Parliament Question: FRA Claims in Banaskantha, Gujarat

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TRIBAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3369 TO BE ANSWERED ON- 12.03.2026 FRA CLAIMS IN BANASKANTHA, GUJARAT †3369. Smt. Geniben Nagaji Thakor: Will the Minister of TRIBAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state: (a) the number of claims filed, approved, rejected and pending under the Forest Rights Act (FRA) in Banaskantha district, category-wise; (b) whether the Government is aware of conflicts between forest officials and tribal communities regarding land rights in the district and if so, the details thereof; (c) whether any eviction or demolition action has been taken before the final disposal of claims under the Forest Rights Act and if so, the details thereof; (d) whether accountability has been fixed against any officer for violation of the prescribed procedure and if so, the details thereof; and (e) the steps being taken by the Government to protect the livelihood, dignity and legal rights of tribal communities? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE FOR TRIBAL AFFAIRS (SHRI DURGA DAS UIKEY) (a): As per information provided by State Government of Gujarat (as on 31st July 2025), in Banaskantha District, a total of 10272 claims (9488 Individuals and 784 Community) have been filed at Gram Sabha level out of which a total of 7403 claims have been approved (comprising 6619 Individuals and 784 Community). Further, a total of 2869 claims are pending for decision and there is no rejection of claims. (b) to (d): State Government of Gujarat has informed that there was one such incident wherein the area of 1 claimant was also involved in the proposed plantation area. State Government has further stated that the action was inadvertent and necessary directions have been issued by the chairperson, District Level Committee in this regard.(e): Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) being the nodal Ministry for overall policy, planning and coordination of programs for development of Tribal Communities, is implementing various schemes for the welfare and development of STs which also ensures livelihood security of ST communities. In this direction, Ministry of Tribal Affairs has also taken various initiatives through multiple schemes including Dharti Abha Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DA-JGUA) which inter alia focuses on effective implementation of FRA by setting up dedicated FRA cells at the State, district and subdivision levels and convergence of benefits of various Government Schemes (related to Schemes of Department of Animal Husbandry, Department of Agriculture and Department of Fisheries) to FRA Patta holders to ensure socio economic development. *****