Arjun Munda welcomes govt's decision not to change Forest Act

Union Tribal Affairs Minister Arjun Munda has applauded government's decision to withdraw the draft of the amendment of the Forest Act, and said it would restore self confidence of the tribals.

New Delhi: Union minister Arjun Munda on Friday welcomed the government's decision not to change the Forest Act.

Speaking to media here, the Union Tribal Affairs Minister said that it was on the occasion of the birthday of Bhagwan Birsa Munda that the government has withdrawn the draft of the amendment of the Forest Act to remove any misgivings about taking away the rights of the tribals and forest dwellers.

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"It was very important to develop forest for the environment. Tribals have been playing an important role in it. Now when the government has taken the amendment draft back, their self-confidence would get increased and it would be good for them," he said.

Earlier in the day, Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar had announced the government's decision in this regard.

"Our government in the last 5 years has always worked in the interest of tribals and forest dwellers. To do away with any misgiving, we have decided to withdraw the 'draft' prepared for amendments to the Indian Forest Act, 1927. There is no intention to change the Act," the minister said while addressing a press conference.