19 Feb 2026·Source: The Hindu

4 min

Polity & GovernanceEnvironment & EcologySocial IssuesNEWS

Odisha's Forest Rights Act Cell Closures Face Central Government Scrutiny

Odisha's decision to shut Forest Rights Act cells raises concerns, prompting inquiry.

The Odisha government's decision to shut down Forest Rights Act (FRA) Cells, aimed at implementing the Forest Rights Act, 2006, has drawn scrutiny from the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs. The closure of these cells, along with the dismissal of support staff, has raised concerns, especially given Odisha's status as a top performer in FRA implementation.

The Centre has initiated inquiries into the directives issued by Odisha’s ST & SC Development, Minorities & Backward Classes Welfare Department, particularly regarding the dissolution of FRA Cells at the sub-divisional levels under the DA-JGUA scheme. While Odisha has issued the second-highest number of forest rights titles, it also has a significant pendency rate, with 20% of claims still pending disposal.

Key Facts

Odisha government is shutting down Forest Rights Act (FRA) Cells.

The FRA Cells were established to implement the Forest Rights Act, 2006.

The Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs is scrutinizing the closures.

The closures include dismissing support staff.

Odisha is among the top performers in implementing the FRA.

The Centre has initiated inquiries into the directives issued by Odisha’s ST & SC Development, Minorities & Backward Classes Welfare Department.

The department issued instructions for the dissolution of all FRA Cells functioning at the 50 sub-divisional levels under the DA-JGUA scheme by the end of March.

UPSC Exam Angles

GS Paper II: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

The news highlights the challenges in implementing the Forest Rights Act and the role of government agencies in protecting the rights of tribal communities.

Potential question types include statement-based MCQs on the provisions of the FRA, the role of FRA Cells, and the responsibilities of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.

In Simple Words

The government made a law in 2006 to give forest rights to tribal people and others who've lived in forests for generations. To help with this, special offices called 'Forest Rights Act Cells' were set up. Now, Odisha is closing these offices, which is making the central government worried.

India Angle

Many tribal communities in India depend on forests for their survival. If these forest rights offices close, it could become harder for them to claim their rights to land and resources, affecting their livelihoods.

For Instance

Imagine a village where people have been farming the same land for generations, but they don't have official papers. The FRA cells help them get those papers. Closing the cells is like shutting down the land registry office in that village.

This affects the lives of many tribal people who depend on forests. Ensuring their rights are protected is crucial for their well-being and for preserving India's forests.

Protecting forest rights is about protecting the lives and livelihoods of India's forest communities.

Visual Insights

Odisha: Forest Rights Act Implementation

Map showing Odisha, where the Forest Rights Act (FRA) cells are facing scrutiny despite the state being a top performer in FRA implementation. The map highlights the location and the context of the news.

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📍Odisha

Odisha FRA Implementation: Key Statistics

Key statistics related to Forest Rights Act implementation in Odisha, as mentioned in the news article.

Forest Rights Claims Pending: 20%

More Information

Background

The Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006, also known as the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, was enacted to correct historical injustices faced by tribal communities and other traditional forest dwellers. It recognizes their rights to forest land and resources, which they have traditionally used for sustenance. The Act aims to provide a framework for recording forest rights, promoting conservation, and ensuring sustainable use of forest resources. Odisha has been at the forefront of implementing the FRA, issuing the second-highest number of forest rights titles in the country. The state established Forest Rights Act (FRA) Cells at various levels to facilitate the implementation process, including awareness campaigns, claim verification, and title distribution. These cells were crucial in bridging the gap between the government and the forest-dwelling communities, ensuring that their rights were recognized and protected. The recent decision to shut down these cells has raised concerns about the future of FRA implementation in the state. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs is the nodal agency for the implementation of the FRA at the national level. The ministry provides guidance, support, and funding to state governments for the effective implementation of the Act. It also monitors the progress of FRA implementation across the country and addresses any issues or challenges that may arise. The ministry's scrutiny of Odisha's decision to close FRA Cells highlights the importance of these cells in ensuring the effective implementation of the FRA.

Latest Developments

In recent years, there has been a renewed focus on the effective implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006, with several initiatives launched by both the central and state governments. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has been actively monitoring the progress of FRA implementation and has been engaging with state governments to address any bottlenecks or challenges. Several committees have been formed to review the implementation of the FRA and suggest measures to improve its effectiveness. There has been an increasing emphasis on ensuring the convergence of FRA implementation with other development programs, such as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and the National Rural Livelihood Mission. This convergence aims to provide livelihood opportunities to forest-dwelling communities and improve their socio-economic conditions. The Odisha government's decision to shut down FRA Cells, however, goes against this trend and has raised concerns about the state's commitment to FRA implementation. Looking ahead, there is a need for greater awareness and capacity building among forest-dwelling communities about their rights under the FRA. Efforts are also needed to strengthen the monitoring and evaluation mechanisms for FRA implementation to ensure that the Act's objectives are being met. The central government is expected to continue its engagement with state governments to promote the effective implementation of the FRA and address any issues or challenges that may arise.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006, and why is it important?

The Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006, also known as the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, was enacted to address historical injustices against tribal communities and other traditional forest dwellers. It recognizes their rights to forest land and resources that they have traditionally used for their livelihoods. The Act provides a framework for granting rights related to forest land and resources.

2. Why is the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs scrutinizing Odisha's decision to shut down Forest Rights Act (FRA) Cells?

The Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs is scrutinizing Odisha's decision due to concerns about the impact on the implementation of the Forest Rights Act, 2006. The closure of FRA Cells and dismissal of support staff could hinder the process of recognizing and granting forest rights to tribal communities and other traditional forest dwellers, especially considering Odisha's high pendency rate of claims.

3. What are the key facts about the Forest Rights Act (FRA) implementation in Odisha for the UPSC Prelims exam?

Key facts include: Odisha is among the top-performing states in FRA implementation, having issued the second-highest number of forest rights titles. However, Odisha also has a significant pendency rate, with 20% of claims still pending disposal. The state government's decision to shut down FRA Cells at the sub-divisional levels under the DA-JGUA scheme is under scrutiny.

•Odisha is among top performers in FRA implementation.
•Odisha has a 20% pendency rate of FRA claims.
•FRA Cells at sub-divisional levels are being closed.

Exam Tip

Remember the 20% pendency rate and Odisha's status as a top performer. These are common areas for MCQ questions.

4. What are the potential implications of closing the Forest Rights Act (FRA) Cells in Odisha for tribal communities and other forest dwellers?

The closure of FRA Cells could slow down the process of recognizing and granting forest rights, potentially leading to increased vulnerability and marginalization of tribal communities and other forest dwellers. It may also impact their access to resources and livelihoods, affecting their right to life and personal liberty (Article 21, implied connection).

5. What is the DA-JGUA scheme, and what is its relevance to the Forest Rights Act (FRA) implementation in Odisha?

Based on available information, the DA-JGUA scheme appears to be a state-specific scheme in Odisha related to FRA implementation. The closure of FRA Cells at the sub-divisional levels under this scheme suggests it plays a significant role in the FRA implementation process at the grassroots level. Further details about the scheme's objectives and specific provisions are not provided.

6. What is the historical background of the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006?

The Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006, was enacted to correct historical injustices faced by tribal communities and other traditional forest dwellers. For generations, these communities were denied their rights to forest land and resources, despite their dependence on forests for their livelihoods. The Act aims to provide a framework for recognizing and vesting these rights.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006: 1. The Act recognizes the rights of Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers to forest resources. 2. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change is the nodal agency for the implementation of the FRA. 3. The Act aims to promote conservation and sustainable use of forest resources. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 and 2 only
B.1 and 3 only
C.2 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 1 is CORRECT: The FRA, 2006 recognizes the rights of Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers to forest resources. Statement 2 is INCORRECT: The Ministry of Tribal Affairs is the nodal agency for the implementation of the FRA, not the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Statement 3 is CORRECT: The Act aims to promote conservation and sustainable use of forest resources.

2. In the context of the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006, what is the primary function of the Forest Rights Act (FRA) Cells?

A.To promote tourism in forest areas
B.To facilitate the implementation of the FRA
C.To regulate the extraction of forest resources
D.To conduct research on forest biodiversity

Show Answer

Answer: B

The primary function of the Forest Rights Act (FRA) Cells is to facilitate the implementation of the FRA. This includes awareness campaigns, claim verification, and title distribution. The cells act as a bridge between the government and the forest-dwelling communities, ensuring that their rights are recognized and protected.

3. Which of the following statements is NOT correct regarding the implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA) in Odisha?

A.Odisha has issued the second-highest number of forest rights titles in the country.
B.Odisha has a pendency rate of 20% in the disposal of forest rights claims.
C.The Odisha government has decided to shut down Forest Rights Act Cells.
D.The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has praised Odisha for its FRA implementation efforts.

Show Answer

Answer: D

Options A, B, and C are correct as per the provided information. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has initiated inquiries into the directives issued by Odisha’s ST & SC Development, Minorities & Backward Classes Welfare Department, particularly regarding the dissolution of FRA Cells, indicating scrutiny rather than praise.