The Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) convened the Second Regional Review Conference on implementation of the Forest Rights Act, 2006 (FRA) in Kolkata on October 9, 2026. The conference brought together senior officials from eight states: West Bengal, Assam, Tripura, Jharkhand, Odisha, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh. Andhra Pradesh officials were invited to share best practices in digitization, integration of FRA titles into government records, and convergence of livelihood schemes with FRA titleholders.
National implementation data presented shows that as of August 31, 2026, over 54 lakh claims had been received nationally, with approximately 25 lakh titles distributed. About 11 lakh claims remain pending at different stages, while over 18 lakh claims have been rejected. Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Assam account for substantial pendency concentrated in particular districts.
The conference focused on key priorities including timely disposal of pending claims, review of rejected claims in accordance with the Act and Rules, reconciliation of FRA data, digitization of FRA case records, and incorporation of recognised rights into revenue and forest records. Additional priorities included accelerating recognition of Community Forest Resource Rights and Habitat Rights recognition for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
States were directed to prepare district-wise, time-bound action plans for addressing pendency and strengthening Gram Sabhas to create awareness of FRA rights, provide post-claims support, and prepare Community Forest Resource management plans. Financial support is available from MoTA for these interventions, including assistance under DA-JGUA for capacity building of Gram Sabhas.
The Ministry emphasized that recognition of Community Forest Resource Rights must be matched by capacity to exercise them, requiring operationalization of the joint advisory of MoTA and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. PVTG-wise roadmaps for Habitat Rights need to be prepared with sensitivity and active participation of traditional institutions and Gram Sabhas.