How will the Gram Sabhas be involved in the relocation process?

According to the policy, Gram Sabha members must be included in Tiger Conservation Foundations and Eco Development Committees, and authorities must ensure the in-situ development of basic infrastructure for communities that choose to continue living in the forests while exercising their rights.

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Tribal Affairs Ministry Unveils Policy to Safeguard Forest Dwellers' Rights in Relocations

Q: What is the Tribal Affairs Ministry's new policy on relocation from tiger reserves?

The Tribal Affairs Ministry's new policy framework mandates that the relocation of forest-dwelling communities from tiger reserves must be an "exceptional, voluntary, and evidence-based measure," and calls for a national framework, database, and annual audits to ensure compliance with the Forest Rights Act and human rights standards.

Q: What are the key features of the National Framework for Community-Centred Conservation and Relocation (NFCCR)?

The NFCCR will allow the Environment Ministry and Tribal Affairs Ministry to jointly set procedural standards, timelines, and accountability mechanisms for relocations from tiger reserves.

28 Oct

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Summary

Relocation from tiger reserves must be "exceptional, voluntary, and evidence-based"
Policy calls for national framework, database, and annual audits to ensure compliance
Gram Sabha members to be included in decision-making, in-situ development prioritized

Tribal Affairs Ministry Unveils Policy to Safeguard Forest Dwellers' Rights in Relocations

In a significant move, the Union Tribal Affairs Ministry has unveiled a new policy framework that aims to reconcile conservation efforts with the rights of forest-dwelling communities in India's tiger reserves. The policy, titled "Reconciling Conservation and Community Rights: A Policy Framework for Relocation and Co-existence in India's Tiger Reserves," was sent to the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change last week.

The key highlights of the policy include the mandate that the relocation of forest-dwelling communities from tiger reserves must be an "exceptional, voluntary, and evidence-based measure." The policy calls for the establishment of a National Framework for Community-Centred Conservation and Relocation (NFCCR), which would allow the Environment Ministry and Tribal Affairs Ministry to jointly set procedural standards, timelines, and accountability mechanisms for such relocations.