Forest rights act implementation ensures tribal livelihoods in Telangana

Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Durgadas Uikey informed the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday that the implementation of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 (FRA) is the responsibility of State Governments and is currently being carried out in 20 States, including Telangana, and one Union Territory.

Replying to a question in the Upper House, the Minister said the Telangana government has assessed the implementation of the Act in the State, where it is being enforced across 29 districts . According to the information shared by the State government, a total of 2,31,456 forest rights titles have been granted so far. These include 2,30,735 individual forest rights titles and 721 community forest rights titles. However, 3,29,367 claims are still pending for decision. District-wise details of granted and pending claims have been provided in an annexure.

The Minister further stated that the Supreme Court, in its order dated February 28, 2019, kept in abeyance its earlier order of February 13, 2019, concerning eviction of forest dwellers. As a result, no tribal communities cultivating forest land have been displaced in Telangana.

He noted that the Forest Rights Act contains safeguards against eviction under Section 4(5) and provides a mechanism for aggrieved persons to file petitions before the Sub-Divisional Level Committee and District Level Committee under Sections 6(2) and 6(4) . State Governments have been advised to ensure that the interests of Scheduled Tribes are adequately protected in line with constitutional provisions and existing laws meant for their welfare.

Highlighting the role of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Unlikey said the Ministry, as the nodal body for policy planning and coordination of tribal development programmes, is implementing several welfare schemes aimed at ensuring livelihood security for Scheduled Tribe communities. These include initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) and the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan.

Recognising traditional practices like Podu cultivation under FRA has helped protect tribal livelihoods in Telangana, prevented displacement, and ensured the continuation of traditional agriculture . However, delays in processing pending claims still leave many Podu cultivators and other forest dwellers vulnerable.