About the Forest Rights Act, 2006
An Act to recognize and vest the forest rights and occupation in forest land in forest dwelling Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers who have been residing in such forests for generations.
Key Provisions and Granted Rights
Title Rights
- Right to hold and live in the forest land for habitation or for self-cultivation for livelihood.
- The land cannot be more than 4 hectares.
- The rights are heritable but not alienable or transferable.
Use Rights (Ownership)
- Minor forest produce (includes all non-timber forest produce of plant origin).
- Grazing areas and water bodies.
- Traditional seasonal resource access for nomadic or pastoralist communities.
Relief & Development Rights
- Rehabilitation in case of illegal eviction or forced displacement.
- Right to basic amenities subject to restrictions for forest protection.
Forest Management Rights
- Right to protect, regenerate, conserve or manage any community forest resource which they have been traditionally protecting.
Who is Eligible?
Forest Dwelling Scheduled Tribes (FDST)
Members or community of the Scheduled Tribes who primarily reside in and who depend on the forests or forest lands for bona fide livelihood needs.
Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (OTFD)
Any member or community who has for at least three generations (75 years) prior to 13th December, 2005 primarily resided in and depended on the forest or forest lands for bona fide livelihood needs.
The Three-Step Claim Process
Gram Sabha
The process begins at the village level. The Gram Sabha (village assembly) initiates the process, receives claims, consolidates them, and verifies them. It then passes a resolution and forwards it to the next level.
Sub-Divisional Level Committee (SDLC)
The SDLC examines the resolution and evidence passed by the Gram Sabha. It hears petitions from aggrieved persons and has the authority to approve or reject claims before passing them to the district level.
District Level Committee (DLC)
The DLC is the final authority to approve or reject claims. It considers the findings of the SDLC, hears further petitions, and gives final approval. The land titles (pattas) are then prepared and distributed.