Forest Rights Act (FRA) Explained

By YESPYQ · Updated July 2026 · 5 min read
Quick answer

The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 — commonly the Forest Rights Act (FRA) — recognises the rights of forest-dwelling communities.

The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 — commonly the Forest Rights Act (FRA) — recognises the rights of forest-dwelling communities.

Rights recognised

The Act recognises individual rights (to cultivate and live on forest land) and community rights (to use, manage and conserve forest resources), correcting historical injustice to forest dwellers.

Role of the Gram Sabha

The Gram Sabha plays a central role in determining and verifying claims, making the process community-driven.

Why it matters for UPSC

The FRA's recognition of individual and community rights and the Gram Sabha's role are commonly tested environment-governance facts.

Practise related UPSC PYQs

See how this topic has actually been asked. Solve real UPSC Prelims previous year questions with answers and explanations — free.

Practise PYQs →

Frequently asked questions

What does the Forest Rights Act recognise?

The individual and community rights of forest-dwelling communities over forest land and resources.

What role does the Gram Sabha play under the FRA?

It is central to determining and verifying claims to forest rights.