Oxfam India hold conference to improve on toolkit that help tribals in Chhattisgarh understand their land rights

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By oxfamadmin
24 Sep, 2015

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@OxfamIndia organises a conference in #Chhattisgarh to discuss improvements in FPIC toolkit. Know more. http://bit.ly/1KBHlyf

Oxfam India organised a round-table discussion on “Free prior and Informed consent” (FPIC) in, Raipur on September 16, 2015.

Over 36 participants, including activists representing affected communities from project like Naya Raipur (a model urban project), National Highways, Mining, Dam, Wildlife Sanctuary and farmers facing land acquisition along with known academician like Dr, D.K. Marothia (Environment Economist), Dr. H.K. Yadav (Sr. Economist), and few media representatives participated and discussed the state of FPIC in Chhattisgarh through various legislation at place.

“FPIC has been developed to ensure that communities are aware of their rights to allow or deny outside entities to enter their lands. FPIC is a minimum pre-condition while entering into the territories belonging to local communities and adivasis for business,” said R Ravi Pragada, Founder Director “Samta” organization, while discussing the need of FPIC to be respected.

Sharmishtha Bose, programme coordinator for natural resource management, Oxfam India emphasized on the fact that in few countries FPIC has emerged as a law including in Indonesia, Phillipines, Canada and some others. FPIC has been an internationally acclaimed principle that has played a pivotal role in developing consciousness within the indigenous people about their rights and sustenance.

BPS Netam, Vice President of Sarv Adivaasi Samaaj an umbrella organisation of the tribals in Chhattisgarh said that 27 new Nagar panchayats constituted in fifth schedule areas have taken right to consent of 80 gram sabhas.

The discussion concluded with a resolution to form a core group to look into the nuances of FPIC in Chhattisgarh and to suggest improvements to the tool-kit`used for convey the meaning of FPIC.

The round table conference in progress in Raipur.

The round table conference in progress in Raipur.

Written by: Oxfam India staff

Photo credit: Oxfam India

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