Nileema Mishra (1948-2018) was a dedicated Indian social worker and activist who devoted her life to advocating for the rights of marginalized communities, particularly tribal populations and forest dwellers in Odisha. She is best known for her relentless efforts in securing forest rights under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, often referred to as the Forest Rights Act (FRA). Her work challenged exploitative practices and empowered communities to claim their traditional rights over forest resources, making her a pivotal figure in the Indian social justice landscape. This note will detail her life, work, and lasting impact. Early Life and Background Nileema Mishra was born in 1948 in a Brahmin family in Odisha. She received her education in Bhubaneswar and initially pursued a career in teaching. However, witnessing the socio-economic disparities and injustices faced by tribal communities during her travels in the state deeply impacted her, leading her to abandon teaching and dedicate herself to social work. Work with Tribal Communities Mishra began her work in the Koraput district of Odisha, one of the most underdeveloped and tribal-dominated regions in the country. She immersed herself in understanding the traditional livelihoods, social structures, and challenges faced by the local communities, particularly the Kondh tribe. She quickly realized that the denial of forest rights was a major driver of poverty and vulnerability among these communities. Advocacy for Forest Rights Nileema Mishra became a leading advocate for the implementation of the Forest Rights Act, 2006. She worked tirelessly to raise awareness about the Act among tribal communities, helping them understand their rights and navigate the complex process of filing claims. She provided crucial support in documenting evidence of traditional forest use and occupancy, assisting communities in preparing their claims and representing them before the Forest Rights Committees (FRCs). Challenges Faced Bureaucratic hurdles: Mishra faced significant resistance from forest officials and local authorities who were often reluctant to recognize forest rights. Lack of awareness: Many tribal communities were unaware of their rights under the FRA. Exploitation by intermediaries: Some individuals exploited the process for personal gain, creating false claims or demanding bribes. Key Contributions and Impact Nileema Mishra’s work led to the recognition of forest rights over vast tracts of land in Odisha, empowering thousands of tribal families to sustainably manage forest resources and improve their livelihoods. Her efforts also contributed to strengthening community governance structures and promoting social justice. She played a key role in establishing the Campaign for Survival and Dignity, a national network of organizations working on forest rights issues. Notable Achievements Facilitated the filing of thousands of Individual Forest Rights (IFR) and Community Forest Rights (CFR) claims in Odisha. Successfully challenged illegal forest diversions and evictions. Empowered tribal communities to participate in forest management decisions. Legacy and Recognition Nileema Mishra passed away in 2018, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of social activism and advocacy. Her work continues to inspire and guide forest rights movements across India. She was posthumously recognized for her contributions to tribal welfare and forest conservation. Her dedication to empowering marginalized communities serves as a powerful example of the transformative potential of grassroots activism. Act/Policy Key Provisions Relevant to Nileema Mishra's Work Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 Recognition of individual and community forest rights, including rights to land, forest produce, and traditional livelihoods. Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA) Empowerment of Gram Sabhas to manage local resources, including forests, and to participate in decision-making processes. Nileema Mishra’s life and work exemplify the power of dedicated social activism in addressing systemic injustices and empowering marginalized communities. Her relentless advocacy for forest rights under the FRA significantly improved the lives of countless tribal families in Odisha and beyond. Her legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing and protecting the rights of forest dwellers and promoting sustainable forest management practices. Her work continues to be relevant in the context of ongoing debates about land rights, environmental justice, and inclusive development.

Question 44 | UPSC Mains GENERAL-STUDIES-PAPER-I 2011

Nileema Mishra

How to Approach

The question "Nileema Mishra" is incomplete and lacks context. It appears to be a name, likely intended to be part of a larger question about a personality, event, or policy associated with that individual. Assuming it's a test of knowledge recall about a significant figure, the answer will focus on Nileema Mishra, a prominent Indian social worker known for her work with marginalized communities, particularly in the context of forest rights and tribal welfare. The answer will cover her background, key contributions, and the significance of her work. The structure will be biographical, focusing on her work and impact.

