-The Indian Express A committee set up by the Ministry of Environment and Forests has suggested new parameters to declare pristine Forested areas as ‘inviolate’ and thus out of bounds for mining or other harmful non-Forest activities. The panel, headed by former environment secretary T Chatterjee, has recommended that national parks and wildlife sanctuaries; areas within a kilometre of protected areas; compact patches of very dense Forests; last remnants of Forest types...

-The Indian Express Nagpur: In Gadchiroli, where disadvantaged tribal youths have no employment opportunities other than in police and Forest departments, a scheme providing assured jobs in five-star hotels and automobile and construction industries is proving to be a huge draw. ‘Skills development programme’ has since its launch in June last year provided jobs to over 170 youth with income ranging from Rs 4,000 to Rs 12,000. Those with a Rs-4,000 package are...

-The Economic Times The move to ease diversion of Forest land for industrial use by the Prime Minister's Office faces further delay as the ministries of tribal affairs and environment want more time for consultations. A panel headed by principal secretary to the prime minister, Pulok Chatterjee, had decided to dilute the requirement of taking consent from the affected tribal population before diverting Forest land. The committee, which submitted its report...

-The Times of India The Supreme Court on Monday wanted to know from Andaman & Nicobar Island administration whether it intended to keep in isolation the extremely endangered Jarawa tribe, which numbered just over 300, and banned all tourist movement in their habitat. "We need to know the policy of the government. Whether they want the Jarawas to be kept in isolation or to be assimilated in the mainstream," asked a bench...

-The Hindustan Times From joblessness to lack of development, militants in the northeast have fought for several causes over the years. Here’s the latest reason they’re picking up guns — dislike for a proposed tiger reserve. A tribal community in central Assam’s Karbi Anglong district has floated a militant outfit to oppose the creation of  the reserve. The outfit has taken shape among Rengmas, a Naga tribe. The Council of Naga Rengma...