Flags “exceptionally high” number of rejections
Srinagar, Aug 10: The Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Home Affairs has recommended to Jammu & Kashmir administration to undertake a time-bound review of claims rejected under the Forest Rights Act, 2006, citing the “exceptionally high number” of rejections.
In its report tabled in Parliament on August 7, 2026, the committee pointed out that of the 46242 claims received under the Act, only 6172 were approved, while 39898 were rejected.
“The Committee notes the steps taken to implement the Forest Rights Act, 2006. However, it observes that, out of 46242 individual and community claims received, only 6172 claims had been approved, while 39898 claims had been rejected,” reads the report, a copy of which is in possession of news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).
The committee observed that the exceptionally high number of rejections require a “careful scrutiny”.
“Therefore, the Committee recommends that the Administration undertake a time-bound review of rejected claims to ascertain whether due process was followed, claimants were given adequate opportunity to furnish evidence, Gram Sabhas were properly involved, and reasoned orders were communicated in an accessible language,” the report said.
The committee recommended that suitable action be taken to distribute titles based on the review. “Further, based on the review suitable action be taken to distribute approved titles without delay, and legal and administrative assistance should also be provided to genuine claimants, particularly members of migratory and tribal communities,” reads the report.
The Forest Rights Act was made applicable to Jammu & Kashmir on October 31, 2019. Under the law, the tribal and forest-dwelling communities are granted rights to reside in and cultivate forest land.
As per the 2011 Census, the tribal population of Jammu & Kashmir is 12.75 lakh, constituting 10.39 percent of the UT’s total population. In 2024, the Government of India also granted Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to four other communities, including the Paharis.
