Why in the news?

• The Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) urged all states and Union Territories implementing the law to clear the backlog of all forest and community land claims under the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006.

Forest Rights Act (FRA) of 2006

• 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.