Ten lakh tribals across the country have been given land rights so far under the Indian forest Rights Act. In an exclusive interview to our correspondent Vijay Raina the Minister for Tribal Affairs Kanti Lal Bhuria said that 28 lakh representations have been received for the purpose. He added that the process for granting the land rights to the remaining tribal families is on and state governments have been asked to expedite the process.Responding to the question on the implementation of forests protection act, he made it clear that the tribals will have to be made stake holders in the development projects including mining. He, however, clarified while granting clearance to such projects, their impact on climate change and culture of the tribal community will always be taken into account. Referring to the recently constituted Apex Council, he said it will help implement the developmental projects for the community with speed and transparency. The 18 Member council headed by the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh was constituted recently.He conceded that there are reports of corruption in the implementation of Tribal Welfare Schemes and urged the state governments to give stringent punishment to those responsible for corrupt practices.In response to a question on illegal mining in the country, he said a survey is being launched to identify such mines so as to take action against the defaulters . Mr. Bhuria said though the state governments have been asked to deal with illegal mining with a heavy hand, a joint initiative by Tribal Affairs and Environment ministry will be launched soon to put pressure on the states to act immediately.