Odisha government has recently introduced a groundbreaking scheme named Mo Jungle Jami Yojana, aimed at bolstering forest rights among tribal communities and forest dwellers across the state. With this initiative, Odisha is set to become the first state in India to recognize both individual and community forest rights. The Mo Jungle Jami Yojana scheme operates in conjunction with the 2006 Recognition of Forest Rights Act (FRA), which focuses on acknowledging the rights of scheduled tribes and other traditional forest dwellers.
Empowering Forest Communities
- Mo Jungle Jami Yojana focuses on bridging gaps and addressing critical issues that were previously untargeted under the central scheme (FRA) during the past 15 years.
- The scheme is expected to provide significant benefits and recognition to the forest communities of Odisha.
Key Statistics
- Odisha boasts an impressive number of 32,562 villages with potential for FRA recognition. The state is home to a diverse range of 62 tribes, out of which 13 tribes are officially recognized as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
- With an estimated tribal population of 9,590,756, constituting 22.85% of the state’s overall population, the significance of empowering these communities cannot be overstated.
Objectives and Benefits
- Mo Jungle Jami Yojana aims to ensure livelihood and food security for Scheduled Tribes and forest dwelling populations.
- Eligible claimants, especially single women and PVTGs, will receive land titles, enabling them to gain ownership of land and access forest resources as per their entitlement.
- The scheme also aims to integrate these communities into mainstream development programs initiated by the government.
Allocation and Implementation
- The Odisha government has allocated Rs 26 crore for the implementation of Mo Jungle Jami Yojana during the 2023-24 finance budget. The scheme will be entirely funded by the state government, showcasing its commitment to the welfare and empowerment of forest communities.
- To ensure smooth functioning, Forest Rights Cells will be established across districts for periodic assessment, monitoring, and review of the scheme.