distinguish between livelihood needs and encroachments for commercial purposes.
Each should have a different set of guidelines and the FCA 1980 amended
accordingly. Large non-tribal landholdings of <I>benami</I> encroachments should
be summarily evicted. The process by which the date is decided is important. In
any case the decision making has to be democratic, giving rights to the tribal
people in tune with the existing ground level factual data. The 2001 census can
be the cut-off date.</SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"
align=left><B><SPAN lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">UNJUST
CEILING</SPAN></B></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">2) The
landholding limit of 2.5 hectares per family is unscientific, unjust and
discriminative. It does not take into account the any quality of land, the
rainfall, the crop pattern, the environmental conditions and the geological
situations. Why the tribals should have a ceiling limit of 2.5 hectares when the
limit for non-adivasis’ agricultural lands is more than this? Tribal families in
many areas are joint families and cultivate their lands jointly. Some of the
tribal families have more than 15 members. The provision of vesting rights of
forestland by giving joint <I>pattas</I> to the male and female members of a
family is a progressive step. But the same rights on minor forest produce should
also be included for women members also. The bill does not give the clear-cut
definition of nuclear family. This will create confusion. So this 2.5 hectare
ceiling limit must be removed and land should be regularised for every existing
real tribal family on “as is where is” basis. </SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">3) The bill
recognises Gram Sabha as one of the authorities for recognising and vesting of
such rights to tribals. The Draft Rules, Chapter IV, says that "Gram Sabha shall
be the village assembly - - - at the village level." But the tribal families
residing in interior hilly areas are living scattered and their Gram Panchayats
are also joint Gram Panchayats consisting of many villages, with <I>padas</I>
(hamlets) spread over large inaccessible areas. So <I>pada</I> (small
habitation) and not the village must be the unit of authority.</SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">4) The written
land records with the Forest Department are faulty, inaccurate and inadequate.
In many cases there is no written proof or evidence with tribal families. The
Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes Commission recommends: "To facilitate and
expedite the solution of the so-called encroachments, the procedure adopted by
the government of Maharashtra in the revenue and forest departments Decision No.
Sankirn 2002/372/J-1 dated 10 October 2002 - - - for regularisation of
"encroachments" on forest lands, are commended for adoption - - -." To verify
claims for regularisation of "encroachments" on forestlands, <I>the affidavit of
the claimant tribal family</I> should be taken as evidence and the ground level
factual data should be taken as final proof. Similarly, all settlements, whether
recorded or not, should be included under the bill’s scope if they are found
within a designated forest area till the date the proposed act comes into
effect.</SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">5) The lands
occupied by tribal families, or allotted by the forest department itself
previously but forcefully snatched again by the forest department or Forest
Development Corporation for plantations, should also be covered under this
bill.</SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"
align=left><B><SPAN lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">COMMUNITY PROPERTY
RIGHTS</SPAN></B></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">6) A section
2(I) should be introduced to define "community property right" as forest areas
under the jurisdiction of Gram Panchayats or autonomous district councils under
the sixth schedule, or forestlands referred to as community forests in specific
states like Orissa, Himachal and others. It will also refer to "village forests"
under section 28 of the Indian Forest Act 1927, and "community reserves" defined
under section 36 C of Wildlife Protection Act, 2002.</SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">7) Section 15
should be amended to make clear that, once notified, this act shall prevail in
case it comes into conflict with other acts.</SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">8) “The forest
right of a person who has committed an offence shall be derecognised." This
penal provision of derecognition against holders of forest rights is quite harsh
and unjust. No act, including the Indian Penal Code, gives power to any
authority to derecognise the rights of any person committing an offence. Why,
then, must the tribals be punished by such action? So this provision must be
removed. There are many other provisions to punish a guilty person.</SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">9) A new section
should be introduced on the state’s responsibility towards forest dwellers, with
the following provisions. The central government shall be responsible for
protection of all forest rights vested in forest dwelling tribals from
<I>benami</I> transactions by corporate houses, big landholders and powerful
land grabbers within and outside the village. In order to meet the obligation
under 5 A(1) the centre must delegate powers to the state level monitoring
committees. All big developmental projects must have the prior consent of the
Gram Sabha before they are given approval of the central advisory committee. The
centre must have an obligation to ensure that all forest right holders have
access to basic amenities and inputs required for sustainable land and forest
use. It must be liable to pay adequate compensation and ensure a satisfactory
relocation package for those tribals and other poor people who are evicted once
the procedure of verification and settlement is over under Section 4(7) of this
act.</SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">10) The bill
must clarify the Gram Sabha’s powers. Forests are considered state property
under the IFA 1927. On what basis will a Gram Sabha get the authority to
administer such an area unless the act is amended? The PESA 1996 includes only
'minor forest produce' as a subject under the control of the Gram Sabha and not
"forest areas." The government needs also to decide how it will treat the sixth
schedule areas. A section needs to be introduced on the powers and authority
of district councils by reviewing the sixth schedule
provisions.</SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">11) The bill
vests in the tribal people the right to collect, utilise or transfer minor
forest produce. This means tribals can sell this produce for their bonafide
livelihood needs. The proposed legislation should contain some provision to
protect them tribal people from exploitation by vested interests like traders,
contractors, industrialists and land mafias.</SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">12) The proposed
bill covers only forest dwelling scheduled tribes, excluding those living
outside but intrinsically dependent on forests for their livelihood. As many as
a third of the scheduled tribes and landless labourers are dependent on forests
for subsistence; forests also provide them important supplementary occupations.
