Deputy Commissioner Poonch, Rahul Yadav today chaired a meeting to discuss modalities for spreading effective implementation of provisions of Forest Rights Act, preparation of master trainers for training of field functionaries here at DC Office Conference Hall Poonch.The meeting was attended by Divisional Forest Officer Poonch, Mohan Lal; ACR Zaheer Ahmed Kaifi; SDMs, revenue officers and Range officers.During the meeting, salient features of Act and rules including various guidelines were discussed in detail. The DC asked the concerned officers to have a better understanding of the provisions so that objective of Act can be fulfilled.It was informed in the meeting that FRA recognizes rights of forest dwellers (ST/OTFD) on ancestral lands and their habitat, which were not adequately recognized. It also includes responsibility and authority for sustainable use, conservation of biodiversity and maintenance of ecological balance.The DC directed the Rural Development Department to impart training to Panchayat secretaries for formulation of Forest Rights Committee (FRC) from amongst the Gram Sabha members.It was informed that the Committee shall have not less than ten and not exceeding fifteen persons with two third members from scheduled tribes & not less than one third women members.The FRC shall decide on a chairperson and a secretary. Panchayat secretaries shall keep proper record of all the proceedings, the meeting was told.The Deputy Commissioner directed the master trainers from Revenue, Forest & Rural department to immediately start training of frontline staff in scheduled manner for the effective implementation of provisions of Forest Rights Act.The meeting decided to convene training at Sub-division level through master trainers.The revenue & forest departments were asked to put in all efforts for demarcation of forest land and accordingly reconciliation of forest records with revenue records before the settling of claims under the act are initiated.