The proposed amendments to the Forest Conservation Act of 1980 have generated significant debate among political parties and stakeholders in India. The amendments aim to modify the existing law, which grants control of forest land to the central government. However, concerns have been raised that the government intends to dilute the law in order to make forest land diversion easier.

To examine the proposed amendments and address the concerns surrounding them, the bill has been referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee. This committee is composed of members from both houses of Parliament, representing various political parties. Its role is to review the proposed amendments, solicit inputs from stakeholders, and present a report with its recommendations to the Parliament. According to some reports the committee has approved the forest conservation (amendment) bill 2023 without any change. The report will be tabled in the monsoon session of the parliament.