Scheduled Tribe and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006

The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, is Indian legislation that recognizes the rights of indigenous communities and long-term forest dwellers to access, use, and manage forest resources. It aims to correct historical injustices by granting these groups legal title to lands they have traditionally inhabited or used, including for habitation, cultivation, and livelihood activities. The act balances conservation with rights, promoting sustainable use of forests while acknowledging the cultural and economic importance of forests to these communities. It empowers marginalized groups, ensuring their participation in forest management and safeguarding their rights.