Xavier Institute of Social Service (XISS), Ranchi, in association with Tata Institute of Social Service (TISS), Mumbai, and Foundation for Ecological Security (FES) jointly organized a One-Day Policy and Research Dialogue on the Forest Rights Act (FRA) 2006 in Jharkhand on the campus.

Dr Joseph Marianus Kujur SJ, Director, XISS, on stating the importance of this session said that, at XISS, we are committed to facilitate crucial discussions that drive progress and Forest Rights Act 2006 represents a significant step for securing the rights of forest-dependent communities. Our goal through this workshop is to address the emerging challenges and to open a dialogue among policymakers, researchers, and community leaders and ensure that the benefits of the FRA reach those who need them the most.

Earlier, Mr Ajay Nath Jha, Tribal Welfare Commissioner, GoJ, inaugurated the workshop and addressed the gathering and said this workshop is an essential step in addressing a dialogue around the Forest Rights Act (FRA) 2006, where research insights will be shared, and collective efforts will be made to ensure that the rights of people are secure. He mentioned that recently, the state government has renewed its commitment to the FRA by launching the "Abua Bir Abua Dishom" program, aiming to secure the rights of communities across Jharkhand in a mission-mode manner.

Mr Geetanjoy Sahu, Professor & Dean, TISS, Mumbai, while setting the tone of the workshop, highlighted the situation of the FRA across the country and Jharkhand in specific. He mentioned that despite its significant forest cover and a substantial tribal population, Jharkhand has lagged in implementing the Forest Rights Act, 2006. According to an ATREE report, Jharkhand has the potential to recognize up to 47 lakh acres of forest land under the FRA. However, only about 4% of this potential has been realized, with a preference given to individual forest rights over community forest rights. So, in this workshop here, we aim to address all such concerns and create a dialogue between the people and policy makers.

The workshop attended to pertaining issues such as examining FRA implementation challenges and impact on Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), assessing the adequacy and distribution of FRA titles, analyzing reasons for FRA claim rejections and effectiveness of review processes, evaluating NTFP value chain and market integration under FRA, investigating the political significance of FRA in state policies, examining FRA's integration with social infrastructure programs, assessing forest diversion impacts for development projects and FRA compliance, and exploring the discourse of FRA in areas governed by customary laws and practices.

Mr Akhoury Prabhas, State Coordinator, FES said that this workshop is a significant opportunity for apt research that can support the state's efforts and provide policy insights by examining various case studies across Jharkhand to strengthen the FRA initiative. He added that the aim is to identify key areas for research and engagement, bringing together diverse stakeholders involved in the implementation and advocacy of forest rights in Jharkhand. The event was attended by several stakeholders of this cause and supported by Research Officers of TISS, Mumbai Ms Usha Purty and Ms Aaishwarya.