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.

• Also called The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act.

Key Features

• 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.
• It provides for the vesting of forest rights and occupation in forest land to eligible individuals and communities.
• The act recognizes various types of rights, including land rights, ownership rights, habitat rights, and community forest rights.
• The act outlines the process for the recognition and verification of forest rights by the concerned authorities at the gram sabha (village assembly) level.
• It establishes mechanisms for filing appeals and resolving grievances related to the recognition of forest rights.
• While recognizing the rights of forest dwellers, the Act also emphasizes the conservation and protection of forests, wildlife, and biodiversity.

Source: The Hindu