Why in the news?

• The Union Government is developing a national web portal to try and take the entire process of forest rights recognition and management online under the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006.

Forest Rights Act (FRA) of 2006

• Oher Name: Also known as the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act.
• Aim: To recognize and vest forest rights and occupation in forest land to forest-dwelling Scheduled Tribes (STs) and other traditional forest dwellers (OTFDs), who have been residing in such forests for generations but whose rights have not been recorded.
• Features
  • Recognition of Forest Rights: The Act recognizes the rights of forest-dwelling Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers to live in and cultivate forest land for habitation or self-cultivation.
  • Vesting of Rights: It provides for the vesting of forest rights and occupation in forest land to eligible individuals and communities.
  • Types of Rights: The Act recognizes various types of rights, including land rights, ownership rights, habitat rights, and community forest rights.
  • Process of Recognition: The Act outlines the process for the recognition and verification of forest rights by the concerned authorities at the gram sabha (village assembly) level.
  • Appeals and Grievance Redressal: It establishes mechanisms for filing appeals and resolving grievances related to the recognition of forest rights.
  • Protection of Forests and Wildlife: While recognizing the rights of forest dwellers, the Act also emphasizes the conservation and protection of forests, wildlife, and biodiversity.

Source: The Hindu