Thus the proposed act, as it stands today, will not only create new conflicts in
the process of settlement of rights but also pave the way for more <I>benami</I>
transactions between those who are eligible for rights and those who are not. To
avoid this, the bill needs some provision in this regard also. It is necessary
to cover traditional forest dwellers under the act but have strict separate
definitions so as to evict the real non-tribal encroachers who have illegally
occupied the tribal land for commercial purposes.</SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"
align=left><B><SPAN lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">WHY </SPAN><SPAN
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">THE</SPAN><SPAN lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"> CPI(M) CAMPAIGN
</SPAN></B></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">The CMP of the
UPA government pledges to "provide for full equality of opportunity,
particularly in education and employment for scheduled castes and tribes.” The
commitment of the state to provide basic amenities to all tribal people needs to
be reiterated. The government cannot shirk its responsibly for the minimum tasks
in tribal areas and for making adequate fund allocations for education, health
facilities and civil amenities.</SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">The recent
judgement of the Ranchi High Court refusing to make any distinction between the
scheduled and non-scheduled Areas is very dangerous, anti-tribal and against the
constitution. The CPI(M) has filed an appeal against this judgement, in the
interests of all adivasis in 5th scheduled areas covering nine states.
</SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">The bourgeois
and semi-feudal values in society have led to a degradation of the status of the
women. Landlords, mafias, contractors and forest guards subject them to sexual
harassment at workplaces. The CPI(M) campaign proposes to take up these issues
too in order to fight against the exploitation of tribal women.</SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">The tribals are
faced with the threat of losing their identity as they are losing their
languages and culture. Successive central governments have ignored the tribal
languages. Bureaucratic controlled items of tribal culture are presented as folk
cultures. But we have to preserve and encourage the positive aspects of tribal
culture, particularly their collective and egalitarian ethos. However, there
must also be a fight from within the community against retrograde practices like
witch hunting, depriving women of land, polygamy etc.</SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">The imperialists
are taking advantage of the present situation to forge separatist and
ethnic-based conflicts. Only by strengthening the federal decentralised set-up
with genuine autonomy for minority groups can we fulfil the diverse aspirations
of the tribal mass regarding their identity, language and culture. </SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">The RSS and its
several outfits, who are endangering the unity and integrity of the country,
have stepped up their activities in tribal areas. They are trying to divide the
tribals between Christians and non-Christians, and to impose Brahminical caste
divided Hindutva on tribals. They do not recognise the tribals as adivasis. To
them they are 'Vanvasis' which confines the tribal people solely to the forests
and negates their history. The RSS and its saffron affiliates are thus against
the secular and democratic ethos of this country. </SPAN></P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua"></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Bodytext style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><SPAN
lang=EN-GB style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Book Antiqua">We have to
preserve the unity of all tribals and forge unity among the tribal and
non-tribal toiling sections. Struggles against feudal and bourgeois economic
exploitation must be integrated with the struggles being waged by tribals and
other socially oppressed sections. Only this can build real unity of the people
and usher into a new era for the country’s unity and integrity.</SPAN></P>
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