Statewide movement to be launched for implementation of PESA Act in Jharkhand: Ex-CM Raghubar Das

Jamshedpur, Jun 26 (PTI) Senior BJP leader and former Jharkhand chief minister Raghubar Das on Thursday said a statewide ‘Ul-gulan’ (movement) would soon be launched to pressure the state government to implement the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act.

Addressing a press conference, Das said the awareness campaign will cover 112 blocks across 13 districts falling under the Scheduled Areas of the state.

"The aim is to mobilise and educate tribal communities about their rights under the PESA Act," he said, adding that the campaign will begin after the monsoon season, as most tribals are currently engaged in agricultural activities.

Das alleged that the JMM-led alliance government is reluctant to implement the Act under the influence of "foreign religion." The PESA Act, which recognises the rights of tribal communities in Scheduled Areas, was enacted in 1996.

He pointed out that eight out of 10 states with Scheduled Areas have implemented the Act, but Jharkhand — led by a tribal Chief Minister — has not.

Das regretted that the Act was not implemented during Soren's six-year tenure, overlooking even the directive of the Jharkhand High Court in this regard.

"The PESA Act was enacted across the country in 1996. All other states have framed PESA rules. In Jharkhand, even after six years of Hemant Soren's government, the Act remains unimplemented," Das told reporters.

Accusing the Soren-led coalition government's dilly-dally approach in enforcing the Act, the BJP leader questioned under what pressure Soren was scared to implement it. "Is the Soren government at risk of falling if the law is implemented? Or is it being delayed under the influence of a foreign religion, as it may adversely affect those following the faith?" People of Jharkhand want to know what pressure prevented Soren from implementing the Act, he asked, while expressing apprehension that Rs 1,400 crore meant for the development of Schedule Areas in Jharkhand will lapse in the absence of the PESA Act.

JMM and Congress had promised of 'Abua Raj' (own government of tribals) in the run-up to the last Assembly polls, but it has now betrayed the innocent Adivasis after being elected to power, he alleged.

The Act will empower gram sabhas legally and economically, as well as the self-rule system of the community, Das claimed.

Raising concerns over Bangladeshi infiltration and religious conversions, Das alleged that these factors are contributing to the declining tribal population in Jharkhand.

Even the Chotanagpur Tenancy Act, intended to safeguard the interest of tribals, was grossly violated in tribal-dominated Santal Pargana, including Soren's home constituency Barhait in Sahibganj district, Das alleged.

These problems would have been resolved had the Act been implemented in Jharkhand, the BJP leader said.

He added that the state government published the draft PESA rules in July 2023 and sought feedback from the public and institutions through the Panchayati Raj Department.

The Advocate General approved the draft rules on March 22, 2024, stating that they were formulated in accordance with judicial orders of the Supreme Court and High Court. PTI BS MNB