A joint communication from the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and MoEFCC asked States to align Community Forest Resource Management Plans (CFRMPs) with Forest Department Working Plans, raising concern that it could dilute Gram Sabha powers.
The Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 makes the Gram Sabha the primary authority for determining and managing community forest rights. Section 5 empowers Gram Sabhas to protect, conserve and manage forests, wildlife and biodiversity. The Act recognises rights of Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers to correct historical injustice.