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Acting on the alleged diversion of forest land in favour of the Kalinga Institute of Social Science (KISS) owned by former BJD MP Achyuta Samanta, the Centre has directed Khordha Collector and Odisha Chief Secretary to keep the entire process in abeyance.
In a letter on June 21, Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram directed the Khordha Collector and Odisha Chief Secretary to keep the entire process in abeyance.
It is pertinent to mention here that Khordha Collector had allegedly started the process of diversion and handing over 4.032 ha of revenue forest land under Chandaka Wildlife Division in favour of KISS, Bhubaneswar for the development of education facilities for tribal students.
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs is separately seeking clarifications from the state government in the matter.
The letter read, "Complaints have been received about proper compliance with the Forest Rights Act (FRA) while processing the proposal. It is understood that you have initiated the process to hand over the aforesaid revenue forest land to Kalinga Institute of Social Science (KISS). You are advised to keep the process in abeyance till the required clarification is received in the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and formal clearance is issued in the matter."
Earlier before the general elections, an advertisement was issued by KISS regarding obtaining clearance from the Ministry. Time and again it has been alleged that several forest lands are being illegally encroached upon by KISS.
When contacted Khordha Collector, Chanchal Rana said, "We have received the letter from the Ministry and it is being examined.
"We don't know what happened in the past and the case record is being examined. What is there on the land will be investigated," the Khordha Collector said.
Commenting on the issue, Environmentalist Prafulla Samantaray said, "The question remains how it was allowed to the institution engaged in business. The Odisha government should decide on it. Whatever directive has come from the Centre now is very much in the purview of the law. The state government should take action after a review of past violations. There have been instances of violation in the past and the voices of people suppressed. There is also an NGT order and there have been violations.
On the other hand, KIIT Chief PRO Shradhanjali Nayak in response said, "No official letter has been received."
