Land Utilization, Convergence of Schemes by FRA ST Beneficiaries in Selected Districts of North and South Odisha

Abstract

The study "Land Utilization, Convergence of Schemes by FRA ST right holders in Selected Districts of North and South Odisha" was undertaken by SCSTRTI to understand the status and process of implementation of the convergence programs under the Forest Rights Act in Odisha, its key learning, issues and challenges and the response from the government agencies. The study has attempted to analyse the status and process of convergence of programmes and schemes in the field, the extent and coverage of these programmes to ST beneficiaries and the utilization status of the land in the study areas. The study has also highlighted the implementation bottlenecks and suggested a convergence framework for the benefit of right holders. It is expected that the study findings will provide feedback to gear up the convergence of programs meant for the betterment of the forest and the forest dwellers. As a part of the process, concerted efforts were made towards collection and analysis of primary data supplemented by secondary data, field visits, interaction with various stakeholders, regional consultations etc. Interactions with field officials, PRI members and communities helped in perspective building and deepening our understanding. The study team had frequent interactions with officials from different departments at the district and State level and I would like to extend my thanks to each one of them for the timely sharing of the required information and in depth discussion on convergence of schemes and targeting of beneficiaries in the respective programmes.