Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers Act

The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, recognizes the rights of forest-dwelling communities who have historically depended on forests for their livelihood. It aims to empower these communities by legally acknowledging their traditional rights to land and resources, which were often neglected under previous laws. The Act seeks to promote sustainable forest management by respecting the cultural and livelihood needs of tribal and local forest dwellers, ensuring they participate in decision-making, and protecting their rights from arbitrary displacement.