Bhubaneswar : The recent notification of the Odisha government to exempt the royalty levied on the sale of Sal leaves by the tribals and other traditional forest dwellers (OTFDs) in the state has raised more questions than answers.
The notification talks about the exemption of the state royalty on the non-timber forest produce often collected and disposed off by the tribals living near forest areas. As per the new notification the, Rs 86 will be exempted per quintal of sal leaves.
However the notification adds confusion over its transportation. As per the the notification transportation will be done as per the provisions of Rule 19 and Rule 20 of the Odisha Timber and Other Forest Produce Transit Rules, 1980. The provisions are in contrast with the provisions of the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006. The FRA gives power of issuing transit permit to Gram Sabhas of recognized community forest areas.
According to the Odisha Timber and Other Forest Produce Transit Rules, 1980, the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) issues transit permit after a process of verification. In case the rules are contravened the tribals could be imprisoned for a term which may be extended to five years and a fine is also levied on them.
Experts of tribal livelihood welcome the exemption move but said there are many issues which remained unaddressed and can lead to confusion while some are in direct contradiction of the tribal rights as safeguarded by the Forest Rights Act.
“The exemption can aid 25 lakh families dependent on Sal leaf for their livelihood. The notice talks about applicability of Timber and Forest produce transit for transportation. It is really contradicting the very spirit of waiving of royalty,” said Chittaranjan Pani, a tribal livelihood expert.
He also had some questions, “It is not clear whether the Gram Sabha or any Collectives can transport it to niche markets without Transit Permit (TP). If there is a need of TP, can forest department issue them without any hassles?”
Others said that there is confusion whether primary gatherers or their collective from protected areas like Similipal Tiger Reserve can transport it themselves or the Tribal Development Co-operative Corporation of Odisha Ltd (TDCCOL) will procure it under the scheme from Sanctuary and open areas.