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Abstract:
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"Often described as the 'upland, forested, remote and tribal' region of India, Madhya Pradesh is home to 46 Scheduled Tribes, who according to several studies appear to be the 'poorest of the poor' in India. The Sahariya adivasi community form a part of this diverse group of people that contribute to this population. For decades, even after India gained independence and the advantage of positive discrimination, the Sahariyas have barely been able to stay afloat. The 'free gifts of nature' that have been distributed in the ecologically diverse and richly endowed tribal belt of India necessitated exercising 'control over nature' by the Modern Democratic State Agencies in the pursuit for 'economic growth'. Forest 'commons' in the form of pastures, non-timber forest produce etc. that have been used and collected by the tribals were categorised under state property. The idea of eminent domain prevailed above all. Under such circumstances, the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 enacted by the Central Government of India has been the first attempt by the state to revisit these sweeping take-overs and attempt to repair the historical injustices that have been played out on people living in and around forested areas. Though the Forest Rights Act shows potential in legitimising 'commons', ground realities during implementation have thrown up varied challenges from all parts of the country. This paper will attempt to look at the effectiveness of the Forest Rights Act in the governance and management of Common Property Resources. To what extent and in what ways is this legislative reform playing out on ground? Who gains and who loses, and why? These are some of the fundamental questions that will be attempted to be answered through an action research studying policy and practice in Sheopur District of Madhya Pradesh."
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