Bare Act

The Maharashtra Transfer of Ownership of Minor Forest Produce in the Scheduled Areas and the Maharashtra Minor Forest Produce (Regulation of Trade) (Amendment) Act, 1997

This Act establishes the rights of local village councils known as Panchayats to own and manage minor forest produce, like medicinal plants and bamboo, within Maharashtra's Scheduled Areas. It transfers this ownership from the government to the Panchayats so communities can benefit economically, provided they adhere to strict conservation guidelines in official forest management plans. The law explicitly forbids Panchayats from claiming ownership of the land or trees themselves. Violating these guidelines can lead to fines or imprisonment, while officials acting in good faith are protected from legal challenges.

Some statutory text is still being prepared for this language version.

PDF: pending for this language.