Ranchi: Addressing a press conference at the BJP state office, former Chief Minister raised serious objections to the rules framed by the state government under the PESA (Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996. He said the rules prepared by the government are completely contrary to the core provisions and spirit of the PESA Act.
Raghubar Das stated that, according to information published in newspapers, the government has curtailed traditional tribal systems and customary leadership in the definition of the Gram Sabha. He emphasized that in Scheduled Areas, the concept of the Gram Sabha is rooted in traditional customs and social structures.
Referring to traditional village leadership systems of various tribal communities, he said that positions such as Manjhi–Pargana among the Santhal community, Munda–Manki–Diuri among the Ho community, Dhoklo–Sohor among the Kharia community, Hatu Munda, Padhaha Raja and Pahan among the Munda community, Mahato, Padhawel (Raja) and Pahan among the Oraon community, and Munda, Sardar, Napa and Dakuwa among the Bhumij community have enjoyed recognition for centuries.
The former Chief Minister pointed out that Sections 4(a), 4(b), 4(c) and 4(d) of the PESA Act, 1996 clearly provide that the formation, functioning and representation of the Gram Sabha must be in accordance with the traditions, customs, socio-religious practices and traditional resource management systems of tribal communities. However, he alleged that these provisions have been ignored in the rules framed by the state government.
He also questioned whether, under the new rules, the chairpersonship of the Gram Sabha would be given to individuals who do not belong to traditional tribal systems or whose backgrounds differ from the concerned community and its traditions. The lack of clarity on this issue, he said, is a matter of serious concern.
Raghubar Das said that under the PESA law, Gram Sabhas are empowered with full management and control over collective resources such as minor minerals, sand ghats, forest produce and water sources. He asked whether these rights would actually be vested in the Gram Sabhas or whether government control would continue as before.
Concluding the press conference, the former Chief Minister alleged that by framing the rules at the cabinet level, the state government is merely trying to mislead the tribal community by offering a “lollipop” and throwing dust in their eyes. He asserted that the objective of the PESA Act is not to dismantle traditional tribal institutions, but to provide them legal protection and further strengthen them, so that tribal communities can preserve their cultural identity, traditional justice systems and rights over natural resources.
He demanded that the state government release the PESA rules at the earliest in accordance with the sentiments of the people of the state.
Former MLAs Ramkumar Pahan, Yogendra Pratap Singh, Ashok Badaik and Ravi Munda were also present at the press conference.
0 Comments