- विज्ञापन -
Ranchi: Former Jharkhand Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Raghubar Das criticized the Hemant Soren government on Wednesday for not implementing the Panchayat (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA), accusing them of depriving tribal communities of their constitutional right to self-governance.
Speaking at a press conference at the BJP office in Ranchi, Das alleged that the JMM-Congress coalition is systematically undermining tribal culture and traditions. He pointed out that despite the government claiming to be supportive of tribals, it has yet to implement PESA even after finalizing the rules.
Das reminded that the central government introduced the PESA Act in 1996, requiring states to create rules based on local customs and promote self-rule in Scheduled Areas. While most states have successfully implemented the law and empowered Gram Sabhas, Jharkhand, despite having a tribal Chief Minister, has not.
Referring to tribal freedom fighters like Bhagwan Birsa Munda, Sido-Kanhu, Poto Ho, Budhu Bhagat, Phoolo-Jhano, and Tilka Manjhi, he emphasized that they fought for ‘Abua Raj’ (self-governance). He questioned why a tribal leader like Soren was now obstructing that very vision.
Das mentioned that draft rules for PESA were issued years ago and, after extensive reviews and consultations, the Jharkhand Law Department approved them on March 22, 2024. He highlighted that both the Supreme Court and the High Court have upheld the Act under the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution.
He further questioned when PESA’s Gram Swaraj would be implemented across the 112 blocks in 13 districts of Scheduled Areas, and why the government was delaying restoring traditional governance systems like Munda, Manki, and Gram Pradhan.
Das also alleged that Soren’s government is under pressure from “followers of foreign religions,” whose influence he claimed is preventing the law’s implementation. He argued that PESA would reduce external interference in tribal self-governance, which these groups oppose, and accused some ministers and leaders of working against tribal interests.
Lastly, Das asserted that vested interests involved in illegal activities such as mining, sand, stone, liquor, and coal trade are also opposing PESA. He claimed that empowering panchayats over minor minerals and sand ghats would threaten their illegal operations, calling this a betrayal of the Sarna tribal community. Former Union Minister of State Sudarshan Bhagat was also present during the press conference.
