Forest Rights Act 2006

In one line: The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 recognises the rights of forest-dwelling communities over land and resources they have long depended on.

What it does

The FRA recognises individual rights (such as land under cultivation) and community rights (such as minor forest produce, grazing and water). It also gives communities the right to protect, regenerate and manage community forest resources they have traditionally conserved. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs is the nodal ministry, while States implement the Act on the ground. The Act came into force at the end of 2007 and its rules from 1 January 2008.

The gram sabha's role

Section 6 makes the gram sabha the authority to start the process of recognising rights. Claims then pass to a Sub-Divisional Level Committee and a District Level Committee. Section 5 empowers gram sabhas and right holders to protect wildlife, forest and biodiversity. This is why the FRA is at the heart of the current consent debate.

Where to go next

• Two-stage forest clearance
• PESA Act, 1996