Q9 of 10 Page 111

Thousands of tribals and other forest dwellers gathered at Piparia in Hoshangabad district in Madhya Pradesh to protest against their proposed displacement from the Satpura National Park, Bori Wildlife Sanctuary and Panchmarhi Wildlife Sanctuary. They argue that such a displacement is an attack on their livelihood and beliefs. Government claims that their displacement is essential for the development of the area and for protection of wildlife. Write a petition on behalf of the forest dwellers to the NHRC, a response from the government and a report of the NHRC on this matter.

Petition on behalf of the forest dwellers to NHRC:

Sir,


We have lived in these forests for generations and have direct cultural links to them. It is a part of our being as we worship trees, mountains and rivers as deities. Our livelihood too depends directly on it as most of us are occupied by making, selling and dealing in articles that we get from the forest. This means that if we will be unrooted from the forests then our whole existence would come in crisis. Please look at these concerns with empathy.


Response from the government and the report of NHRC on this matter:


The constant existence of humans and their encroachment in the wild has led to several complications to the wildlife. This has also increased animal-human confrontations which has led to casualties on both sides. Thus, it is important for the displacement of the tribals for their as well as the animals’ protection. Also, the government is planning several development programs for the tribals and it would be possible to get along with these plans only if the tribals are moved from the forests.


More from this chapter

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6

Are these restrictions on the right to freedom justified? Give reasons for your answer.

(a) Indian citizens need permission to visit some border areas of the country for reasons of security.


(b) Outsiders are not allowed to buy property in some areas to protect the interest of the local population.


(c) The government bans the publications of a book that can go against the ruling party in the next elections.

 7

Manoj went to a college to apply for admission into an MBA course. The clerk refused to take his applications and said "You, the son of a sweeper, wish to be a manager! Has anyone done this job in your community? Go to the municipality office and apply for a sweeper's position. Which of Manoj's fundamental rights are being violated in this instance? Spell these out in a letter from Manoj to the district collector.

 8

When Madhurima went to the property registration office, the Registrar told her, “You can't write your name as Madhurima Banerjee d/o A.K. Banerjee. You are married, so you must give your husband's name. Your husband's surname is Rao. So your name should be changed to Madhurima Rao." She did not agree. She said "if my husband's name has not changed after marriage, why should mine?” In your opinion who is right in this dispute? And why?

 10

Draw a web interconnecting different rights discussed in this chapter. For example, right to freedom of movement is connected to the freedom of occupation. One reason for this is that freedom of movement enables a person to got to place of work within one's village or city or to another village, city or state. Similarly this right can be used for pilgrimage, connected with freedom to follow one's religion. Draw a circle for each right and mark arrows that show connection between or among different rights. For each arrow, give an example that shows the linkage.