Overview
The Chhattisgarh government notified a two‑tier task force on 6 May 2026 to speed up the implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA) and the Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA). The move has drawn sharp criticism from tribal‑rights activists and the opposition, who argue that the body bypasses statutory institutions and favours organisations linked to the Sangh Parivar.
Key Developments
- May 6 2026: Chhattisgarh issues notification for an 18‑member apex body headed by the Chief Minister and a 12‑member implementation body led by the Chief Secretary.
- The apex body will map potential areas for community forest‑resource claims, review pending claims, and design strategies for PESA‑related matters.
- Activist group Campaign for Survival and Dignity (CSD) says the structure mirrors a similar set‑up in Madhya Pradesh (Nov 2024) and may be replicated in Odisha.
- Critics allege that representatives of the Sangh Parivar-linked Janjati Suraksha Manch (JSM) and ABVKA are being placed in the decision‑making chain.
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised Madhya Pradesh’s “model of PESA implementation” as a “gold standard” on 24 May 2026.
- Opposition leader Jairam Ramesh (Congress) called the task forces a subversion of democratic implementation mechanisms on 2 June 2026.
Important Facts
Under the FRA and PESA, several statutory bodies exist: the Gram Sabha, the Forest