Catalysing CFR management plans to protect, regenerate, conserve and manage forests
On December 19, 2025, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India organised a National Consultative Workshop on FRA 2006 in New Delhi that included more than 20 researchers and civil society organisations to discuss key challenges in the implementation of the FRA. Building on this dialogue and seeking to contribute constructively to the effective implementation of the Act, many of the participants came together to identify priority issues and develop practical recommendations to move
closer to the FRA’s promise and potential.
This policy brief is the first in a planned series addressing specific themes and proposing actionable pathways for reform.
Authors:
Sharachchandra Lele, Gautam Aredath (Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment); Milind Thatte (Tribal Ethos and Economics Research Foundation); Geetanjoy Sahu (Tata Institute of Social Sciences)
Contributors (alphabetically):
Anubhav Shori, Chhattisgarh Vanadhikar Manch; Avinash Mattur, Shivganga Samagra Gramvikas Parishad; Brajesh Dubey, Bharat Rural Livelihoods Foundation; Dharamchand Khair, Rajasthan Adivasi Adhikar Manch; Girija Devi, Centre for People’s Forestry; Johnson Topno, Partnering Hope into Action Foundation; Keshav Gurmule, SRISHTI; Namita Mishra, Foundation for Ecological Security; Samar Bosu Mullick, Institute of Community Forest Governance; Sandeep Minhas, People for Himalayan Development; Santanu Chakraborty, Society for DISHA; Trupti Mehta, ARCH Vahini; Tushar Dash, Vasundhara
Correspondence: Sharachchandra Lele, ATREE (slele@atree.org)
Design: Gautam Aredath
