Forest-rights review puts 11 lakh pending claims in focus
Eight states were urged to set district-level timelines and strengthen community rights, according to a ministry update released today.
About 11 lakh forest-rights claims remained pending nationally as of 31 August, officials told an eight-state review meeting in Kolkata, according to a Ministry of Tribal Affairs release issued on 10 October.
The conference took place on 9 October. Officials reported more than 54 lakh claims received, around 25 lakh titles distributed and over 18 lakh claims rejected. These are national figures, not totals confined to the participating states.
The review called for timely decisions on pending applications and examination of rejected claims under the existing Act and Rules. District-level action plans, reconciled data and digitised case records were among the priorities.
Officials also stressed that recognised rights should appear in revenue and forest records with accurate maps. Community Forest Resource Rights and habitat rights for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups received specific attention.
The practical test now is implementation: supporting Gram Sabhas to manage recognised resources and connecting titleholders with livelihood programmes. The release records directions and priorities, not proof that the backlog has been cleared.
Source: Ministry of Tribal Affairs / PIB — https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2321667&lang=1®=3