FOREST RIGHTS ACT, 2006 (As a part of internal assessment in Political Science - General Elective) Submitted by: SILVY-142 KHUSHI SINGH- 145 ADITI PRAKASH- 251 JIGYASA YADAV- 342 SHUBHI RATHORE- 447 SHINE MAHAJAN- 561 CONTENTS TOPIC PAGE NUMBER INTRODUCTION 2-3 HISTORICAL BACKGROUND 4-5 FEATURES OF FRA, 2006 6-7 ARGUMENTS IN FAVOUR OF THE FRA, 2006 8-9 ARGUMENTS AGAINST THE FRA, 2006 10-11 INJUSTICES AND CHALLENGES FACED BY THE FOREST DWELLER COMMUNITIES 12-13 CHALLENGES AND ISSUES IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FRA, 2006 14-15 IN WAY FORWARD 16-17 BIBLIOGRAPHY 18 1 INTRODUCTION The intersection of human rights and environmental conservation has garnered increasing attention in academic discourse and policy arenas worldwide. In this context, the Forest Rights Act (FRA) of India, enacted in 2006, stands as a pivotal legislative framework that not only addresses historical injustices against forest-dwelling communities but also emphasizes the crucial link between indigenous land rights and sustainable environmental stewardship. The Forest Rights Act (FRA) of India, enacted in 2006, is a landmark legislation aimed at addressing historical injustices faced by forest-dwelling communities, particularly Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers. It recognizes and vests forest rights and occupation in these communities, granting legal recognition to their customary rights over ancestral lands and forest resources. By empowering local communities with control and management responsibilities, the FRA promotes community-based approaches to environmental governance, highlighting the crucial link between indigenous land rights and sustainable environmental stewardship. The Act signifies a departure from colonial-era forest policies that marginalized and dispossessed indigenous peoples, emphasizing principles of equity, justice, and sustainability. Despite its transformative potential, the implementation of the FRA has been marred by challenges such as bureaucratic hurdles, lack of awareness, and resistance from vested interests. Nevertheless, the Forest Rights Act remains a significant step towards ensuring the rights and livelihoods of forest-dependent communities while advancing the goals of environmental conservation and social justice in India. Forest dwellers and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in India comprise diverse indigenous communities with deep cultural and historical connections to forest ecosystems. These communities have traditionally relied on forests for their livelihoods, sustenance, and cultural practices. Scheduled Tribes, recognized under the Indian Constitution, are marginalized groups often residing in remote and forested regions. Forest dwellers encompass a broader category of people living in or near forests, including Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest-dependent communities. Both groups face socio-economic challenges, including land dispossession, lack of access to basic services, and limited representation in decision-making processes, necessitating protective legislation like the Forest Rights Act. At its core, the Forest Rights Act embodies principles of equity, justice, and sustainability. By granting legal recognition to the customary rights of forest-dependent communities over their ancestral lands, the legislation not only upholds fundamental human rights but also acknowledges indigenous knowledge and practices integral to biodiversity conservation. Moreover, by empowering local communities with control and management responsibilities over forest resources, the FRA promotes community-based approaches to environmental governance, which are often more effective and equitable than top-down conservation strategies. 2 Understanding the Forest Rights Act of India is crucial within the context of a course addressing human rights and the environment. Firstly, it illustrates the intricate connection between the protection of human rights and the preservation of natural ecosystems, emphasizing that environmental conservation cannot be achieved at the expense of indigenous rights and well-being. Secondly, the FRA serves as a case study for analyzing the complexities of policy implementation, the role of grassroots movements, and the challenges of balancing conservation objectives with social justice imperatives. In this paper, we will delve into the historical background, key provisions, and implementation challenges of the Forest Rights Act of India, examining its implications for both human rights discourse and environmental conservation efforts. Through this exploration, we aim to underscore the significance of integrating indigenous perspectives and rights-based approaches into environmental policy frameworks, fostering more inclusive and sustainable models of conservation and development. 