The Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Shri Durgadas Uikey today informed Lok Sabha that as per information provided by States/UT, during the last five years, i.e. from 01.03.2021 to 01.03.2026, a total of 11,35,699 (10,71,096 individual and 64603 community) forest rights claims have been filed, a total of 5,36,401 claims (4,89,714 individual and 46,687 community) have been recognized and a total of 5,88,355 claims (5,70,339 individual and 18,016 community) have been pending at various levels. Further. As per information provided by Uttar Pradesh State Government, during the last five years, i.e. from 01.03.2021 to 01.03.2026, a total of 434 claims (402 individual and 32 community) claims have been filed, 67 pending claims were processed and earlier rejected 4,104 claims have been reconsidered after review and a total of 4,605 claims (4,573 individual and 32 community) have been recognized. Further, as on 01.03.2026 in Uttar Pradesh there are No claims pending for decision under FRA.

 

As per the latest information reported by States and compiled under MPR, as on 28.02.2026, total number of claims filed under FRA is 54,00,519 out of which 25,38,320 claims (47.00%) (Individual- 24,14,131 and Community- 1,24,189) have been approved and a total of 18,12,539 claims have been rejected which is 33.56% of total claims filed. Further, as per information provided by Uttar Pradesh State Government, as on 01.03.2026, a total of 70736 claims (70,435 Individual and 301 community) have been rejected.

Implementation of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 (FRA) primarily lies with the respective State / UT Administrations. States / UT have not formally reported any specific instances of delay, wrongful rejection or non-implementation of recognized rights.

 

MoTA has not conducted any field verification or independent evaluation regarding compliance with statutory procedures, functioning of Gram Sabhas and capacity of implementing authorities. As per the provisions of FRA, 2006 and Rules made thereunder, the States / UT are responsible for implementation of various provisions of the Act.

 

However, MoTA has asked States/UT in various review meetings and through D.O. letters to consider the claims under FRA in a time bound manner and engage with districts to resolve bottlenecks, if any, in settling of claims. MoTA has issued directions to ensure proper constitution and functioning of Forest Rights Committees and to reinforce the central role of Gram Sabhas in receiving, verifying and recommending claims. Ministry has supported training programmes, workshops and awareness campaigns for State officials, members of Forest Rights Committees and Gram Sabha representatives to strengthen understanding of statutory procedures and evidentiary requirements. Further, States have been encouraged to fast-track the processing and disposal of pending claims in various National level consultation/meetings/workshops with States/UTs, which are held from time to time. 

RN/

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