The present Act and Rules seeks to correct the historical injustice done to Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers, by granting them security of tenure over individual and community holdings, ownership of Minor Forest Produce, Nistar and Grazing Rights and adequate safeguards for their rehabilitation, in cases of their displacement from present locations, on account of forestry and other development projects. In addition to granting suitable powers to Gram Sabhas (and other village institutions) for inquiry in to Forest Rights and an important say in the above matters, Gram Sabhas have also been given responsibilities for the management of "community forests", sought to be created under the Act, for the welfare of the beneficiaries.