Workshop on Tribal, Intellectuals and Inclusion A Need base Assessment

Abstract

FRA- In 2006, Scheduled Tribes and other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act was passed which granted legal recognition to the rights of traditional forest-dwelling communities. The FRA aims to address the historical injustice done to those communities whose forest rights have so far not been legally recorded and thereby were denied their tradition right to forest lands and resources. The group also shared the field experiences of the village Bhalunka, Cuttack, Odisha, Chakradharpur, Keonjhar and Soura Singapur, Rayagada and based on the field experience, the group put forward some suggestions to improve the implementation of the act. They suggested that local NGOs must come forward for help in providing services and monitor the livelihood activities. Awareness building of the community people should be done about different provisions of the Act to make people aware. The community must take initiative for the management of forest and their livelihood. Moreover, the discussions were on Impact of the Forest Rights Act, 226, on Deforestation, Tribal welfare and poverty. Land alienation and tribal people's rights. Self-Governance and PESA in Tribal areas. Tribal Centric sustainable Livelihood generation. Migration of Tribal women: Its Socio-Economic effects. Erosion of Identity of tribes and Cultural problems: Integration and Autonomy. Forced eviction of Tribals and Forest-dwellers. Understanding Health & Illness among Tribal communities. Tribal Women Health: Nutrition & Sanitation. Some suggestions were given in the workshop to ensure better ways to improve health among tribal people. Proper health education should be given to villagers, proper communication facilities should be developed, and health Centre should be established near to their village, facilities for proper transportation for expectant mothers, health workers from tribal communities, capacity building for health care providers. The group members shared their reviews of the health facilities of their respective villages.