Forest Rights Act -2006
Government of Kerala
The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, commonly known as the Forest Rights Act (FRA), provides a legal framework for recognising and securing the rights of eligible forest-dwelling Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers. In Kerala, the implementation of the Act focuses on recognising individual and community forest rights, including rights relating to land, access to and collection, use and disposal of minor forest produce, traditional grazing areas and water resources. The Act also recognises the role of eligible communities in protecting, conserving, regenerating and managing community forest resources. Through effective implementation of the FRA, Kerala seeks to strengthen the rights and livelihoods of Adivasi communities while promoting responsible, participatory and sustainable management of forest resources.
Committee Framework under the Forest Rights Act, 2006
The Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 establishes a multi-tiered committee framework to ensure that the recognition and vesting of forest rights is carried out in a democratic, transparent, and decentralized manner. These committees form the administrative backbone of the implementation process, operating at various levels—from the Gram Sabha at the village level to Sub-Divisional, District, and State-level authorities. Together, they are responsible for initiating claims, verifying evidence, conducting field-level scrutiny, and approving or rejecting applications for rights. By involving local institutions alongside administrative bodies, the system ensures active participation of Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers, thereby strengthening accountability and fairness in the recognition of forest rights.
