State Government has decided to provide land rights to tribals under the Forest Rights Act (FRA) in all districts by March 2019.

It was decided at the Tribes Advisory Council (TAC) meeting held under chairmanship of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at the State Secretariat here on Thursday.

The meeting was held after a three years’ gap.

The district Collectors were asked to identify the forestland and hand over the patta to tribals under the Forest Rights Act.

It was revealed that Odisha continues to be in the top rank in implementation of the Forest Rights Act in the country. Around 4.15 lakh tribals have been distributed patta for total of 6.14 lakh acre of land. Similarly, 6,336 community rights on 3.28 lakh acres have been ensured so far.

The TAC also discussed on the Odisha Tribal Empowerment and livelihoods Programme (OTElP) and Odisha Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups Empowerment and livelihood Improvement Programme (OPElIP), which are being implemented for improvement of economic condition and livelihoods of the tribals.

“OPElIP was launched in 2016-17 with budgetary allocation of Rs 795 crore targeting to benefit around 62,000 poor tribal households,” said the Chief Minister.

Patnaik said the Government is committed to enhancing economic standards of tribals by enhancing livelihood opportunities and providing education and skill training to them.

 He said the State would continue to ensure the tribal student to get quality education, even at national level institutions.

A special development council has also been constituted in nine tribal-dominated districts for development of tribals and welfare of tribal people, preservation and promotion of their cultural heritage, he said.

Among others, ST and SC Development, Minorities and Backward Classes Welfare Minister Ramesh Chandra Majhi was present.