Why in NEWS

The Chhattisgarh Forest Department withdrew a controversial directive that had named itself as the nodal agency for implementing Community Forest Resource Rights (CFRR) under the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006. The order attempted to align CFRR with the National Working Plan Code (NWPC) 2023, overriding gram sabha authority, which led to widespread grassroots resistance and eventual withdrawal.

Key Concepts/Terms

Term	Explanation
CFRR	Community Forest Resource Rights under Section 3(1)(i) of FRA, empowering forest dwellers to manage and conserve their traditional forests.
FRA, 2006	Law recognizing land and forest rights of Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (OTFDs).
Gram Sabha	Village assembly that holds legal authority under FRA to govern local forests.
NWPC 2023	Revised forest planning framework by MoEFCC focusing on scientific management, often conflicting with decentralized governance under FRA.
Minor Forest Produce (MFP)	Non-timber products like bamboo, honey, and herbs, essential for livelihoods.

Key Points

Theme	Details
What is CFRR?	Rights granted under FRA to forest-dwelling communities to manage, regenerate, and protect forests using local knowledge. Gram Sabhas prepare and implement forest management plans.
Importance	Corrects historical injustice, empowers communities, promotes sustainable forest conservation and biodiversity protection.
FRA Highlights	Recognizes both individual and community rights. Gram Sabha approval is mandatory for land diversion. Empowers community over MFPs, habitat rights, and grazing/fishing.
NWPC Conflict	Imposes a top-down, timber-centric approach. Undermines traditional knowledge, delays CFR implementation, and allows forest departments to regain control.
Ground Realities	Gram Sabhas are better positioned to respond to ecological variability than static plans under NWPC. Community-led plans are more adaptive and equitable.

In a nutshell

Mnemonic: GRAM ROOT

• G – Governance by Gram Sabhas
• R – Rights of forest dwellers
• A – Adaptive forest management
• M – Minor Forest Produce ownership
• R – Rejection of top-down NWPC
• O – Oversight by independent panels
• O – Odisha model of digital mapping
• T – Training via livelihood schemes

Prelims Questions

1. Under the Forest Rights Act, 2006, the legal authority to manage Community Forest Resources is vested in:
   a) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
   b) State Forest Department
   c) Ministry of Tribal Affairs
   d) Gram Sabha
2. Consider the following statements regarding the National Working Plan Code (NWPC) 2023:
   1. It is a guideline for scientific forest management.
   2. It recognises the authority of Gram Sabhas to prepare CFR management plans.
   3. It emphasizes community-based forest planning.
      Which of the above is/are correct?
      a) 1 only
      b) 1 and 2 only
      c) 2 and 3 only
      d) 1, 2 and 3
3. Which of the following is not a key provision of the Forest Rights Act, 2006?
   a) Ownership of Minor Forest Produce
   b) Authority to divert forest land without Gram Sabha approval
   c) Community rights for fishing and grazing
   d) Protection of pre-agricultural tribal communities’ habitat

Mains Questions

1. The Forest Rights Act, 2006 aims to correct historical injustices to forest-dwelling communities. Critically examine the role of Gram Sabhas in managing community forests amidst evolving policy frameworks like NWPC 2023. 15 Marks
2. (UPSC GS2 – Governance & Social Justice) Discuss the conflict between decentralised forest governance and scientific forestry models in India. How can this conflict be resolved to ensure both conservation and community rights? 15 Marks

Answers with Explanations

Question No.	Correct Answer	Explanation
1	d) Gram Sabha	FRA explicitly gives CFR management authority to Gram Sabhas.
2	a) 1 only	NWPC is scientific and bureaucratic; it does not recognise or promote Gram Sabha control.
3	b) Authority to divert forest land without Gram Sabha approval	FRA requires Gram Sabha consent for diversion of forest land.