PRESERVATION OF TRIBAL IDENTITY AND COLLECTIVE RIGHTS

**Executive Summary** The Ministry of Tribal Affairs provided information in response to a question in Lok Sabha on December 11, 2025 regarding the implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006. The Ministry has issued advisories, guidelines, and provided financial support to State Governments and UT Administrations to ensure the protection and recognition of Community Forest Rights (CFRs). The goal is to safeguard tribal identity, customary governance systems, and their collective access to forest resources. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Forest Rights Act, 2006 and CFRs:** * The FRA aims to redress historical injustices against Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers by recognizing their rights over forest lands and resources. * Section 3(1)(i) of the Act provides rights to protect, regenerate, conserve, or manage Community Forest Resources. * **Ministry of Tribal Affairs Initiatives:** * Issued advisories to State Governments and UT Administrations to protect and recognize Community Forest Rights (CFRs). * Issued detailed Guidelines for Conservation, Management, and Sustainable Use of Community Forest Resources in 2023. * Extended financial support through the DhartiAabaJanjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DA–JGUA) to strengthen Gram Sabhas and Community Forest Resource Management Committees. * **Monitoring and Review:** * Consistently engages with State Governments and UT Administrations through periodic review meetings to monitor FRA implementation and expedite claim disposal. * Specifically directed states with high pendency to undertake special drives for backlog clearance. * Advised State Governments to ensure regular convening of Gram Sabhas, Sub-Divisional Level Committees (SDLCs), and District Level Committees (DLCs) for timely claim scrutiny and disposal. * Urged State Level Monitoring Committees (SLMCs) to proactively review and address grassroots-level issues. * **Commitment and Support:** * Fully committed to safeguarding the spirit of the Forest Rights Act, 2006. * Provides capacity-building programs, technical support, and advisories to the States. * Monitors progress and supports States through targeted interventions under schemes like DA-JGUA. **Impact Analysis** **State Governments and UT Administrations** * **Impact**: Responsible for implementing the FRA and ensuring the protection and recognition of Community Forest Rights (CFRs). They must convene Gram Sabhas, Sub-Divisional Level Committees (SDLCs), and District Level Committees (DLCs). * **Action Required**: Review and implement advisories and guidelines issued by the Ministry. Expedite the disposal of pending claims, particularly in states with high pendency. Participate in review meetings. **Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers** * **Impact**: Benefits from the recognition and protection of their rights over forest lands and resources. The FRA and related initiatives aim to undo historical injustices and ensure their access to forest resources for sustainable use. * **Action Required**: Engage with Gram Sabhas and Community Forest Resource Management Committees to prepare and implement community-led forest management plans. **Gram Sabhas, Sub-Divisional Level Committees (SDLCs), District Level Committees (DLCs) and State Level Monitoring Committees (SLMCs)** * **Impact**: Carry out key duties with the implementation of FRA. * **Action Required**: Convene regularly, review claims in a timely manner and implement relevant FRA guidance.

Key Entities Referenced