Study of implementation of the scheduled tribes and other forest dwellers (recognition of rights) act, 2006 in Udaipur, Rajasthan
Student name: Ms Renuka Toshniwal
Guide: Dr Smriti Das
Year of completion: 2014
Host Organisation: TERI University
Abstract: Since times immemorial, human beings have been living in forests. These forest dwelling
people have a very deep relationship with forest which is reflected in their customs, tradition
and culture. These people living in or near forestlands have no right to land on which they are
living, farming or practicing their other means of livelihoods. A few people in government
have all power over forests and forest dwellers. This has led to exploitation of forest as well
as the people living here. This Act recognizes this and thus, is a result of the long struggle by
these forest dwelling and tribal communities of our country to fight against this injustice and
assertion of their rights over the forestland on which they were traditionally dependent for
their livelihood security. This act makes conservation more accountable. This act is also a
means to strengthen the relationship with forest that these people have which has weakened
due to implementation of various forest policies of Indian government where these
communities and their relation with forest are ignored. Thus, also to rectify this injustice,
Forest Rights Act was enacted in 2006. In this project, the implementation, challenges faced,
difficulties are studied and ways for better implementation are suggested.
Keywords: forest dweller, tribal communities, recognition of rights,
