Goemkarponn desk
PANAJI: The legislative assembly has been reassured by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant that the approximately 10,000 outstanding Forest Rights Claims (FRC) cases will be accelerated and settled before the end of the present government’s term.
“During this term, the Forest Rights Act lawsuits will be resolved. Concerning the backlog of more than 10,000 cases, Leader of the Opposition Yuri Alemao expressed concerns.
Sawant responded, saying that all pending cases would be accelerated for disposal. Alemao expressed his concerns during a Calling Attention discussion, which was facilitated by MLA Ganesh Gaonkar.
He cited the incorrect assessment of forest rights claims and the excessive delay in resolving these claims, which have an impact on Goa, especially the tribal community.
Sawant acknowledged that although the Forest Rights Act was put into effect in 2006, it wasn’t until 2012—during the BJP government—that the tribal population received rights. Sawant attributed this to the BJP.
“Speaker, some of our cabinet ministers participated in the fight for tribal rights that we have witnessed from our leaders. The chief minister stated, “The BJP government complied with the demands, including introducing a bill in the parliament to give ST representation in the Goa Assembly.
“We have hired a capable private organization to conduct the survey and demarcation of these claims in order to hasten the resolution of FRC. For claims that have been granted by the District Level Committee (DLC), this agency has already begun the survey and delineation procedure.
The House-tabled reply states that in 2023–2024, 386 titles were distributed, 308 claims were approved, and 20 claims were denied. Sawant continued, “Once the title is transferred to the beneficiaries, revenue records are updated suo-motu.”
