05.02.25

Sahayata Kendras in Jharkhand: Strengthening Forest Rights Governance

For many Indigenous and forest-dependent communities in Jharkhand, the process of securing legal recognition over their traditional lands remains complex and bureaucratic. Challenges, such as incomplete documentation, lack of clarity on the claim-filing process, and limited digital access, often delay or prevent claims from being submitted.

To address these challenges, the Initiative on the Forest Economy (IoFE) has launched Sahayata Kendras (helpdesks) and Sampark Helplines. These initiatives followed the successful distribution of Community Forest Resource Rights (CFRR) claim-filing kits in pilot locations across Jharkhand. The centres are now operational across 17 blocks in Simdega, Gumla, and East Singhbhum. They play a key role in ensuring Forest Rights Committees (FRCs) and tribal communities can successfully navigate the CFRR claim-generation process under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006—commonly known as the Forest Rights Act (FRA).

Integrated Support Systems for Effective Claim Filing

These helpdesks and helplines offer a combination of in-person assistance, remote helpline services, and regular follow-ups to ensure FRCs and tribal communities successfully navigate the claim-filing process:

• On-ground assistance at Sahayata Kendras: These helpdesks provide step-by-step guidance on claim submission, document verification, and the use of JharFRA (a dedicated mobile application for filing CFRR claims). They are set up at block offices and weekly markets.

• Sampark Helplines for remote support: These dedicated helplines offer assistance via phone calls and WhatsApp. They help communities resolve issues, such as incorrect documentation, missing maps, or trouble accessing official records.

• Follow-up and monitoring: Continuous engagement is maintained through scheduled follow-ups, WhatsApp groups, and community visits. This ensures that FRCs remain on track throughout the claim-filing process.

By setting up these accessible and responsive support systems, we ensure that FRCs and tribal communities receive timely, effective assistance throughout the claim-filing process.

The introduction of Sahayata Kendras has already made a significant impact across the state:

• Thirty-five villages have initiated the CFRR claim-generation process with direct assistance from the helpdesks.

• FRCs are actively engaging in documentation and verification, ensuring that claims are filed with the required accuracy and completeness.

• Local leaders and community members have begun using the Sampark Helplines to clarify doubts, seek updates, and ensure timely progress.

These milestones highlight the growing momentum in scaling up community forest tenure efforts. As more villages engage with these support structures, the reach and effectiveness of the Abua Bir Abua Dishom (ABAD; ‘Our Forest, Our Country’) campaign continue to expand.

Scaling the Effort: A Path Forward

Early Impact: Community Engagement and Claim Filings

With the initial success of Sahayata Kendras in select blocks, the next step is to expand their reach and refine their operations based on community feedback. Our team is working to:

• strengthen coordination between helpdesks and local governance structures to ensure seamless support;

• improve digital outreach and helpline accessibility, making real-time assistance available even in remote villages; and

• build community capacity by training local FRC leaders to facilitate claim filings more independently.

By bridging the last-mile gap in forest rights governance, the Sahayata Kendras and Sampark Helplines highlight the importance of accessible, community-driven governance systems. The initiative ensures that Indigenous and forest-dependent communities not only receive their rightful land titles but also gain the confidence and knowledge to manage their forest resources sustainably.