ABSTRACT
Historically, there exists a symbiotic relationship between nature (forest) and the tribals who live with it. Both of them exist by way of mutually reinforcing each other’s sustenance. This relationship or bond between the tribals and the forest has been weakened over time due to state policies, both before and after Independence, rendering millions of tribals vulnerable and fragile. To undo this historical injustice, in the year 2006 the Indian Parliament brought FRA-2006 (Forest Rights Act) to bestow legal entitlements (both individual and community claims) to ensure tenurial security and livelihood protection. As the FRA-2006 was implemented, many lacunae were observed. In particular, a high rejection rate of claims made by the tribals across the country without a proper redressal mechanism became a bone of contention between the state and the tribals. The large-scale rejection of the genuine claims has further weakened the natural bond between the tribals and forests, which has serious implications for the cohesive development of the tribals.
