The act passed in 2006a)the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional For...
The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, was enacted to protect the marginalised socio-economic class of citizens and balance the right to environment with their right to life and livelihood.
The act passed in 2006a)the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional For...
Overview of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006
The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, commonly known as the Forest Rights Act (FRA), was enacted in 2006 to address historical injustices faced by forest-dwelling communities in India.
Key Objectives
- Recognition of Rights: The Act aims to recognize and vest the forest rights of Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers over the forest land they have been occupying for generations.
- Empowerment: It seeks to empower these communities by giving them legal ownership of land and resources, thereby promoting sustainable forest management.
Scope of the Act
- Eligibility: The Act applies to Scheduled Tribes who have lived in forest areas for at least three generations and other traditional forest dwellers who have been residing in such areas for a minimum of 75 years.
- Types of Rights: The rights recognized under the Act include the right to hold and live in forest land for self-cultivation, the right to gather and use forest produce, and the right to protect, regenerate, and manage the forest land.
Significance of the Act
- Social Justice: The FRA is a significant step towards social justice, as it acknowledges the historical marginalization of forest-dwelling communities.
- Sustainability: By empowering local communities, the Act promotes sustainable management of forest resources, which is crucial for biodiversity conservation.
Conclusion
In summary, the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 is a landmark legislation that plays a vital role in recognizing and protecting the rights of forest-dwelling communities in India, marking a significant milestone in the fight for social equity and environmental sustainability.
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