At the national level, which ministry is the nodal agency to ensure effective implementation of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006?

(a) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
(b) Ministry of Panchayati Raj
(c) Ministry of Rural Development
(d) Ministry of Tribal Affairs ✓ UPSC's answer

Why the answer is (d)

• The Forest Rights Act, 2006 recognises individual and community rights of Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers over forest land and resources.

• Section 11 of the Act names the Ministry of Tribal Affairs as the nodal agency for its implementation at the national level — option (d).

• The Ministry issues rules, guidelines and monitors State-level claims, while State Tribal Welfare departments are nodal at the State level.

• The Environment Ministry (a) manages forests but not FRA implementation; Panchayati Raj (b) and Rural Development (c) are not the nodal ministries, though Gram Sabhas play a key role under the Act.

• Hence option (d).

Why the other options are wrong

(a) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change: MoEFCC manages forests but is not the FRA nodal ministry.
(b) Ministry of Panchayati Raj: Panchayati Raj Ministry is not the nodal agency under Section 11.
(c) Ministry of Rural Development: Rural Development Ministry is not the nodal agency.

Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2021, held on 10 October 2021. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.