Tribes denied right to collect forest produce
21, Jun 2015
Forest dept. has not renewed licence of tribal coop. societies
: The Forest Department’s refusal to renew the annual licence of 27 cooperative societies under the Kerala State Development Corporation for SC/ST Communities (KSDCSSC) to collect minor forest produce (MFP) has put to difficulty a large number of tribal beneficiaries in areas such as Attappady, Idukki, and Wayanad.
The annual licence of the societies expired on March 31. Since then, the Forest Department has not allowed tribespeople to enter forest areas to collect 147 MFP, including honey and broom grass.
The traditional right of Adivasis to collect the produce is recognised under the Forest Rights Act.
