Latest news with #PESA
Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Raghubar slams govt for non-implementation of PESA Act
Dumka: Former chief minister Raghubar Das on Saturday criticised the state govt for being indifferent towards the implementation of the Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) (PESA) Act, 1996, in the state. Das said, "The tribal society has been deprived of the benefits of the Union govt funds due to the non-implementation of the PESA Act though the community comprises the major support base of JMM, which is the ruling party in the state govt coalition. Jharkhand lost the Rs 1,400crore allotted by the central finance commission in the 2024-25 financial year as the state govt failed to introduce the PESA Act during its subsequent terms. The situation persisted even after JMM promised the electorate to implement the PESA Act in its election manifesto." "The implementation of the PESA Act would ensure 'Abua Raj' in real term as it would provide the traditional self-rule system of the tribal society a legal status in the 13 districts, comprising 112 blocks, which fall under the scheduled areas. The empowerment of the traditional self-rule bodies through the PESA Act will, in turn, go a long way in preventing the ongoing conversion of the tribals, otherwise being supported by the ruling alliance at the cost of the existence of the community and its culture," he alleged, accusing JMM of betraying the tribal society. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This Device Made My Power Bill Drop Overnight elecTrick - Save upto 80% on Power Bill Pre-Order Undo The former Odisha governor further said, "The backward and Dalit community members were at the receiving end as central funds to the tune of hundreds of crores of rupees could not be released to the urban and rural civic bodies for development works. Finance minister Radha Krishna Kishore, through a letter to the CM, mentioned that the condition of Dalits was worse than that of the PVTG communities." While local JMM office bearers didn't respond, spokesperson for the state Congress, part of the ruling coalition, Shyamal Kishore Singh, refuted the allegations. "The state govt was committed to implement the PESA act. State Congress in-charge K Raju presided over a meeting with the party's district presidents on Saturday on the implementation of the PESA act. The district presidents have been directed to submit the reports to the party after due consultations with common people of the respective areas falling under the fifth schedule. " The state rural development department had held a state-level consultation with different stakeholders for seeking suggestions on the issue in Ranchi a few days ago.
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Maturity shown by political parties amid Indo-Pak tension should continue to ensure nation's security, growth: RSS chief
The maturity and mutual understanding displayed by political parties during the recent tensions between India and Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack should continue to ensure the security and growth of the nation, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat said on Thursday (June 5, 2025). Speaking at the culmination of an RSS volunteer training camp in Nagpur, Mr. Bhagwat added that the Sangh considers religious conversion as an act of 'violence', and is working to ensure that people are not lured or forced to change their religion. 'Our training camp is happending at a very special time as RSS will complete 100 years. There is another important circumstance which is being witnessed, and that is the Pahalgam terror attack in which our countrymen were killed in our own land. This has created a furore among the masses, who believed that the culprits must be punished. Some actions were taken in this regard as well and the culprits were punished. But in this situation, the courage and efficiency of our Army has once again outshone itself,' Mr. Bhagwat said. United Indian society He added that the terror attack had united Indian society, and even political parties, who kept their differences aside to support the nation. 'The political class also showed maturity as well as mutual understanding. Instead of fighting against each other, they have decided to fight together for the nation. The society also showed unity like never before. This picture has been formed for the world to see.... Also, this should continue to be a permanent feature for the safety and growth of the nation,' Mr. Bhagwat said. Pakistan's proxy wars Without naming Pakistan, the RSS chief said that because the neighbouring country could not directly win against, it took the help of terrorism and had started waging proxy wars. 'We got separated so that we could live peacefully but they started creating discord soon after the separation. The hypocrisy born out of the ghost of the two-nation theory must be checked, and till then, the threat to our national security will continue,' he added. Appealing to Indians from all classes and communities to live peacefully and help each other, Mr. Bhagwat said that people should not fight among themselves over 'pity issues'. Reconversion must be respected Accepting the request of Chhattisgarh tribal leader Arvind Netam, a former Minister in Indira Gandhi's Cabinet, to work in tribal areas to check 'rampant conversions', Mr. Bhagwat said that the RSS considers conversion as 'violence'. 'We don't have any differences with different religions and communities. Jesus, Mohammed, all are revered and we also have respect for them. But everyone will follow his or her own religions. Those who changed religions out of greed or by force, and now they want to come back, this must be respected as its correction,' he said. 'Implement PESA' In his speech, Mr. Netam had urged the RSS chief to pressurise the Union government to come out with an action plan after Naxalism ends, to ensure that the menace is not revived. He added that no government so far has implemented the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996, which aims to ensure self-governance in tribal areas through Gram Sabhas, empowering them to manage resources and make decisions related to their communities. 'The Central government is mum and even helping the industrialists,' Mr. Netam added.
