By Aparna Pallavi WeNews correspondent

India’s land rights act enacted Jan. 1 was considered a major milestone for tribal and forest - dwelling communities. But women’s activists say it fails to protect the property rights of women, some of whom are forming collectives to hold on to land.

The law–crafted by legislators, officials, analysts and representatives from local groups–only provides for the issuance of deeds to single men or married couples. It is silent about the rights of single women, whether widowed, deserted or not yet married.