Forest Rights Act - 2006

The Forest Rights Act, 2006 (also known as the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006) is a landmark legislation that recognizes and vests forest rights in forest-dwelling Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers. Let’s explore the key provisions and significance of this Act. It was passed on December 15, 2006, in the Lok Sabha and December 18, 2006, in the Rajya Sabha. It was signed by the President on December 29, 2006, but only notified into force on December 31, 2007 (one year later). The Rules to the Act - which provide for some of the operational details - were notified into force on January 1, 2008. 

Prior to being passed, the original Bill was subjected to a lengthy process of examination by a Joint Parliamentary Committee. The Committee's historic report marked a huge step forward for the struggle for forest rights.

Background and Purpose

• Enacted on 29th December 2006, the Forest Rights Act aims to address historical injustices faced by forest-dwelling communities.

• It recognizes their rights over ancestral lands and habitats, which were inadequately recognized during colonial and post-independence forest consolidation.

1. Recognition of Forest Rights:  

   • The Act recognizes and vests forest rights in forest-dwelling Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers.

   • These rights include access to land, minor forest produce, water bodies, and other resources.
      
2. Evidence and Recording:

   • The Act provides a framework for recording the forest rights vested in STs and other forest dwellers.

   • It specifies the nature of evidence required for such recognition and vesting.
      
3. Responsibilities and Authority:
   • Recognized rights include responsibilities for sustainable use, conservation of biodiversity, and ecological balance.
   • The Act strengthens the conservation regime while ensuring livelihood and food security for forest dwellers.
      
4. Addressing Insecurity and Relocation:
   • The Act addresses the insecurity of tenurial and access rights faced by forest dwellers, including those forcibly relocated due to state development interventions.

Impact and Implementation

• The Forest Rights Act empowers forest communities by recognizing their historical rights and ensuring their participation in forest management.
• It balances conservation with livelihood needs, promoting sustainable practices.

1. The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act 2006

   

2. Forest Rights Act Monitoring System