SRINAGAR, Oct. 23 -- Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology and Environment and Tribal Affairs Javed Ahmed Rana on Friday called for effective and transparent implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006, to protect the rights and entitlements of tribal communities and other traditional forest dwellers.

Addressing the 3rd Regional Review Conference on FRA implementation, organised by the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs in Srinagar, Rana said the legislation was aimed at recognising the legitimate rights of forest-dependent communities, protecting their livelihoods and promoting their socio-economic empowerment.

He stressed the need to strengthen implementation mechanisms and ensure that every eligible beneficiary received the ...