A two-day training workshop on the Forest Rights Act, 2006 (FRA) was successfully conducted in Nashik with enthusiastic participation from grassroots leaders and community representatives. The workshop brought together social activists, Gram Sabha representatives, Forest Rights Committee members, and community organizers from various districts of North Maharashtra.The training covered key aspects of the Forest Rights Act, including Individual Forest Rights (IFR), Community Forest Rights (CFR), the role of Gram Sabhas, claim submission procedures, the PESA Act, natural resource management, and local self-governance. Participants engaged in discussions on both the legal and practical dimensions of implementing forest rights at the village level.A major focus of the workshop was to highlight that the Forest Rights Act is not merely about land and forest tenure rights. It is also an important instrument for strengthening Gram Sabhas, promoting community leadership, and deepening democratic local governance. Participants shared experiences, challenges, and local initiatives from their respective regions, creating a valuable platform for peer learning and exchange.The workshop formed part of broader efforts to strengthen Institution and Community Building Processes (ICBP), empower Gram Sabhas, and promote participatory local governance across North Maharashtra.The programme was jointly organized by BELIEFSINDIA FOUNDATION, Rudaya Sanstha, Gadchiroli, and the College of Social Work, Kamthi.