3 HISTORICAL BACKGROUND Forests in India have historically been home to various tribal communities, who relied on them for their livelihoods and saw them as integral to their way of life. Before colonial intervention, these tribes coexisted with forests sustainably, engaging in practices like Jhum cultivation, hunting-gathering, and animal herding. However, British colonial interests in commercializing forest resources led to the imposition of laws that transformed forests from common property resources to state-owned property. This disrupted the autonomy of tribal communities over their land, deeming them outsiders on their own territories, and perpetuating a cycle of exploitation and marginalization. The Indian Forest Act of 1865 marked the beginning of colonial control over forests and pastures in India. It was later replaced by a more authoritative legislation in 1878, which categorized forests into reserve, protected, and village forests, granting colonial authorities power to identify and demarcate valuable forest land, particularly for railway development. This act was succeeded by the Indian Forest Act of 1927, which retained the forest categorization and allowed the Forest Department to declare reserved, protected, and village forests, prohibiting people's access without approval. It facilitated deforestation for commercial crops, disregarding the rights of forest dwellers, leading to protests by Scheduled Tribe groups that were ignored by British rulers. The colonial forest laws were adopted in post-Independence India’s forest legislation. Unsurveyed community lands under the Princely States, zamindars and private owners were transferred to the Forest Department, declaring them as reserved forests, while no concrete attempt was made to secure forest rights of tribal communities. In the late 1960s, there was a push for setting up national parks for tigers and other large animals by two social groups - first, a class of ex-hunters turned conservationists and second, representatives of international agencies, such as the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN), seeking to transplant the American system of national parks on Indian soil. This led to the enactment of The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, under which national parks and wildlife sanctuaries were established. It has been noted that in this Western approach to conservation, the needs of the local population have not been taken into account. In the 1990s, BD Sharma, the Commissioner for Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes, highlighted the issue of tribal land dispossession, attributing tribal unrest to the non-recognition of their land and forest rights. His recommendations prompted the Ministry of Environment and Forests to issue guidelines for regularizing forest land rights, but these were not effectively implemented by states. Additionally, a 1996 public interest litigation led the Supreme Court(TN Godavarman v. Union of India) to order stricter enforcement of forest laws nationwide, resulting 4 in the Forest Conservation Act, 1980, being applied to all lands recorded as forests in government records. This decision brought previously categorized common lands under Forest Department control, leading to the criminalization of tribal communities who were now considered encroachers on their own lands. Consequently, in 1996, the Environment Ministry issued orders to remove ‘encroachers’ from forest land, leading to large scale evictions of tribal people. The uproar against these evictions gave a fresh impetus to the tribal rights movement in India, and led to the formation of the ‘Campaign for Survival and Dignity’ in 2002 which spearheaded the demand for the recognition of forest rights.The CSD employed multi pronged strategies, ranging from campaigns to dialogue with political parties to litigation, to address the eviction of forest dwellers. With the change in government in May 2004, the United Progressive Alliance (UPA-1) formed, supported by Left parties, made significant policy shifts regarding forest dwellers' rights. The UPA-1 government halted forest evictions and pledged to recognize and restore Scheduled Tribes' rights, as outlined in the Common Minimum Programme. They conveyed to the Supreme Court that historically, forest dwellers had been alienated from their lands without viable livelihood alternatives or compensation. Forest rights groups, led by the Campaign for Survival and Dignity (CSD), argued against the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) handling forest dwellers' rights, advocating instead for the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) to draft legislation. This move, supported by the National Advisory Council under UPA-1, marked a significant victory for forest rights groups over bureaucratic and conservation opposition. The draft Bill was initially titled “The Scheduled Tribes (Recognition of Forest Rights) Bill 2005,” and was introduced by the MoTA during the winter session of Parliament on December 13, 2005. After much discussion and a series of deliberations, both within and outside Parliament, on the nature and process of recognition of forest rights, the Bill was finally passed in Parliament on December 15, 2006 as the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 and received the approval of the President on December 29, 2006. The rules of its implementation were finalised in December 2007, and the Act came into force on January 1, 2008 5 FEATURES OF THE FRA, 2006 The act recognizes and vests the forest