Latest news with #RaghubarDas
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.
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
05-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
BJP stages protests, wants Pakistanis to leave India
1 2 Ranchi/ Bokaro/ Hazaribag: The Jharkhand unit of the BJP on Monday held rallies across all district headquarters, demanding immediate action against Pakistani nationals who have not left the country despite the expiry of the 48-hour deadline issued by the Central govt, after the Pahalgam terror attack. Party workers marched to the offices of district commissioners, submitting memorandums and urging authorities to enforce the directive. The rallies were marked by slogans calling for strict implementation of the order and the deportation of the Pakistani nationals residing in India. Taking part in a rally in Ranchi, BJP state president Babulal Marandi said, "Pakistan-sponsored terrorism will no longer be tolerated. There is no place on this sacred land of ours for any citizen of Pakistan who supports terror. They must pack up and leave. The terrorists who are making calculated attacks on India's faith, culture, and integrity will be given a response so strong that they cannot even imagine it." Former CM and BJP leader Raghubar Das also participated in the rally in Jamshedpur and submitted memorandum to district commissioner demanding immediate deportation of Pakistani nationals in the city. "I urge the state govt to strictly implement this decision in accordance with the directives issued by the Central govt. Jharkhand has become a safe haven for illegal immigrants, be it Bangladeshis or Pakistanis. The state govt should work with the Centre to deport those illegal foreigners," Das said. The protests come amid heightened political discourse around national security and illegal immigration. BJP leaders have accused opposition parties of being soft on the issue and demanded that state governments take immediate steps in coordination with the Centre. Former MLA Biranchi Narayan alleged that Bangladeshi nationals have illegally settled on Bokaro Steel Limited (BSL) land by constructing makeshift homes and obtaining fake Aadhaar cards. "The district administration should thoroughly investigate and ensure that such infiltrators are identified and removed from the city," said Narayan. On May 3, the BSL administration launched an anti-encroachment drive near Bokaro Niwas in Sector-5 during which illegally built slums on BSL land were removed. During this drive, illegal settlement of suspected 'Bangladeshi' citizens came to light. Deputy general manager (security) of BSL, Colonel Rajendra Singh Shekhawat said that the activities of these people living without valid documents are a matter of concern from the security point of view. In Hazaribag, too, BJP workers, led by district president Vivekanand Singh, demonstrated in front of district collectorate in Hazaribag city demanding action against Pakistani citizens residing in the district. A letter in this regard was also handed over to deputy commissioner Nancy Sahay for it to be forwarded to Governor Santosh Gangwar and chief minister Hemant Soren. Barhi MLA Manoj Kumar Yadav was also present in this demonstration. Singh said the brutal killing of 26 innocent civilians by terrorists in Pahalgam on April.22 has shocked the entire nation. After this incident, the central govt has taken a very important decision to cancel the visas of Pakistani citizens and deport them from the country. He urged the district administration to identify Pakistani nationals in Hazaribag who are living without valid documents.
