Forest Rights Act, 2006:
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The Forest Rights Act is also known as Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006.
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The act recognizes the rights of the Forest Dwelling Scheduled Tribes(FDST) and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers(OTFD), on the forest resources.
Objectives of the Act:
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To undo the historical injustice that occurred to the forest-dwelling communities
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To ensure land tenure, livelihood, and food security of the forest-dwelling Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers
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To strengthen the conservation regime of the forests by including the responsibilities and authority of Forest Rights holders for sustainable use, conservation of biodiversity, and maintenance of ecological balance.
Rights: The Act identifies four types of rights:
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Title rights: It gives Forest Dwelling Scheduled Tribes(FDST) and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers(OTFD) the right to ownership to land farmed by tribals or forest dwellers subject to a maximum of 4 hectares.
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Ownership is only for land that is actually being cultivated by the concerned family, and no new lands will be granted.
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Use rights: Right of extracting Minor Forest Produce, grazing areas among others.
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Relief and development rights: To rehabilitate in case of illegal eviction or forced displacement and to basic amenities, subject to restrictions for forest protection.
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Forest management rights: It includes the right to protect forests and wildlife.