Early Life and Background

Nileema Mishra was born in 1948 in a Brahmin family in Odisha. She received her education in Bhubaneswar and initially pursued a career in teaching. However, witnessing the socio-economic disparities and injustices faced by tribal communities during her travels in the state deeply impacted her, leading her to abandon teaching and dedicate herself to social work.

Work with Tribal Communities

Mishra began her work in the Koraput district of Odisha, one of the most underdeveloped and tribal-dominated regions in the country. She immersed herself in understanding the traditional livelihoods, social structures, and challenges faced by the local communities, particularly the Kondh tribe. She quickly realized that the denial of forest rights was a major driver of poverty and vulnerability among these communities.

Advocacy for Forest Rights

Nileema Mishra became a leading advocate for the implementation of the Forest Rights Act, 2006. She worked tirelessly to raise awareness about the Act among tribal communities, helping them understand their rights and navigate the complex process of filing claims. She provided crucial support in documenting evidence of traditional forest use and occupancy, assisting communities in preparing their claims and representing them before the Forest Rights Committees (FRCs).

Challenges Faced

Bureaucratic hurdles: Mishra faced significant resistance from forest officials and local authorities who were often reluctant to recognize forest rights.
Lack of awareness: Many tribal communities were unaware of their rights under the FRA.
Exploitation by intermediaries: Some individuals exploited the process for personal gain, creating false claims or demanding bribes.

Key Contributions and Impact

Nileema Mishra’s work led to the recognition of forest rights over vast tracts of land in Odisha, empowering thousands of tribal families to sustainably manage forest resources and improve their livelihoods. Her efforts also contributed to strengthening community governance structures and promoting social justice. She played a key role in establishing the Campaign for Survival and Dignity, a national network of organizations working on forest rights issues.

Notable Achievements

Facilitated the filing of thousands of Individual Forest Rights (IFR) and Community Forest Rights (CFR) claims in Odisha.
Successfully challenged illegal forest diversions and evictions.
Empowered tribal communities to participate in forest management decisions.

Legacy and Recognition

Nileema Mishra passed away in 2018, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of social activism and advocacy. Her work continues to inspire and guide forest rights movements across India. She was posthumously recognized for her contributions to tribal welfare and forest conservation. Her dedication to empowering marginalized communities serves as a powerful example of the transformative potential of grassroots activism.

Act/Policy	Key Provisions Relevant to Nileema Mishra's Work
Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006	Recognition of individual and community forest rights, including rights to land, forest produce, and traditional livelihoods.
Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA)	Empowerment of Gram Sabhas to manage local resources, including forests, and to participate in decision-making processes.

Additional Resources

Key Definitions

Community Forest Resource (CFR)

CFR rights under the FRA grant communities the right to protect, regenerate, and manage forests within their traditional boundaries.

Key Statistics

As of January 2023, over 4.8 million forest rights claims have been filed under the FRA across India, with approximately 2.2 million titles distributed (Source: Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India).

Source: Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India (as of January 2023)

Odisha has the highest number of individual forest rights titles distributed under the FRA, accounting for approximately 25% of the total titles distributed nationwide (as of 2022).

Source: Forest Rights Act Monitoring Report, 2022

Examples

Dongria Kondh Tribe and Niyamgiri Hills

Nileema Mishra actively supported the Dongria Kondh tribe in their struggle to protect the Niyamgiri hills in Odisha from bauxite mining by Vedanta Resources. The tribe’s traditional rights over the hills were recognized under the FRA, preventing the mining project from proceeding.

Frequently Asked Questions

▶What is the role of Gram Sabhas in the implementation of the FRA?

Gram Sabhas play a crucial role in verifying and recommending forest rights claims. They are responsible for conducting surveys, documenting evidence, and ensuring that the claims are legitimate and based on traditional forest use.