(a) whether the Government has initiated any scheme to convert tribal dominated forest villages to revenue villages;
(b) if so, the details thereof along with the guidelines issued by the Government and status of implementation as on date State/UT-wise; and
(c) the further steps taken/being taken by the Government in this regard?
MINISTER OF TRIBAL AFFAIRS (SHRI JUAL ORAM)
(a): No Madam. There is no such scheme. However, Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 (Forest Rights Act) provides for conversion of forest villages into revenue villages as one of the forest rights conferred on forest dwelling Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers.
(b): In view of (a) above, question does not arise.
(c):Different State/UT Governments carry out the process of conversion of forest villages to revenue villages as a component of Forest Rights Act. This Ministry has issued clarifications on 08.11.2013 and also on 03.03.2014 with regard to conversion of forest villages into revenue villages under Forest Rights Act and constantly follows up with the concerned States/UTs. The Ministry also provides support by holding consultations in different parts of the country and clarifies doubts whenever required.