Regional Review Highlights FRA Implementation Backlog in Eight States

Kolkata, 10 Oct – A regional review conference examined the progress of the Forest Rights Act (FRA) across eight Indian states. Data showed that of the 5.4 million claims submitted since 2006, 2.5 million have been granted, while 1.1 million remain in limbo and 1.8 million have been rejected. Officials noted significant delays in districts of Madhya Pradesh, Odisha and Assam. Priorities identified included speeding up verification, adopting comprehensive digitisation of claim files, and ensuring recognized rights are entered into both revenue and forest land records. Andhra Pradesh presented digital records, integration of livelihood schemes with FRA entitlements, and customized loan facilities. The session followed the first southern‑states review held on 10 September in Bengaluru.