India, Jan. 30 -- The Union government is considering creating 'village commons' as a distinct land-use category, recognising its crucial role in rural India's economy and supporting millions of livelihoods along with conserving biodiversity.

The Economic Survey 2025-26, tabled in Parliament on January 29, said, "Reviving and protecting village commons, therefore, requires a collaborative approach that involves both the government and local communities actively participating. To achieve this, first, 'village commons' as a distinct land-use category may need official incorporation with sub-categories."

The report said such a move would enable accurate estimation, monitoring and informed policy intervention.

Village commons are tradition...