Kolkata, October 10 (Daily Kiran) : Kolkata has seen significant progress in the implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA) of 2006. As of August 31, authorities have processed 54 lakh claims, with over 25 lakh recognized. This update was shared during the second regional review conference on FRA implementation.
The Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) reported that approximately 11 lakh claims remain pending at various stages. In addition, more than 18 lakh claims have been rejected. Notably, states like Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Assam are experiencing a backlog in certain districts.
The conference brought together senior officials from tribal welfare, revenue, and forest departments across eight states, including West Bengal, Assam, Tripura, Jharkhand, Odisha, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh.
Senior officials from Andhra Pradesh were invited to share best practices related to the digitization of FRA ownership in government records, integration of livelihood schemes with FRA holders, and providing loan facilities to beneficiaries.
District collectors, deputy collectors, and project officers from regions with a high number of pending FRA claims also participated, discussing the current implementation status and strategies for coordinated action.
This conference follows the first regional review meeting held in Bengaluru on September 10. The Secretary of the Ministry of Wildlife Development emphasized that the FRA is centered around the rights, dignity, and aspirations of forest-dwelling communities, advocating for the inclusion of recognized rights in land records and coordination with land use and livelihood programs.
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