Bhubaneswar : Odisha has become a leading state in the entire nation to accord Habitat Rights to the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) under the Forest Rights Act (FRA). With the recognition of Habitat Rights of Juangs, in Keonjhar district on August 7 by the District Level Committee (DLC), Odisha has become a forerunner with three Habitat Rights recognized for the PVTGs, the maximum in India. Earlier on August 6, 2024, the Habitat Rights of Juang PVTG community of Jajpur district was approved by the respective DLC.
Paudi Bhuyan of Deogarh district was the first PVTG community in the State to receive Habitat Rights title on March 7, 2024. While Habitat Rights of Paudi Bhuyan has been recognised over 32 villages under Barkote block, Habitat Rights of Juangs in Jajapur district has been recognised covering 13 villages under Sukinda block and Habitat Rights for Juangs in Keonjhar district has been recognized covering 134 villages across four blocks.
PVTGs have been the stewards of their ancestral lands for generations, practicing sustainable living and preserving their rich cultural heritage. This approval not only affirms their rights but also reinforces the importance of respecting and upholding the traditions and lifestyles of indigenous populations. Recognition of Habitat Rights under FRA is a significant step in recognizing and safeguarding the rights of indigenous communities.
So, the Juangs of Keonjhar will become the sixth such title awarded in India under the category along with the Juangs of Jajpur, Paudi Bhuyans of Deogarh in Odisha and Bharia PVTG in Madhya Pradesh and Kamar PVTG and Baiga PVTG in Chhattisgarh, having legal title and rights over their forest habitats.
Minister ST & SC Development, Minorities & Backward Classes Welfare Nityananda Gond expressing his happiness over the development, said “our pro-people government is always there to see overall development of the tribal communities and especially the PVTGs and with this Habitat Rights recognition this will be more defined and concrete.”