Introduction
The Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006, officially known as the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, is a landmark legislation in India. It aims to recognize and vest the forest rights and occupation of forest land in forest-dwelling tribal communities and other traditional forest dwellers.
Key Provisions and Benefits
- Land Rights: The act grants ownership of land (up to 4 hectares) to individuals and families who have been cultivating forest land for generations but do not have legal rights.
- Community Rights: It provides communities the right to access, use, and manage forest resources for livelihood purposes, including collection of non-timber forest produce (NTFP) like fruits, honey, and medicinal plants.
- Protection Against Eviction: The act protects forest dwellers from unlawful displacement and ensures that their rights are respected.
- Empowerment: It empowers Gram Sabhas to manage and conserve forest resources, thus encouraging participatory governance.
Examples
In states like Odisha and Madhya Pradesh, tribal groups have been granted land titles under FRA, allowing them to manage forest areas and sell forest produce. In Maharashtra, tribal communities in Gadchiroli district manage over 1,500 hectares of forest sustainably under community forest rights.
Conclusion
FRA, 2006 plays a critical role in rectifying historical injustices and promoting the welfare and development of forest communities by legalizing their rights and ensuring sustainable forest governance.