Forest Rights Act 2006 – second regional review conference, Kolkata

12-10-2026 · English

Topics: Governance · 12 October 2026 Current Affairs (UPSC / TNPSC / SSC / RRB)

News

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs held the second regional review conference on implementing the Forest Rights Act 2006 in Kolkata on 9 Oct 2026, opened by Secretary Ranjana Chopra. Eight States took part – West Bengal, Assam, Tripura, Jharkhand, Odisha, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. Nationally (as of 31 Aug 2026) over 54 lakh claims have been received and about 25 lakh titles distributed; about 11 lakh are pending.

Key facts

Background

• Law: the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act 2006, in force from 31 Dec 2007. Individual rights (up to 4 hectares), community rights, minor forest produce, Community Forest Resource (CFR) rights and PVTG habitat rights.
• Eligibility: occupation of forest land before 13 Dec 2005; 'Other Traditional Forest Dwellers' must prove 75 years (three generations) of residence. The Gram Sabha starts the claim process; then the Sub-Divisional and District Level Committees.
• Constitution: Fifth Schedule (Article 244) – Scheduled Areas; PESA Act 1996 empowers Gram Sabhas in Scheduled Areas. Article 338A – National Commission for Scheduled Tribes.

Tamil Nadu link: Tamil Nadu's 6 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) are the Todas, Kotas, Kurumbas, Irulas, Paniyas and Kattunayakans (mostly in the Nilgiris). The first regional conference, for the southern States, was held in Bengaluru.

Source: India Education Diary, GKToday, Menafn, Oct 2026

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