Congress will ensure rights of tribals are protected

New Delhi: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday asserted the party's 'Adivasi Sankalp' will ensure that the rights of tribals as well as their "zameen, jungle and jal" are protected.

Addressing a press conference at his residence here, Kharge said former party chief Rahul Gandhi has announced the party's guarantee for the welfare and well-being of the tribal communities in Maharashtra's Nandurbar. Hailing the party's 'Adivasi Sankalp', Kharge said ensuring justice for tribals is the party's primary responsibility.

"They are being harassed, their land is being taken away, they are made to work as bonded labour. We will ensure, through this guarantee, to free them from all this," he said. Kharge said the Congress is committed to protect the tribals, 'jal, jungle and zameen'. In a post on X later, Kharge said a national mission will be set up for the effective implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA) through a dedicated FRA division, separate budget, and action plans. "We will ensure settlement of all pending FRA claims within 1 year, and establish a process for the review of all rejected claims within 6 months," he said.