Progress Report on Forest Rights Implementation in Chhattisgarh
In a recent update provided in the Lok Sabha, Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, Shri Durgadas Uikey, revealed significant progress regarding the implementation of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 (FRA) in Chhattisgarh, particularly in the Korba district. The FRA enables tribal and forest-dwelling communities to claim rights over forest land, and it is being enforced across 20 states and one Union Territory in India.
According to the latest reports submitted by the Chhattisgarh Government, there have been a total of 110,290 claims recorded in Korba under the FRA. Out of these, 107,890 are individual claims, while 2,400 represent community claims. As of now, 58,773 claims have been approved, reflecting a distribution rate of 53.28%. This includes 57,141 individuals who have received their titles and 1,632 community titles that have been issued.
However, not all claims were successful; 50,749 claims have been rejected, representing 46.01% of the total applications. Additionally, there are currently 768 claims pending a decision. These figures highlight the ongoing efforts needed to ensure that forest rights are fully recognized and implemented.
Support for Community Forest Management
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs is taking active steps to bolster the implementation of the FRA. Financial assistance has been extended to State Governments under the DhartiAabaJanjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DA–JGUA). This initiative focuses on strengthening Gram Sabhas and Community Forest Resource Management Committees, and aims to encourage the development of community-led forest management plans.
Upholding Rights and Responsibilities
As per Section 6 (6) of the FRA, the within district-level committee’s decisions regarding forest rights are final and binding. The Ministry has stated that there is currently no available information regarding the cancellation or withdrawal of any granted rights under the FRA in the Korba District. Furthermore, no CFR rights in villages like Ghatbarra (Hasdeo) have been reported as canceled.
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs continues to urge State Governments to adhere closely to the provisions of the FRA, ensuring that the rights of tribal and forest-dwelling communities are protected and respected in their true spirit.
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