rights and occupation in Forest land in forest Dwelling Scheduled Tribes (FDST) and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (OTFD)who have been residing in such forests for generations. The act also establishes the responsibilities and authority for sustainable use, conservation of biodiversity and maintenance of ecological balance of FDST and OTFD.It strengthens the conservation regime of the forests while ensuring livelihood and food security of the FDST and OTFD. It seeks to rectify colonial injustice to the FDST and OTFD who are integral to the very survival and sustainability of the forest ecosystem. The act identifies four types of rights: Title rights ● It gives FDST and OTFD the right to ownership to land farmed by tribals or forest dwellers subject to a maximum of 4 hectares. ● Ownership is only for land that is actually being cultivated by the concerned family and no new lands will be granted. Use rights The rights of the dwellers extend to extracting Minor Forest Produce, grazing areas, to pastoralist routes, etc. Relief and development rights To rehabilitation in case of illegal eviction or forced displacement and to basic amenities, subject to restrictions for forest protection. Forest management rights It includes the right to protect, regenerate or conserve or manage any community forest resource which they have been traditionally protecting and conserving for sustainable use. 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. It can also be claimed by any member or community who has for at least three generations (75 years) prior to the 13th day of December, 2005 primarily resided in forest land for bona fide livelihood needs. The Gram Sabha is the authority to initiate the process for determining the nature and extent of Individual Forest Rights (IFR) or Community Forest Rights (CFR) or both that may be given to FDST and OTFD. First, the gram sabha (full village assembly, NOT the gram panchayat) makes a recommendation – i.e who has been cultivating land for how long, which minor forest produce is collected, etc. The 6 gram sabha plays this role because it is a public body where all people participate, and hence is fully democratic and transparent. The gram sabha’s recommendation goes through two stages of screening committees at the taluka and district levels. The district level committee makes the final decision ( section 6(6)). The Committees have six members – three government officers and three elected persons. At both the taluka and the district levels, any person who believes a claim is false can appeal to the Committees, and if they prove their case the right is denied (sections 6(2) and 6(4)). Finally, land recognised under this Act cannot be sold or transferred. 7 ARGUMENTS IN FAVOUR OF THE FRA, 2006 The Forest Rights Act (FRA) of 2006 is a crucial piece of legislation in India aimed at recognizing and vesting forest rights and occupation in forest land to forest-dwelling communities. Here are several arguments in favor of the Forest Rights Act: Recognition of Rights; The Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 recognizes the rights of the forest dwelling tribal communities and other traditional forest dwellers to forest resources, on which these communities were dependent for a variety of needs, including livelihood, habitation and other socio-cultural needs. The forest management policies, including the Acts, Rules and Forest Policies of Participatory Forest Management policies in both colonial and post-colonial India, did not, till the enactment of this Act, recognize the symbiotic relationship of the STs with the forests, reflected in their dependence on the forest as well as in their traditional wisdom regarding conservation of the forests. This recognition is crucial for ensuring the livelihood and well-being of these communities, many of whom have been living in and dependent on forests for Social Justice: The FRA is seen as a measure of social justice, as it seeks to rectify historical injustices faced by forest-dwelling communities. These communities have often been marginalized and dispossessed of their traditional lands and resources. Conservation of Forests: Contrary to the belief that recognizing community rights over forest land might lead to increased deforestation, studies have shown that communities with secure rights are often more effective stewards of their forests. Recognizing community rights can lead to better forest management and conservation outcomes. Livelihood Security: For many forest-dwelling communities, forests are a crucial source of livelihood, providing them with food, fuel, and other resources. The FRA helps secure these livelihoods by recognizing their rights over forest land and resources. Empowerment of Communities: By recognizing their rights, the FRA empowers forest-dwelling communities to participate in decision-making processes related to forest management. This can lead to more sustainable and equitable outcomes for both communities and forests. 