DRAFT GUIDELINES FOR CFR AND HABITAT RIGHTS

DRAFT GUIDELINES FOR CFR AND HABITAT RIGHTS

Subject: Environment

Context: Gram Sabhas will have more power in the management of community forest rights (CFR) and habitat rights, according to new guidelines drafted by the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) in December 2020.

Concept:

According to the draft, the Gram Sabhas will:

• Integrate the committees that it has had traditional rights with for protection of wildlife, forest and biodiversity, catchment areas, water sources and other ecological sensitive areas
• Be empowered to carry out the powers and authority as laid down under section 5 of FRA
• File complaint before the state level monitoring committee (SLMC) under section 7 and 8 of the Act in case of any violation
• Make rules and issue appropriate directions for governance and conservation of CFR, including functions of CFRMC; conflict / dispute resolution; benefit sharing; issuance of transit permit; fund management and etc., regulating powers, functions and activities of the CFRMC
• Make rules or issue directions for management of fund generated from various sources
• Approve CFR conservation and management plan / strategies / actions prepared / suggested by the CFRMC. If required, the Gram Sabha can modify suggested plans / actions / strategies including CFR conservation and management plans
• Appoint any person or hire any institution for extending support to the Gram Sabha for preparation of CFR conservation and management plan, financial management system or activities coming under the purview of the Gram Sabha
• Resolve any conflict or dispute related to the CFR governance and management
• The guidelines also propose financial independence of the Gram Sabha through a fund, which would get the money from the sale of forest produce, development grant from the government and non-profits as well as compensatory afforestation funds.