Forest rights and local self-governance: A critical analysis of FRA and Pesa implementation in HD Kote
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: The protection of tribal rights in India has been strengthened through key legislations such as the Forest Rights Act, 2006 (FRA) and the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA), which aim to ensure forest-based livelihood security and local self-governance for tribal communities. This study examines the implementation of FRA and PESA in HD Kote Taluk of Karnataka, focusing on their effectiveness in translating legal provisions into practice. The objective of the study is to evaluate how far these legislations have contributed to the realization of tribal rights at the grassroots level. A descriptive and analytical research design is adopted, using both primary data collected from tribal respondents and secondary sources such as government reports and legal literature. The findings indicate that although the legislations have improved recognition of rights and encouraged limited participation in local governance, their implementation remains uneven. Low awareness levels, administrative delays, and institutional inefficiencies continue to restrict effective access to entitlements. The study concludes that strengthening Gram Sabha institutions, improving legal awareness, and ensuring administrative accountability are essential for effective implementation. The paper recommends targeted capacity-building and governance reforms to enhance the impact of FRA and PESA in achieving meaningful tribal empowerment.
Authors: Santhosh V, SR Manjula
Language: English
Subfield: Law
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W7171569822