Empowering Forest Communities through the Online RoFR Titles Granting System
Empowering Forest Communities through the Online RoFR Titles Granting System
Project Details
Category: Tribal Welfare – Land Rights and Resource Management
Project: Empowering Forest Communities through the Online RoFR Titles Granting System
Organisation: Tribal Welfare Department, Telangana
Start Date: 2021
Website: https://ts.meeseva.telangana.gov.in
The Tribal Welfare Department of Telangana has undertaken a transformative project: the Online RoFR (Recognition of Forest Rights) Titles Granting System. This digital initiative was launched to simplify and expedite the process of issuing forest rights titles to Scheduled Tribes (ST) and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (OTFD). For these communities, reliant on forest resources for livelihood, the programme has proven essential, addressing longstanding challenges in data handling, transparency, and efficiency in granting forest rights.
Addressing the Challenges
The project aimed to overcome several obstacles. First, the department faced the task of managing a high volume of applications with limited staff, a challenging endeavor for field officers. Additionally, ensuring that the title deeds included accurate maps, embedded with latitude and longitude data, was a complex and time-intensive process. Previously, applications were manually scrutinised through three levels—Gram Sabha, SDLC, and DLC—resulting in significant delays. Digitising these title deeds, which included claimant and land details, was another hurdle the department needed to address to ensure easy access and reliability. Finally, extending benefits from other schemes to title holders was hampered by the absence of integrated, digitised data.
Innovative Solutions
To address these issues, the department launched an online platform that streamlined the entire claims submission process, making it accessible through local service centers. Additionally, a mobile application enabled field teams to capture evidence, survey land, and record geographic data seamlessly. This app further automated latitude and longitude capture, allowing for accurate area calculations, thus eliminating manual data entry errors. A web-based system allowed for a multi-level approval workflow, enhancing transparency and enabling efficient monitoring of progress. Furthermore, the integration of RoFR data with other departmental systems made it easier for beneficiaries to access post-claim benefits from various government schemes, thereby expanding the initiative’s reach and impact.
Transformative Outcomes
The results of the Online RoFR Titles Granting System have been significant. Since the programme’s launch, the department issued 1,33,301 RoFR titles to eligible claimants from 2021 to 2023—a notable increase from prior years. During the 2023-24 period, the department facilitated direct financial benefits to title holders, transferring ₹595.74 crores for agricultural support and ₹35.45 crores in life insurance benefits, directly impacting the livelihoods of forest dwellers. The introduction of digital RoFR titles with embedded QR codes and holograms greatly enhanced the security of the titles, reducing the risk of fraud. Furthermore, the digital system’s automation drastically reduced approval times and minimised the physical handling of documents, providing a smooth, efficient process. Importantly, the project’s capacity to capture precise geographic data (latitude and longitude) lays a foundation for future mapping and resource management initiatives.
Impact on Beneficiaries
The project has positively impacted over 230,735 external beneficiaries, providing secure access to forest resources and enabling communities to leverage related government schemes. Additionally, 115 internal staff members have benefited from the streamlined system, which enhances their operational efficiency.
Future Prospects
The Online RoFR Titles Granting System represents a step forward in empowering ST and OTFD communities, ensuring their rights to forest lands while streamlining government processes. With future plans to expand the system to cover Community Forest Rights, Telangana’s Tribal Welfare Department is setting a precedent for sustainable resource management and effective tribal empowerment across India.
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