Mysuru: Karnataka State Tribal Research Institute (KSTRI), Mysuru and Mula Adivasi Study Centre had organised a workshop on ‘Implementation of Forest Rights in Karnataka’ at State Institute of Urban Development in the premises of Administrative Training Institute (ATI) here yesterday.

About 50 tribal representatives of various LAMPS (Large-sized Adivasi Multi-Purpose Societies) in the State participated in the event. Dr. E. Venkataiah, Advisor, Department of Social Welfare, Government of Karnataka, inaugurated the programme.

Speaking as the chief guest, K. Revannappa, Director, Schedule Tribal Welfare Department, opined that the title deeds issued to forest tribes should be included in Revenue records and added that the Deputy Commissioner should take steps in that context.

He said that the Government had come out with several schemes for tribal people to make them economically independent. He further said that Title Deeds have been issued to 1,294 forest tribes in Chamarajanagar and to about 95 percent of them in Shivamogga and added that 1,200 of them in the State have to be given Title Deeds.

Continuing, he said that instructions have been given to Department of Co-operation to extend long and medium term loans to displaced forest tribes. He added that the Union Government would provide a minimum support price for forest products prepared by the tribes and bought by LAMPS if the market rate dips.

KSTRI Director Prof. T.T. Basavanagouda presided. Retired MD of Valmiki Development Corporation Mruthyunjaya, Research Officer Dr. C. Madegowda, Karnataka LAMPS Co-op.  Federation President Krishnaiah and others were present.