UNDP Report on FRA India

The UNDP report on FRA India, released in 202,5, provides an in-depth evaluation of the implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA) across the country. This report highlights the urgent need for a consensus on a sunset clause, which will set an end date for recognising and vesting rights under the FRA. It also recommends improved governance and management measures once rights are granted.

Understanding this report is crucial for SSC aspirants preparing fothe r current affairs, polity, and governance sections.

Background of the Forest Rights Act (FRA)

Enacted in 2006, the Forest Rights Act aims to recognise the rights of Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers over forest land and its resources. The Act empowers communities by granting individual and community forest rights.

According to the 2025 UNDP report on FRA India, titles have been distributed over 2.32 crore acres, with 1.88 crore acres under community rights. However, this is only 18% of the estimated 9.88 crore acres potentially eligible for community rights. The slow implementation is attributed to historical conflicts, policy gaps, and jurisdictional issues.

State-Level Implementation and Challenges

• The UNDP report on FRA India studied the states of Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, and Odisha. Officials highlighted the need for a clear end date for the recognition process.

• Some individual titles were incorrectly recognised, and efforts are ongoing to rectify records. Missing titles and poor record-keeping, especially in Chhattisgarh, underline the need for centralised and accurate data systems.

• The report also discusses the role of Gram Sabha in community forest resource management under the FRA, emphasizing that community involvement is key to sustainable forest governance.

Governance Challenges

• Conflicts between tribal welfare and forest departments have hindered effective community forest management in India.

• The UNDP report on FRA India recommends high-level inter-departmental committees to resolve these issues.

• It stresses the importance of integrating Gram Sabha-approved forest management plans with forest department working plans to advance community forest resource management under the FRA.

Gender Equity in FRA Implementation

The report places strong emphasis on gender equity in FRA implementation.

It recommends:

• Collecting gender-disaggregated data

• Promoting women’s leadership in community forest management

• Linking the FRA with the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) to support gender-sensitive livelihood options

• Recognising forest rights holders as a distinct category in social protection schemes

These measures ensure that both men and women benefit equally from the rights conferred by the FRA.

Policy Recommendations

• The UNDP report on FRA India urges the government to formulate a National Tribal Policy for the next five years. It also suggests exploring Article 275(1) of the Constitution to fund the integration of the FRA with related laws like the PESA for better tribal governance.

• Programs like PM-JANMAN and DAJGUA, implemented by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, have shown leadership but require long-term support for sustained impact.

Intellectual Property and Minor Forest Produce

Section 3(1)(k) of the FRA recognises community rights over biodiversity and traditional knowledge. The UNDP report on FRA India highlights the lack of data on claims related to intellectual property and suggests exploring monetisation potential. Clear policies are needed regarding the ownership, harvesting, transit, and sale of minor forest produce (MFP).

Despite Centre guidelines on minimum support prices, many states hesitate to deregulate key forest products like bamboo and tendu. Clarification is also needed on whether individual rights holders can sell MFP directly to private buyers.

Key Takeaways for SSC Aspirants

1. The UNDP report on the Forest Rights Act challenges and recommendations provides insights into the FRA implementation gaps.

2. Understanding how FRA India supports tribal and forest dwellers’ rights is important for current affairs.

3. The integration of FRA with PESA and tribal governance schemes is critical for effective administration.

4. Recognising the role of Gram Sabha in community forest resource management under the FRA is essential for governance questions.

5. Policies for minor forest produce and livelihood under the FRA in India highlight the economic and social impacts of the Act.

Final Thoughts

The UNDP report on FRA India highlights the critical role of the Forest Rights Act in recognising and protecting the rights of Scheduled Tribes and traditional forest dwellers. It underscores the need for better governance, accurate record-keeping, and the integration of community forest management plans with forest department strategies. The report also emphasises gender equity, encouraging women’s leadership in forest management and gender-sensitive livelihood opportunities.

Addressing policy gaps, conflicts between departments, and unclear regulations on minor forest produce is essential for effective implementation. The report calls for long-term support for programs like PM-JANMAN and DAJGUA, and the exploration of the monetisation potential of community biodiversity rights.