Time of India
30-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Fulfil promises of protecting jal, jangal, jameen: JJM to state
Ranchi: Thousands of people from across Jharkhand staged a dharna outside Raj Bhawan on Friday under the banner of Jharkhand Janadhikar Mahasabha (JJM), asking the state govt to fulfil its promises regarding the protection of forest, water, and land, and ensuring self-rule in the state. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The participants carried placards with slogans like "Hemant Sarkar Jo Kaha So Karo (Hemant Government, perform what you said)". With the Hemant Soren govt completing six months in office since getting re-elected to the office last November, various organisations have intensified their demand for the fulfilment of the pledges made to people during the state assembly elections. Speaking at the dharna, JJM member Demka Soy said, "The BJP-led govt transferred 22 lakh acres to the land bank. This govt has not cancelled the decision despite making promises on several occasions. " Another member, Baasing Hessa, said the delay in implementation of PESA—Provision of Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas)—in state reflects that the current govt does not want to set up an 'Abua Raj (self-rule)'. A member, Seraj, stated that security force camps are being set up without the permission of gram sabhas. Dharam Valmiki, who is associated with the hygiene workers' movement, alleged that for Dalits, it is a struggle to get caste certificates, adding that many are being deprived of education and employment due to the situation. The JJM submitted an eight-point demand list addressed to Soren to a magistrate from Ranchi district at the protest site, insisting on the cancellation of the land bank policy and the Land Acquisition Act 2017, full implementation of PESA, allocation of land pattas, certificates to landless Dalits, local people and employment policies giving preference to Adivasis and Moolvasis, release of prisoners undergoing trial for a long period, a law to prevent mob lynching, and providing eggs in the mid-day meal.
Hans India
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Former Jharkhand CM Raghubar Das slams Soren govt for not implementing PESA Act
Ranchi: Former Jharkhand Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Raghubar Das on Wednesday criticised the Hemant Soren-led government for failing to implement the Panchayat (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA), accusing it of depriving tribal communities of their constitutional right to self-governance. Addressing a press conference at the state BJP office in Ranchi, Das alleged that the JMM-Congress coalition was systematically undermining tribal culture and traditions. 'This government claims to be a well-wisher of tribals but has not implemented the PESA Act even after finalising the rules,' he said. The BJP leader recalled that the central government had enacted the PESA Act in 1996, mandating states to draft rules following local traditions and implement self-rule in Scheduled Areas. 'Most states have implemented PESA and empowered Gram Sabhas. In contrast, Jharkhand, despite having a tribal Chief Minister, is yet to do so,' he said. Das invoked the legacy of tribal freedom fighters, including Bhagwan Birsa Munda, Sido-Kanhu, Poto Ho, Budhu Bhagat, Phoolo-Jhano, and Tilka Manjhi, stating that they fought for 'Abua Raj' (self-rule). 'Ironically, a tribal Chief Minister is now obstructing the same vision,' he said. He added that the draft PESA rules were published years ago, and after extensive consultations and review, the Jharkhand Law Department gave its nod on March 22, 2024. 'Both the Supreme Court and High Court have upheld the Act under the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution,' he noted. 'Tribals across 112 blocks in 13 Scheduled Area districts are now asking when Gram Swaraj under PESA will be implemented. Who is stopping the government from restoring the traditional systems of Munda, Manki and Gram Pradhan?' he asked. Das alleged that Hemant Soren is under pressure from 'followers of foreign religions,' claiming their influence within the government is preventing implementation. 'PESA will curb their interference in tribal self-governance, which is why they oppose it,' he said, adding that several ministers and leaders in the ruling alliance were working against tribal interests. He further alleged that vested interests involved in illegal mining and trade in sand, stone, liquor and coal were also opposed to the Act. 'PESA would empower panchayats with control over minor minerals and sand ghats. The government has surrendered to the syndicate mafia. This is a betrayal of the Sarna tribal community,' he said. Former Union Minister of State Sudarshan Bhagat was also present at the press conference.
Time of India
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Tribals protest against Siramtoli flyover ramp
1 2 Ranchi: Several tribal organisations under the banner of Adivasi Bachao Morcha staged a one-day protest outside Raj Bhavan on Tuesday, demanding the removal of the ramp near the Siramtoli Sarna site and the full implementation of the Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA) in Jharkhand. The demonstrators alleged that the ramp near the central Sarna religious site at Siramtoli obstructs large religious gatherings, especially during annual processions, and must be removed immediately. The protest saw participation from former minister Dev Kumar Dhan and Geetashree Oraon, among others. The protestors also accused the state govt of failing to protect tribal constitutional rights despite 25 years of Jharkhand's formation. "From land grabbing to lack of employment, the issues of tribal communities remain unaddressed. The govt has shown no sensitivity toward PESA, Sarna Code, and tribal land rights," said Prem Shahi Munda, convenor of Adivasi Bachao Morcha. Key demands included declaration of sites like Marang Buru, Luguburu, and Mudhar Pahad as tribal religious places, a separate religious code in the census, and withdrawal of policies promoting alcohol in tribal-dominated rural areas.
