Tribal Affairs Ministry says Forest Rights Act has no gram sabha consent rule for forest clearance
Key facts
- On 31 August 2026, the Tribal Affairs Ministry wrote to the Power Ministry about gram sabha consent.
- It said the Forest Rights Act, 2006 has no provision for gram sabha consent for forest clearance.
- It said such matters are outside its purview, though it is the FRA's nodal ministry.
- Forest diversion rules under the 1980 forest law still require a no-objection certificate from gram sabhas.
Why it matters
[Policy] Gram sabha consent has long been seen as a key safeguard for forest dwellers. The Power Ministry had called it a 'critical bottleneck' for delayed projects. The new stand could weaken that safeguard. Expect questions on the FRA and its nodal ministry.
Asked before: UPSC Prelims 2021 asked which ministry is the nodal agency for implementing the Forest Rights Act.
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