JFM Programme : Its Impact on Income and Employment in Uttarakhand

Forests are the most important natural resources for the sustenance of human kind since time immemorial.The forest policy, formulated in 1988 based on these experiences, gave priority to the needs of the forest dependent communities and subsequently on June 1, 1990 Government of India issued the guidelines for implementation of Joint Forest Management (JFM) programme as policy decision.The study area is confined to Nainital district of Uttarakhand. The district is purposively selected as it is the first district of Uttarakhand where JFM programme had been launched in the state and it is one of the successful districts in implementation of JFM programme. Joint Forest Management (JFM) programme is a potent source which can generate an additional income and employment for local people hence it need to be strengthened. Joint Forest Management (JFM) programme found to have more focus on short term direct benefit to the people.Though empowerment of local people through income generating activities is one of the main objective of JFM programme but creation of rural assets and its maintenance should be given importance for sustainable and long term benefit of the poor rural households.