Question : FOREST VILLAGES

(a) the number of forest villages in the country, State-wise;

(b) the number of proposals received and sanctioned by the Union Government for development of forest villages and forest dwellers during each of the last three years and the current year, State-wise including Bihar;

(c) whether the Government has any specific scheme for the development of forest villages and forest dwellers;

(d) if so, the details thereof;

(e) the funds sanctioned, released and utilised by the State Governments for the purpose during the said period;

(f) whether the Government has also provided special funds for the development of these villages during the said period; and

(g) if so, the details thereof, State-wise?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF TRIBAL AFFAIRS(SHRI MAHADEO SINGH KHANDELA)

(a) to (g): The programme for Development of Forest Villages was launched in 2005-06, during the 10th Five Year Plan. Under the programme, infrastructure work relating to basic services and facilities viz. approach roads, healthcare, primary education, minor irrigation, rainwater harvesting, drinking water, sanitation, community hall etc. and activities related to livelihood are taken up for implementation. There are 2,474 forest villages/habitations in the country, spread over 12 States. There are no forest villages in the Bihar State. State-wise statement showing number of forest villages for which proposals approved, funds released and utilization reported during the last three years and current year is enclosed.

The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, implemented by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, seeks to recognize and vest the forest rights and occupation in forest land in forest dwelling Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers who have been residing in such forests for generations but whose rights could not be recorded.