Latest news with #PanchayatsExtensiontoScheduledAreas
Time of India
5 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Minister reviews drafting of PESA Act rules
B hubaneswar: Panchayati raj minister Rabi Narayan Naik on Wednesday reviewed the progress of drafting rules related to the Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas (PESA) Act. An extensive discussion was conducted in the meeting on various aspects of the necessary regulations for implementing the Act in the state. The minister reviewed all ancillary aspects of the regulations related to the PESA Act to be implemented in the state. Apart from the Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department, there were detailed discussions on proposals from the ST and SC development department, revenue department, forest, and other departments. Reviewing the regulations currently at the draft stage, the minister instructed that the rights of the STs be kept central. He also stated that the govt is committed to ensuring their rights and dignity. Instructions were given to ensure that these regulations reflect the socio-economic development of the state's STs and their participation in the development process and democratic opinion. He expressed that the STs of the state long demanded this, and it will fulfil their hopes and aspirations.
The Hindu
21-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
GO 49 to create new tiger conservation reserve kept in abeyance over Adivasi concerns
The State government on Monday (July 21) declared that the proposal to create Kumurambheem Conservation Reserve — tiger corridor area connecting Kawal Tiger Reserve in Telangana and Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra — is being kept in abeyance. The State government's decision comes in the wake of concerns raised by tribals and public representatives across tribal areas and detailed discussions held with various stakeholders. The GO.49 dated May 30, 2025, issued by Environment, Forests, Science & Technology department, potentially displaces tribal residents in more than 330 villages from their traditional habitat and restricts their forest rights and livelihoods. It aims at converting 1.49 lakh hectares across multiple forest ranges in Kumurambheem-Asifabad district, including Asifabad, Kerameri, Rebbena, Tiryani, Kagaznagar, Sirpur, Karjelli, Bejjur, and Penchikalpet into the 'Kumurambheem Conservation Reserve' as an extension to Kawal Tiger Reserve. Adivasi organisations who led sustained protests had maintained that the order was violative of their rights as per Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas (PESA) Act, 1996, that aims at empowering tribal communities in the country's Scheduled Areas. The government, sensing widespread protests, called for a report from the District Collector to address the situation comprehensively. Later, the situation was also studied and reviewed by Minister for Forests Konda Surekha, Adilabad District In-charge Minister Jupally Krishna Rao and Minister for Panchayat Raj Dansari Anasuya. According to officials, the findings and recommendations were submitted to Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy by the District Collector on July 11, and the decision to withhold the order until further notice followed on Monday. Ms. Surekha stated: 'Congress government is people's government. We will never take any decision that harms the rights or livelihoods of Adivasis and tribal communities. The concerns of the local people have been heard, and action has been taken accordingly. The welfare of every citizen, especially our tribal brothers and sisters, remains our top priority.'
