Jammu, Aug. 25 -- Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology and Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, on Monday stressed the need for effective implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA) and greater awareness among eligible beneficiaries about their rights under the legislation.

He was speaking at a seminar on "Implementation of Forest Rights Act and the Way Forward" organised by the Gujjar Bakarwal Students Alliance (GBSA) at the University of Jammu as part of the organisation's third Foundation Day celebrations.

Addressing students, tribal community members and other stakeholders, Rana said the Act is aimed at recognising the rights and entitlements of forest-dwelling tribal communities and other traditional forest dwell...