Madhya Pradesh: LoP Slams Government Over Rejection Of 3.22 Lakh Tribal Land Claims

Bhopal (Madhya Prdaesh): Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar on Tuesday accused the government of rejecting 3.22 lakh claims filed under the Forest Rights Act by tribal communities.

He raised the matter during a call attention motion in the Assembly. Singhar alleged that despite the state having nearly 95 lakh hectares of forest land, efforts are underway to hand over 35 lakh hectares into private hands.

He said that claims have been rejected across several tribal districts and pointed out that over 3,000 claims from 40 villages in Nepanagar constituency of Burhanpur district were turned down.

Over 26,500 land title issued in BJP's reign

In response, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav countered that not a single patta (land title) was issued during the Congress government’s tenure in rural areas, whereas the BJP government has granted over 26,500 pattas. He said that any constructive suggestions from the Opposition regarding tribal development would be welcomed.

Yadav also said he had instructed forest officials to ensure no tribal home is demolished during the monsoon.

Earlier, Minister of State for Forest Department Dilip Ahirwar said that the rejected claims were cancelled in accordance with existing norms.