Tribal Affairs Secretary says community rights have potential to ‘strengthen gram sabha-led forest governance’
Union Tribal Affairs Secretary Ranjana Chopra spoke at a Bengaluru conference on the Forest Rights Act, noting that community rights could reinforce gram sabha‑led forest governance. Her comments followed a ministry memo claiming the FRA lacks gram sabha consent for land diversion, sparking backlash from opposition leaders and Adivasi groups. The remarks highlighted the need for stronger community participation in forest management.