Cong holds workshop on PESA, focuses on tribal rights

Ranchi: Under the aegis of the Pradesh Congress Committee, a workshop on the PESA (Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas) rules was held at Geetanjali Banquet Hall, Chiraundi, chaired by Pradesh Congress President Keshav Mahato Kamlesh. The event’s chief guest was Shri K. Raju, the Congress in-charge for Jharkhand.

The workshop brought together ministers, MLAs, district presidents from notified areas, and senior leaders who shared detailed views on the draft rules prepared for implementing the PESA Act. Extensive discussions were held on the draft, with constructive suggestions made for each chapter to ensure the law benefits all sections of society and strengthens tribal self-governance.

Shri K. Raju emphasized that it has been 30 years since the PESA Act was enacted, and therefore, Jharkhand’s PESA rules should be the best in the country. He invited written suggestions on various chapters of the draft by June 20. These inputs will be consolidated into a comprehensive framework, following which a state-level committee will be formed. Efforts will be made to familiarize tribal communities in Jharkhand’s villages with the provisions. The vision is for Jharkhand’s PESA law to reflect the constitutional provisions related to the Fifth Schedule, land acquisition laws, and Forest Rights Act, thus protecting traditional Gram Sabhas and fostering tribal development.

Keshav Mahato Kamlesh stated that the workshop witnessed deep discussions and valuable suggestions. He expressed confidence that Jharkhand’s PESA law will become a model for the country and realize the vision of decentralized self-governance, safeguarding traditional tribal rights.

Congress co-incharge Siribela Prasad highlighted the party’s commitment to protecting tribal rights, including forest rights and traditional self-governance, which the PESA Act will strengthen in Jharkhand.

Congress Legislature Party leader Pradeep Yadav said the PESA law is an integral part of Panchayati Raj, and once enacted, will empower Gram Sabhas, preserving the core values, traditions, and identities of tribal communities.

Deputy leader of the Congress Legislature Party Rajesh Kachhap called PESA a means to protect tribal community rights and empower Gram Sabhas. He stressed the importance of implementing PESA law in Jharkhand to uphold traditional tribal self-governance.

Rural Development Minister Deepika Pandey Singh affirmed the state government’s seriousness in implementing the law and said that the draft was shared publicly to gather feedback. She acknowledged the involvement of intellectuals and activists in discussions and noted that the department will act on the suggestions received. She criticized BJP for spreading misinformation about PESA and stressed the need to bring the draft to grassroots levels for proper implementation through discussions at TAC, cabinet, and government levels.

Finance Minister Radha Krishna Kishore emphasized that Congress believes villagers must receive appropriate rights. He raised concerns about maintaining democratic governance in the 2066 notified panchayats and pointed out potential challenges, such as police requiring Gram Sabha permissions in criminal cases, which could be misused. The focus, he said, should be on protecting traditional systems, religious customs, and cultural heritage.