Parliamentary Panel Exposes Persistent Tribal Land Rights Violations Across India

A parliamentary committee has flagged serious failures in protecting tribal land rights. The report was published on December 18. It focuses on violations within India’s scheduled areas.

The committee found widespread bypassing of key legal safeguards. These laws are designed to protect indigenous communities. The findings point to systemic issues in land acquisition practices.

Key Legal Safeguards Are Being Routinely Ignored

The committee scrutinized the Land Acquisition Act of 2013. This law mandates fair compensation and transparency. It also requires proper rehabilitation for displaced people.

A core rule requires consent from village councils in scheduled areas. This is often ignored or manipulated. According to the committee’s findings, projects proceed without genuine community consultation.

Large-scale acquisitions for mining and industry are common. They lead to tribal displacement and livelihood loss. Environmental damage frequently follows.

Inadequate social impact assessments worsen the problem. Long-term consequences for communities are not fully studied. This violates the spirit and letter of the law.

Broader Impact on Tribal Communities and Development

The implications are severe for tribal populations. India’s tribal community is over 104 million people. Their cultural and economic life is deeply tied to their land.

Failure to follow the law deepens poverty and conflict. It undermines constitutional protections meant for these regions. Inclusive development becomes impossible.

The committee made several strong recommendations. It called for strict enforcement of existing laws. Genuine consent from village councils must be mandatory.

Social impact assessments must be thorough and honest. Rehabilitation plans must be implemented fully and on time. A central monitoring system should track compliance.

The panel suggested a new community profit-sharing model. This would apply when land is taken for commercial projects. It aims to provide long-term economic security.

The parliamentary report serves as a stark warning. Systemic reform is needed to halt tribal land rights violations. Upholding the law is essential for justice and equitable development.

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What is the Land Acquisition Act of 2013?

The law ensures fair compensation during land acquisition. It mandates transparency and requires rehabilitation for those displaced. Special rules apply in tribal scheduled areas.

What did the committee find in scheduled areas?

It found frequent violations of consent and compensation rules. Land is often acquired without proper approval from village councils. Rehabilitation for displaced families is commonly inadequate.

Which regions were specifically mentioned?

The report cited issues in Lakshadweep, Great Nicobar, and Odisha. In these areas, projects proceeded without proper assessment of how they affect local livelihoods dependent on land and forests.

Why is this a critical issue?

It threatens the livelihoods and culture of millions of tribal citizens. Violating these protections can lead to increased poverty and social conflict in vulnerable regions.

What is the main recommendation?

The committee demands strict enforcement of the existing law. It wants genuine community consent and proper impact studies before any land acquisition in protected tribal zones.