Rehabilitation of Tribal Families in Kerala Rajya Sabha The Central Government has received request from the Government of Kerala for approval of diversion of forest land for resettlement of tribal families. The Ministry of Environment & Forests has informed that the district-wise break up of the forest land identified by the State Government and required for the purpose of diversion under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 for resettlement of tribals is as below: - S. No. District Forest Area (hectare) 1. Wayanad 3,008.080 2. Kannur 83.000 3.Kasargod 37.203 4.Malappuram 203.640 5.Palakkad 4,361.3027 Total 7,693.2257 The number of families to whom the diverted forest land is to be given and is to be decided by the State Government. On the basis of the proposal submitted by the State Government, the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India, has accorded approval in February, 2004 for diversion of 7,693.2257 hectares of forest land under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 for resettlement of tribals in the State of Kerala subject to payment of Net Present Value of the diverted forest land as required for the compliance of the orders of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has also advised the State Government to provide land to the landless tribals, if necessary by purchasing land from private owners, from TSP and other funds.This information was given by Shri P.R. Kyndiah, Minister of Tribal Affairs to the question raised by Shri A. Vijayaraghavan and Shri K. Chandran Pillai in the Rajya Sabha today. 400 FM Radio Stations identified in India About 400 stations have been identified, which are envisaged to be utilized for expansion of private FM radio in phase II. However, the policy for expansion of private FM radio in phase II is yet to be finalized.In Karnataka, Bangalore, Hubli, Mangalore, Belgaum, Gulbarga, Mysore and Davangere are envisaged for expansion of private FM radio. In Phase I Government had allowed the setting up of private FM radio stations at 40 locations. The main objective of setting up FM radio stations are expansion of FM network; Radio programmes with superior quality of fidelity and reception and generation of programmes with local content and relevance; Fillip of broadcasting and encouragement of new talent; Generation of employment and Generation of revenue for the Government.This information was given by Minister of Information & Broadcasting and Culture, Shri S. Jaipal Reddy in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.