8 Legal recoginiton: Prior to the FRA, many forest-dwelling communities lacked legal recognition of their rights, leading to their marginalization and vulnerability to eviction. The FRA provides a legal framework for recognizing and protecting these rights. Democratization: It has the potential to democratize forest governance by recognising community forest resource rights over an estimated 85.6 million acres, thereby empowering over 200 million forest dwellers in over 1,70,000 villages. It will ensure that people get to manage their forest on their own which will regulate exploitation of forest resources by officials, forest governance and management as well as tribal rights etc. Compliance with International Obligations: The FRA is in line with international agreements and conventions, such as the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), which recognizes the rights of indigenous peoples to their lands, territories, and resources. Thus, the Act empowers the forest dwellers to access and use the forest resources in the manner that they were traditionally accustomed, to protect, conserve and manage forests, protect forest dwellers from unlawful evictions and provides for basic development facilities for the community of forest dwellers to access facilities of education, health, nutrition, infrastructure etc. 9 ARGUMENTS AGAINST THE FRA, 2006 The Forest Rights Act (2006), while aimed at addressing historical injustices and recognizing the rights of forest-dwelling communities in India, has been subject to criticism and scrutiny from various quarters. Despite its noble intentions, several concerns have been raised regarding its implementation and impact. The Act has led to adverse consequences for conservation efforts, hindered development initiatives, and exacerbated conflicts over forest resources. Moreover, the Act has failed to adequately balance the rights of indigenous communities with the imperative of environmental protection, leading to a host of socio-economic and ecological challenges. In examining the Forest Rights Act (2006), it becomes apparent that while it seeks to rectify past injustices, its implementation has been fraught with complexities and unintended consequences, raising questions about its efficacy and suitability. Some of the critics of FRA are as follows: Legislative Competence: The Act falls outside the legislative competence of the Parliament as it pertains more closely to land rights than forest-related matters. Critics argue that the Act, by regulating land tenure and rights in forest areas, infringes upon the domain of state governments, which typically have jurisdiction over land-related matters. This encroachment on state powers raises concerns about the centralization of authority and undermines the principles of federalism enshrined in the Indian Constitution. Right of Women: The slow implementation and lack of gender responsiveness have threatened Indigenous people's survival, particularly indigenous women who are often at the forefront of the fight for their community's forest rights. Gender-specific provisions in forest policies are limited, leading to marginalization and vulnerability, especially for widowed or separated women. Furthermore, patriarchal norms and power dynamics within forest-dwelling communities often restrict women's participation in community meetings, forest management committees, and other decision-making forums. This lack of representation undermines women's ability to voice their concerns, advocate for their interests, and influence decisions related to forest management and resource allocation. Despite challenges, some Indigenous women, like the Van Raji (a small forest-dwelling tribal group that inhabit remote, isolated, and ecologically fragile areas of Uttarakhand) have engaged in decision-making bodies to protect their rights, albeit at personal costs. Policymakers need to prioritize gender-inclusive forest policies and support Indigenous women's participation in decision-making processes to achieve socioeconomic progress and ecological sustainability. 10 Impact on sustainable livelihood: The Forest Rights Act has negatively impacted sustainable livelihoods by leading to conflicts over resource use, undermining traditional livelihood practices, and exacerbating poverty among forest-dependent communities. In some cases, the recognition of forest rights has resulted in unsustainable exploitation of forest resources, leading to ecological degradation and loss of income opportunities. Additionally, bureaucratic hurdles and delays in implementing the FRA have hindered communities' access to resources and livelihood opportunities, perpetuating socio-economic disparities and marginalization. Overall, the FRA's shortcomings have undermined rather than enhanced sustainable livelihoods for forest-dependent communities. Encouragement of deforestation: The FRA has led to an increase in deforestation in certain regions. By granting forest rights to communities without adequate safeguards for sustainable forest management, there is a risk of overexploitation of forest resources for short-term gains, leading to long-term ecological damage. Impacts on ecological and wildlife conservation efforts: The Act's provisions for recognizing individual and community forest rights have led to increased pressure on forest ecosystems, resulting in overexploitation and unsustainable