KISHTWAR, MARCH 11: In a significant step towards empowering tribal communities and strengthening their rights over traditional forest lands, Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar Pankaj Kumar Sharma today handed over Community Forest Rights (CFR) certificates to members of 86 Scheduled Tribe households. Community Forest Rights (CFR) certificate is conferred under the provisions of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006.
The distribution of CFR certificates formally recognizes the long-standing relationship of tribal communities with forest resources. It acknowledged their collective rights over community forest lands for grazing purposes, as envisaged under FRA 2006.
Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner emphasized that the initiative marks an important milestone in ensuring social justice, livelihood security and sustainable management of forest resources by tribal communities. He reiterated the administration’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of indigenous groups and promoting their socio-economic development.
The beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the district administration for recognizing their traditional rights and enabling them to manage and utilize forest resources responsibly.
The move is expected to strengthen community participation in forest conservation while simultaneously enhancing livelihood opportunities for tribal families in the district.