The Odisha government has taken a significant step towards empowering tribal communities and forest dwellers with the introduction of the Mo Jungle Jami Yojana. This scheme aims to enhance forest rights for these marginalized groups in various districts of the state. Operating in conjunction with the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 (FRA), the Mo Jungle Jami Yojana will play a crucial role in recognizing community forest rights, making Odisha the first state in India to do so.
Closing the Gaps: A Parallel Scheme with FRA
The Mo Jungle Jami Yojana is designed to function parallelly with the FRA, seeking to address critical issues and bridge gaps that have remained unattended for the past 15 years since the central scheme’s implementation. By doing so, the scheme aims to extend the benefits of forest rights to a larger number of tribal families and forest dwellers in Odisha.
Recognizing Community Forest Rights
One of the standout features of the Mo Jungle Jami Yojana is its recognition of community forest rights, in addition to individual rights provided by the FRA. This groundbreaking step will ensure that entire communities have ownership of land and access to forest resources, further empowering them to participate in mainstream development programs initiated by the government.
Targeted Beneficiaries and Scope
According to government records, Odisha has identified 32,562 FRA potential villages and 7.35 potential Scheduled Tribe families covering an area of 35,739 sq km that are intended to be benefited under the scheme. By reaching out to these vulnerable communities, the state aims to uplift their socio-economic status and grant them the rightful ownership of their ancestral lands.
Empowering Single Women and PVTGs
The Mo Jungle Jami Yojana places special emphasis on empowering single women and Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). Eligible claimants, including these groups, will receive land titles, providing them with security and the ability to access resources and government schemes. Furthermore, record corrections will be made to ensure accurate and rightful documentation for all titleholders.
Transformation of Unserved Villages
Under the Mo Jungle Jami Yojana, all unsurveyed, forest, and zero area villages will undergo a transformative process, converting them into revenue villages. This transformation will open doors to essential amenities such as access to water supplies, road connectivity, schools, and healthcare facilities for the households residing in these areas.
Digital Records for Easy Access
Embracing technology, the scheme aims to digitize records of titleholders, making it easier for beneficiaries to access their documentation online. This digital approach will streamline the process, reduce paperwork, and ensure transparency and accessibility.
State Government’s Commitment
The Odisha state government has displayed its commitment to the Mo Jungle Jami Yojana by allocating Rs 26 crore for its implementation during the finance budget of 2023-24. This financial backing underscores the government’s dedication to uplifting tribal communities and forest dwellers through the scheme.
Establishment of Forest Rights Cells
To ensure effective implementation and monitoring of the scheme, the state government will establish Forest Rights Cells across various districts. These cells will be responsible for periodic assessments, monitoring progress, and reviewing the scheme’s impact on the ground, thereby ensuring that its objectives are achieved.