UPSC Prelims 2021 Q84: Environment & Ecology – Environmental Governance & Legislation
- (a) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
- (b) Ministry of Panchayati Raj
- (c) Ministry of Rural Development
- (d) Ministry of Tribal Affairs
Answer: (d) Ministry of Tribal Affairs
Explanation
Forest Rights Act 2006: Nodal Ministry
| Ministry | Role Under FRA 2006 |
|---|---|
| Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change | Handles forest management and clearance - NOT FRA implementation |
| Ministry of Panchayati Raj | Handles PESA (Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas Act 1996) |
| Ministry of Rural Development | Handles rural livelihoods - NOT FRA nodal |
| Ministry of Tribal Affairs | NODAL MINISTRY for FRA 2006 implementation and monitoring |
The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 (FRA) is administered by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA). MoTA issues guidelines, monitors state implementation and publishes progress reports. Gram Sabhas play the key role at the local level in recognising individual and community forest rights.
Answer: (d) Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. MoEFCC handles forest management, environmental clearances, wildlife - not FRA implementation.
- (b) Incorrect. Ministry of Panchayati Raj implements PESA (Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas Act 1996), a different statute.
- (c) Incorrect. Ministry of Rural Development handles NREGA, PMGSY, rural housing - not FRA.
- (d) CORRECT. Ministry of Tribal Affairs is the nodal ministry for implementing the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006. MoTA issues guidelines, monitors states and publishes progress reports.
Key point
Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) = nodal for Forest Rights Act 2006 (FRA). Gram Sabhas recognise Individual Forest Rights (IFR) and Community Forest Rights (CFR). MoEFCC handles forests generally; MoPR handles PESA; MoRD handles rural livelihoods.
Remember
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) is the nodal agency at the national level to ensure effective implementation of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 (FRA). Correct answer: (d).
Common mistakes
- Confusing FRA (Ministry of Tribal Affairs) with PESA (Ministry of Panchayati Raj) or Forest Conservation Act (MoEFCC).
- Not knowing FRA gives Gram Sabhas primary role in recognising forest rights - a major decentralisation.
- Missing that FRA recognises 13 types of rights including grazing, minor forest produce, habitat rights and community forest resource rights.
Exam tip
Tribal Affairs ministry programmes: FRA 2006 (Recognition of Forest Rights), Van Bandhu Kalyan Yojana, Eklavya Model Residential Schools, TRIFED (marketing minor forest produce). PESA (1996) is under Panchayati Raj Ministry - separate.
Sources
- Ministry of Tribal Affairs - FRA Implementation Guidelines and Monthly Progress Reports
- Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006