- Why in news
- On 13 August 2026, the Minister of State for Tribal Affairs told the Lok Sabha that relocation of villages from tiger reserves is voluntary and that NCST can inquire into complaints of displacement of Scheduled Tribes.
- What it is
- Relocation of villages from core or critical tiger habitats is a conservation measure run by State Governments under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, with guidelines from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). The Forest Rights Act, 2006 protects the rights of forest dwellers and requires their rights to be settled before any removal. The aim is to create inviolate space for tigers while safeguarding tribal livelihoods.
- Relocation is voluntary
- Relocation from core or critical tiger habitats rests on voluntary consent, with informed consent of the Gram Sabha and the affected people obtained first.
- Package raised in 2021
- Financial assistance for voluntary relocation was raised from ₹10 lakh to ₹15 lakh per family in 2021.
- FRA protection against eviction
- Section 4(5) of the Forest Rights Act bars eviction or removal of claimants from forest land they occupy until recognition and verification is complete.
- Monitoring bodies
- The guidelines recommend a State Level Monitoring Committee and a District Level Implementing Committee, which include tribal welfare department representatives.
- NCST mandate
- NCST inquires into complaints on deprivation of ST rights, including displacement from tiger reserves, case by case, and recommends action.
- NCST constitutional basis
- NCST is a constitutional body under Article 338A.
Don’t confuse with NTCA vs NCST: NTCA is a statutory body under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 for tiger conservation; NCST is a constitutional body (Article 338A) protecting ST interests.
Don’t confuse with Core/critical tiger habitat vs buffer: Relocation under discussion applies to core or critical tiger habitats, which are kept inviolate; buffer areas allow coexistence with human use.
Laws, judgments and statutory bodies: 30 Prelims questions since 2013 (what the law says, who chairs, legal basis). In Mains, 44 news-triggered questions, most in GS2, asking for provisions and challenges.
Why it matters
- Balances wildlife conservation with tribal rights and livelihoods.
- Consent of the Gram Sabha links conservation law to forest rights and local self-governance.
Problems
- Voluntariness can be questioned where services are poor or pressure exists; complaints reach NCST.
- Rights settlement under FRA may be incomplete before relocation, and rehabilitation depends on state implementation.
Way forward
- Settle FRA claims before relocation and verify Gram Sabha consent independently.
- Strengthen monitoring committees, with tribal representation and grievance redress, and ensure convergence of welfare schemes at new sites.
Put in your answer
Enhanced relocation package: The package rose from ₹10 lakh to ₹15 lakh per family in 2021, an example of rehabilitation support.
FRA Section 4(5): Section 4(5) of the FRA is a safeguard against eviction before rights recognition is complete.
- 2016Mains GS3 · Q14Discuss measures to mitigate rehabilitation of human settlements from major projects
- 2016Mains GS4 · Q10Ethical and practical issues in compensating and rehabilitating displaced tribal and rural communities
- 2025Mains GS1 · Q20Does tribal development centre on displacement and rehabilitation; give opinion
- 2018Prelims Q98Which statements on Critical Wildlife Habitat and Habitat Rights under FRA are correct
- 2020Prelims Q100Which tiger reserve has the largest area under Critical Tiger Habitat
- 2013Prelims Q26Which authority initiates determination of forest rights under the FRA, 2006
UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.
No practice question for this one; the card may still help an answer. Why: Links Wildlife Protection Act, Forest Rights Act and NCST; useful standing provisions, but this is a restatement with no new decision.
Worth revising until Prelims 2028: most news questions come within two years of the event.