14-07-2025
Tribals march on foot for 100km to demand PESA law in state
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Ranchi: A large group of tribals who reached Ranchi from Gumla covering around 100 km on foot on Monday staged a Raj Bhavan march under the banner of Kendriya Sarna Samiti (KSS) and other organisations to press for implementation of Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Area (PESA) Act in Jharkhand.
In Ranchi, the protesters carried out a march from ITI More towards Raj Bhavan, but were stopped by the police some distance away.
KSS president Babloo Munda said that PESA law framed in 1996 is important to protect the rights of tribal religious leaders. He said that the law provides for self-rule among tribals and their control over natural resources including jal, jungle and zameen.
Chief Pahan Jaglal Pahan said that the act has 17 provisions giving powers to gram sabhas and panchayats.
He further said that the act provides authority to local gram sabhas to control water, forest and land utilisation and also the rights to manage and use minor minerals. He added that the approval of gram sabhas is needed for land acquisition, adding it could also solve local disputes under the act. A participant Asok Munda said that the governor should take steps for PESA's implementation in the state.
The protestors had sought time to meet the Governor to discuss the demands. When they were unable to meet the governor, they submitted a memorandum at his office. Notably, several political parties have also been demanding that the state govt implement the law at the earliest.
