Maharashtra Introduces New Village Forms 7-E and 12-E for Forest Rights

 Maharashtra Government Approves New Village Form 7-E and 12-E for Forest Rights Records

The Maharashtra Government's Revenue and Forest Department has issued a Government Resolution (GR) dated 10.07.2026, approving the use of Village Form 7-E and Village Form 12-E for maintaining records of forest rights recognized under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006.

The decision has been taken under the Maharashtra Land Revenue framework to ensure that recognized forest rights are properly reflected in revenue records and to bring greater transparency in land administration.

Key Highlights

• Maharashtra has approved new Village Form 7-E for recording recognized forest rights.
• Village Form 12-E has been introduced for crop entries relating to forest rights land.
• The initiative aims to maintain separate and accurate land records for beneficiaries under the Forest Rights Act, 2006.
• Revenue and Forest Department officials have been directed to complete the required record updation process.
• The Government has clarified that the recognition of forest rights will be reflected in the newly prescribed revenue forms without affecting other legal provisions.

Objective of Maharashtra's New Village Form 7-E and 12-E Decision Under the Forest Rights Act

The Government stated that many eligible beneficiaries under the Forest Rights Act had already received recognition of their rights, but there was a need for a uniform system to record these rights in village revenue records. The introduction of Village Forms 7-E and 12-E will help ensure consistency, improve record management, and facilitate better implementation of government schemes linked to land records.

Significance

The introduction of these forms is expected to:

• Improve transparency in forest land records.
• Simplify verification of recognized forest rights.
• Facilitate access to agricultural and welfare schemes linked with land records.
• Strengthen coordination between the Revenue and Forest Departments.

Conclusion

The Maharashtra Government's decision to introduce Village Form 7-E and 12-E marks an important administrative reform in the implementation of the Forest Rights Act, 2006. The move is expected to streamline revenue records, provide clarity to beneficiaries, and ensure uniform maintenance of forest rights across the State.

⬇️ Download Official GR (PDF)