harvesting practices, particularly for timber and non-timber forest products. This can lead to habitat degradation, fragmentation, and loss, negatively impacting wildlife populations dependent on these habitats. The FRA's decentralized governance structure may hinder effective conservation efforts, as local communities often lack coordination and oversight in implementing conservation measures. This can result in fragmented conservation efforts and inconsistent enforcement of environmental laws and regulations. The FRA has also been criticized for weakening protected area networks and undermining conservation efforts in critical biodiversity hotspots. As communities assert their rights over traditional forest lands, there is a risk of encroachment and fragmentation of protected areas, disrupting wildlife movement and compromising conservation landscapes. This is particularly concerning in ecologically sensitive regions like the Western Ghats or the Eastern Himalayas, where protected areas play a crucial role in preserving unique ecosystems and endangered species. Balancing the rights of forest-dwelling communities with biodiversity conservation remains a significant challenge, requiring integrated approaches that prioritize both conservation and community welfare. 11 INJUSTICES AND CHALLENGES FACED BY THE FOREST DWELLER COMMUNITIES Pre colonial era: Before colonialism, indigenous communities typically held customary rights over forests within their territories, with local communities enjoying various benefits from these forests. While rulers like kings or chieftains might claim hunting rights in certain forests, other resources within the forests remained accessible to the local communities. Colonial era: During the colonial period, the introduction of the Indian Forest Act in 1878 was grounded in the concept of 'eminent domain,' asserting the ruler's absolute ownership of all property. This led to the establishment of the Imperial Forest Department, which aimed to exploit forests for maximum timber yield and revenue generation while also safeguarding state property from perceived encroachment by local communities, now labeled as trespassers. The injustices inherent in this colonial forest policy manifested in various ways. Firstly, forests were predominantly viewed as a source of timber, resulting in the prohibition of shifting cultivation. Additionally, the survey and settlement of agricultural lands were incomplete and biased in favor of the state. 'Forest Villages' were established to ensure a labor force for forestry operations, where forest land was leased for agricultural purposes to households, predominantly comprising Adivasis, in exchange for compulsory labor, effectively creating a system akin to bonded labor. With forests now classified as state property, access to forest produce was restricted, temporary, and subject to charges, all under the control of a forest bureaucracy armed with police powers. Any concessions made to accommodate local livelihood needs were considered 'privileges' that could be altered or revoked at any time. Even in cases where access was permitted, local communities lacked the right to manage the forest, as valuable forests were logged by the state, rendering heavily utilized forests effectively open-access areas. Post independence era: Following Independence, little changed in terms of forest governance. The integration of princely states and zamindari estates into the Union saw forest areas declared as state property without regard for existing inhabitants, leading to the sudden labeling of long-standing residents as 'encroachers.' Subsequently, forest lands were leased out under initiatives like the 'Grow More Food' campaign to address the needs of a burgeoning population, yet these endeavors lacked proper regulation. 12 Displaced individuals from dam projects found themselves without alternative lands and consequently labeled as 'encroachers' on forest land elsewhere. Legislation such as the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972 and the Forest (Conservation) Act of 1980 (FCA) continued to operate within the framework of eminent domain. Many communities were forcibly relocated to establish sanctuaries and national parks. In the pursuit of development, the perspectives of local communities were disregarded, and despite substantial fees, they received inadequate compensation for the impact on their livelihoods. 13 CHALLENGES AND ISSUES IN IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FRA, 2006 Individual Rights vs. Community Rights: The implementation of the FRA has been plagued by political opportunism, forester resistance and bureaucratic apathy, and the discourse around it by deliberate canards and misconceptions In certain states, politicians have primarily emphasized individual rights, effectively transforming forest regulation into a scheme focused on regularizing encroachments. This narrow focus neglects the crucial recognition and safeguarding of community rights, which are fundamental for fostering sustainable forest management practices. The recognition of Individual Forest Rights (IFRs) has been inadequately executed, often hampered by resistance from the Forest