Whatapp post from LS: The MoEF&CC is at the edge of the precipice whihch is dragging the nation to with its comprehensive dilution of FCA all to support Indian and transnational corporations to exploit our forests and take over tribal lands. This needs to be read with the parallel comprehensive dilution of Biodiversity Act which promotes the interests of Indian AYUSH companies (Baba Ramdev’s Patanjali, for instance, which funnels funds…) and which would have disastrous consequences not limited to India losing its biodiversity - democratic polity itself is at risk with hegemonic forces benefiting from perpetual money pipes that such extraction provides.
Amendments to Forest Conservation Act: Activists cry foul over neglect of tribal rights
https://www.news9live.com/india/amendments-to-forest-conservation-act-activists-cry-foul-over-neglect-of-tribal-rights-2229888
So, Tudu reiterated the MoEF&CC’s stand without voicing the Ministry of Tribal Affairs’ position.
Environment Support Group, a Bengaluru-based think tank alleges that the Ministry of Tribal Affairs hasn’t done its due diligence.
“From the reply/replies of the Minister/s, it appears that MOTA has not, in any manner, undertaken its own due diligence with regard to the impact of the Forest Conservation (Amendment) Bill, 2023 on rights of Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers, as it is required to as per the Forest Rights Act, 2006 and the Allocation of Business Rules,” says Leo Saldanha, trustee of the Environment Support Group.
“What is worse is that MOTA appears to not even have formulated its independent opinion in regard to this very serious and critical question regarding implications of various amendments proposed to the FCA by this Bill, especially given statements issued by movements and research organisations that the proposed changes in the forest law will, without any doubt, affect grievously rights of Scheduled Tribes and other Traditional Forest Dwellers,” points out Nidhi Hanji, ESG’s Legal Research Associate.
Environment ministry violated rules in pushing Forest Conservation Bill, say activists https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/environment-ministry-violated-rules-pushing-forest-conservation-bill-say-activists-180359
"MoTA should have been fundamentally involved, even co-leading, any amendment to any existing laws, or in shaping any new law, or in formulation of a policy or scheme, that are “relating to the rights of the forest-dwelling Schedule Tribes on forest lands”. When what has been stated by MoTA and MoEF&CC in the Rajya Sabha are read together, it is glaring that the Ministries have not worked in conformance with the Doctrine of Harmonious Construction," a statement by ESG said.
https://www.deccanherald.com/state/top-karnataka-stories/ministry-violated-rules-in-pushing-forest-bill-activists-1241726.html
"A review of the JPC report reveals that no person, who is a forest-dwelling schedule tribe or other traditional forest dwellers, was invited to depose before the committee," the ESG said.