Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006

Government initiated an eviction of illegal encroachers in 2005, which was highly resisted. To pacify the protest, government came up with “The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006”.

• FRA, 2006 acceded rights of the forest dwellers.

Some Important Features of the Act: The Act recognized rights of the forest dwelling Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers who have been residing in forests for generations. It also accepted their method of sustainable use, conservation of biodiversity and maintenance of ecological balance.

It recognizes four kinds of rights –

1. Title Rights: Ownership up to 4 hectare cultivable land. No new lands will be provided.
2. Use Rights: They can extract minor forest produce, access grazing areas, etc.
3. Relief and Development Rights: In case of illegal eviction, rehabilitation services will be provided.
4. Forest Management Rights: Accepting their traditional means of conserving and managing forests.