- Home
- India, Latest News
- Top 3 Empowering Moves: CM Sharma’s Positive Push for Forest Rights Under Dharti Aaba Campaign
CM Bhajan Lal Sharma Calls for Public Participation in Dharti Aaba Campaign, Speeds Up Forest Rights Act Claims
Forest Rights took center stage at a crucial meeting chaired by Rajasthan Chief Minister Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma, as he urged for stronger public participation and directed the speedy resolution of pending claims under the Forest Rights Act, 2006. The review meeting was conducted by the Scheduled Tribes Advisory Council, organized by the Tribal Area Development Department at the Chief Minister’s residence.
The occasion was particularly significant as it aligned with the 150th birth anniversary of tribal freedom fighter Lord Birsa Munda, in whose honor the Dharti Aaba Campaign is being observed across Rajasthan from 15 to 30 June 2025.
CM Sharma’s Message: Empowering Tribals Through Action
During the meeting, CM Sharma stressed the importance of empowering the tribal communities by ensuring their legal rights over forest land are secured without delay. He called on local public representatives and grassroots leaders to actively engage with the administration and the people to make the Dharti Aaba Campaign a resounding success.
“Let this not just be a campaign, but a movement of awareness, unity, and justice for our tribal brothers and sisters,” said CM Sharma.
Forest Rights Act 2006: A Step Toward Social Justice
The Forest Rights Act (FRA) of 2006 was designed to recognize the rights of Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers. It grants individuals and communities legal rights over forest land and resources, ensuring their way of life is protected and dignified.
However, in many regions, claims under the Act have remained unresolved for years. Recognizing this, CM Sharma instructed the administration to:
-
Review and clear pending individual claims
-
Resolve community claims with urgency
-
Issue legal rights documents (patta) on time
-
Ensure fair and transparent verification
This move is expected to directly impact thousands of tribal families, giving them ownership and security over the lands they have inhabited for generations.
TRENDING
Dharti Aaba Campaign: A Tribute to Birsa Munda
The Dharti Aaba Public Participation Campaign—named after Lord Birsa Munda, affectionately called Dharti Aaba or Father of the Earth—is being observed statewide from 15–30 June 2025. This campaign aims to:
Raise awareness about tribal rights
Encourage participation in Forest Rights claims
Honor tribal heritage and leaders
Mobilize youth and women in tribal areas
CM Sharma emphasized that this campaign is not merely ceremonial but a catalyst for institutional change. He called for gram sabhas, village committees, and district officers to organize awareness drives, legal assistance camps, and cultural events during the campaign.
Key Directives by CM Sharma
Fast-Track Pending Claims
All district collectors were instructed to complete verification and clearance of pending claims before the end of June.Community Involvement
Local representatives, NGOs, and youth volunteers were encouraged to help tribal families understand the claim process.Monitoring and Transparency
A state-level dashboard will be created to monitor the progress of claim resolutions across Rajasthan.Issue of Title Deeds
Legal title deeds under the Forest Rights Act must be issued to eligible claimants within the campaign period.Cultural Awareness Events
The Tribal Department will host cultural events to spread awareness about Birsa Munda’s legacy and tribal contributions to India’s freedom.
Expected Impact of the Forest Rights Drive
The combined efforts under the Dharti Aaba Campaign and CM Sharma’s directions are expected to:
Resolve over 10,000 pending claims in Rajasthan
Provide legal forest land ownership to thousands of tribal families
Enhance livelihood security and housing access
Reduce land conflicts and eviction threats
Encourage sustainable forest conservation with local participation
Lord Birsa Munda: The Icon Behind the Movement
Born in 1875, Birsa Munda is a revered tribal freedom fighter who led a revolution against British colonial rule and the exploitative zamindari system in Jharkhand. He is remembered for his valiant struggle to protect tribal land rights.
CM Sharma emphasized that the Dharti Aaba Campaign is a chance to educate the younger generation about his sacrifices and principles.
“Birsa Munda’s fight was not just against the British but also against injustice and exploitation. His ideals remain relevant today as we continue the mission for tribal dignity,” the CM said.
🏛️ Collaboration with Local Bodies
To ensure the campaign’s success, the CM has called for a multi-level collaboration between:
Panchayats and Village Committees
Forest Department and Tribal Department
Legal Aid Societies and NGOs
State administration and grassroots workers
He also suggested that mobile outreach teams visit remote tribal hamlets to provide legal guidance and document assistance to those filing claims under the Forest Rights Act.
Forest Rights as a Cornerstone of Inclusive Governance
CM Bhajan Lal Sharma’s proactive directives mark a positive shift toward inclusive governance and tribal empowerment. The Forest Rights initiative, coupled with the Dharti Aaba Campaign, is poised to become a landmark movement in restoring dignity and rights to Rajasthan’s indigenous communities.
As the state gears up to honor Birsa Munda’s 150th birth anniversary, this campaign is not just a tribute—it’s a promise of justice, land, and a better future for thousands.
Click for more latest news. Also get top headlines and latest news from India and around the world at samaya jyothi
Stay Connected with Samaya Jyothi!