Department, indifference from other governmental entities, and the misuse of technological tools. Claimants encounter significant challenges throughout the filing process, facing issues such as flawed and opaque rejections and arbitrary partial acknowledgments of their rights. Digital Processes in Areas with Poor Connectivity: The implementation of digital processes, exemplified by initiatives like the VanMitra software in Madhya Pradesh, presents additional hurdles in regions with poor connectivity and low literacy rates. This exacerbates existing injustices and impedes the efficient filing and processing of claims, thereby further marginalizing vulnerable communities and hindering their access to essential forest resources. Incomplete Recognition of Community Forest Rights (CFRs): The slow and incomplete recognition of Community Forest Rights (CFRs) represents a significant gap in the implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA). This reluctance on the part of the forest bureaucracy to acknowledge these rights has the potential to hinder the empowerment of local communities in effectively managing their forests. While some progress has been made in states like Maharashtra, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh regarding the recognition of CFRs, most states have lagged behind in this regard. Maharashtra's initiative to activate CFRs by de-nationalizing minor forest produce stands out as a positive step, although challenges persist, particularly in areas where mining activities are proposed. Convenient for Conservationists and Development Lobby: The non-recognition of community rights conveniently aligns with the interests of both staunch conservationists and the development lobby. Failure to acknowledge these rights leaves 14 communities residing in protected areas susceptible to so-called 'voluntary rehabilitation' schemes, while also opening up forests to exploitation for mining or dam projects without the need for community consent. Forest Villages Not Addressed: Furthermore, the issue of 'forest villages' remains largely unaddressed across many states, indicating a lack of comprehensive implementation of policies aimed at securing community rights and ensuring sustainable forest management. 15 WAY FORWARD Reviewing Pending claims expeditiously: There should be expeditious review of pending and rejected claims of Individual Forest rights and Community Forest rights. This will ensure betterment and justice for the Tribal and Forest dwellers. Role of District level committee: Regular meetings of district and sub-division level committees will facilitate approval of Individual Forest rights (IFR) and Community Forest rights (CFR) claims in a time- bound manner. Management of community forest resource: Effective and efficient management of forest resources will have lasting impact on ecology as well as livelihood of forest dwellers. Marketing and MSP support: There is a need to provide marketing and MSP support to non-timber forest products and create institutional mechanisms to support community forest enterprises for value addition. Forest Bureaucracy: The forest bureaucracy should also be reformed to serve as service providers to Gram Sabha. Informing lower-level officials: Intensive awareness and information dissemination campaigns are required at local level to update both tribal and lower- level officials. Capacity building for inclusive governance: Strategy of training and capacity building through skill development, awareness drive for Panchayats, Gram Sabha, village level Forest Rights committee etc, will facilitate good governance and effective implementation of the FRA-2006. Availability of required documents: Digitisation of relevant maps and documents will improve accessibility of required documents to the Forest rights committee and claimants. It will smoothen the task of the Gram Sabha in identifying and filing claims for individual and community rights. 16 Clarity on time frame: The act fails to set a specific time limit for resolving claims. Providing clarity on the time limit for settling claims will benefit beneficiaries and also bring transparency and accountability. Active role of the Central government: Centre should take a leading role in taking states on board to honour a law that could change the lives of vulnerable sections. Recognition of Community Forest rights (CFR): The acknowledgement of CFR rights would shift forest governance in India towards a community conservation regime which leads towards food security and livelihood. Democratization of Minor Forest Produce (MFP): Inclusion of more Minor Forest Produce for Minimum selling Price (MSP) will benefit a large number of families dependent on minor forest produce. Leveraging modern technology: Using technology such as Lidar, drone technology, will reduce exclusion and inclusion errors. Also, decrease time in settling a case. 17 BIBLIOGRAPHY ● tribal.nic.in ● www.downtoearth.org.in ● cseindia.org ● Scheduled tribes and other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act. ● The Indian Forest Rights Act (2006): A Gender Perspective, Anjoo B. Sharma ● Indigenous Women’s Struggle for Forest Rights in India, Dipika Adhikar 18