Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 (Governance)
Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 (Governance)Why In News:The Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs informed the Rajya Sabha that the implementation of the FRA, 2006 is the responsibility of State Governments/UTs, while the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) monitors progress through monthly reports (MPRs).Source: PIB Today, 5 August 2026, 'Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006'https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2294713®=48&lang=2Key Facts about the ActFull name: The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006.Purpose: Recognises and vests forest rights in Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest-dwelling communities who have resided in forests for generations but whose rights were not formally recorded.Nodal ministry: Administered by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, in coordination with State forest and revenue departments.Eligibility: Recognises rights of forest-dwelling Scheduled Tribes and traditional forest dwellers who depended on forests before 13 December 2005, with claims assessed by the Gram Sabha based on local evidence.Land Limit: Rights are given only for land under actual occupation, with a maximum limit of 4 hectares.Categories of rights: Grants individual rights (such as habitation and cultivation rights over forest land) and community rights (such as grazing, access to non-timber forest produce, and management of community forest resources).Role of Gram Sabha: Follows a bottom-up process- Gram Sabha verifies claims and forwards them to SDLC (Sub-Divisional Level Committee) and DLC (District Level Committee) for final approval.Record of Rights: Titles are heritable but non-transferable, meaning they cannot be sold or transferred.Protection from Eviction: Ensures no eviction of claimants until the recognition and verification process is completed.
Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006- Constitutional Framework
Article 46: Directs the State to promote and safeguard the interests of Scheduled Tribes and weaker sections, forming the social justice basis of FRA.Article 244: Provides for administration of Scheduled and Tribal Areas, ensuring special governance arrangements for tribal regions.Fifth & Sixth Schedules: Enable local self-governance and autonomy in tribal areas, strengthening community participation in forest rights.Article 48A & Article 51A(g): Impose duties on the State and citizens to protect forests, wildlife, and the environment, aligning FRA with conservation goals.