Government Approves 5.36 Lakh Forest Rights Claims Over Five Years
Synopsis
In a significant move to recognize the rights of forest-dwelling communities, the government has approved 5.36 lakh forest rights claims under the FRA. This initiative aims to rectify historical wrongs and empower local populations.
Key Takeaways
5.36 lakh forest rights claims recognized under the FRA.
A total of 11.35 lakh claims filed between 2021-2026.
Majority of claims still pending, highlighting processing delays.
Training and support initiatives established for claim processing.
State administrations play a vital role in implementation.
New Delhi, March 23 (NationPress) A total of 5.36 lakh forest rights claims have been approved in the past five years under the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006, which aims to rectify historical injustices by acknowledging the land and resource rights of forest-dwelling communities, as reported to the Lok Sabha on Monday.
Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, Durgadas Uikey, stated that based on data from states and Union Territories, from March 1, 2021, to March 1, 2026, a cumulative total of 11.35 lakh (comprising 10.71 lakh individual and 64,603 community) forest rights claims (FRCs) have been submitted.
Of these, 5.36 lakh claims (including 4.89 lakh individual and 46,687 community) have been acknowledged, while 5.88 lakh claims (with 5.70 lakh individual and 18,016 community) are still pending at various stages, according to the Minister of State.
Uikey shared that in Uttar Pradesh, during the last five years, 434 claims (of which 402 are individual and 32 community) have been filed. Out of these, 67 pending claims were processed, and 4,104 previously rejected claims were re-evaluated. In total, 4,605 claims (which includes 4,573 individual and 32 community) have been recognized in the state.
Uikey emphasized that the execution of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, is primarily the responsibility of state and Union Territory administrations. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) has urged these authorities in various review meetings to process claims under the FRA promptly and work closely with districts to address any issues hindering the resolution of claims.
He noted that MoTA has not performed any field verifications or independent assessments regarding adherence to statutory processes, the operations of Gram Sabhas, or the capabilities of implementing bodies.
Furthermore, Uikey stated that the Ministry has facilitated training sessions, workshops, and awareness initiatives for state officials, members of Forest Rights Committees, and representatives of Gram Sabhas to enhance their understanding of statutory protocols and evidentiary requirements.
Point of View
The recent acknowledgment of over 5.36 lakh forest rights claims under the Forest Rights Act marks a crucial step towards rectifying historical injustices faced by forest-dwelling communities. This initiative underscores the government's commitment to ensuring equitable access to land and resources for these populations.
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Forest Rights Act?
The Forest Rights Act, 2006, aims to recognize the land and resource rights of forest-dwelling communities, addressing historical injustices.
How many claims have been recognized under the FRA?
A total of 5.36 lakh forest rights claims have been recognized in the last five years.
What is the role of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs?
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs oversees the implementation of the Forest Rights Act and encourages states to process claims efficiently.
What support has been provided to state officials?
The Ministry has organized training programs and workshops to enhance the understanding of statutory procedures among state officials and community representatives.
Are there still pending claims?
Yes, there are 5.88 lakh claims still pending at various levels.
