Jharkhand tribal groups flag representation concerns over proposed delimitation

Tribal organisations in Jharkhand have raised concerns that the proposed delimitation exercise could affect the political representation of the state's tribal population.

A delegation of tribal organisations led by former minister Bandhu Tirkey met Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar and submitted a memorandum, urging that Jharkhand's social and geographical realities, along with the existing political representation of tribal communities, be taken into account during the delimitation process.

The delegation argued that delimitation in Jharkhand should not be based solely on current population figures. It said the special status of areas covered under the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution, displacement in tribal areas, migration and demographic changes over the years should also be considered.

The organisations expressed apprehension that changes in the ratio of Lok Sabha and Assembly seats could have a direct impact on the political representation of tribal communities. They demanded that the existing level of representation should not be reduced under any circumstances.

They further demanded that if the number of Lok Sabha and Assembly seats is increased, seats reserved for Scheduled Tribes should also be increased proportionately.

The Governor advised the delegation to raise the issue with Chief Minister Hemant Soren as well. The delegation urged the state government to convene a special session of the Assembly and pass a clear resolution on the delimitation issue.

It also called for the state's proposal to be forwarded to the Centre through the Governor.

Citing Paragraph 3 of the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution, the delegation also urged the Governor to send a report to the President. It sought a detailed assessment of demographic changes in Scheduled Areas, displacement and migration, as well as the possible impact of delimitation on these communities.

The tribal organisations further proposed the formation of a high-level committee to study the likely impact of delimitation in the state.

They suggested that a committee be constituted along the lines of the high-level panel formed on March 8, 2019, to examine issues relating to Scheduled Areas. The delegation also sought that the committee's report be included in the Governor's annual report and forwarded to the President.

Tirkey said a large number of tribal families in Jharkhand had faced displacement due to mining, dams, industries, power projects, roads and railway projects. He added that many people had also migrated to other states in search of employment.

Under these circumstances, he argued, relying only on current population figures for delimitation would not adequately reflect the political interests and representation of tribal communities in Jharkhand.

The delegation also raised issues related to the protection of tribal land, effective implementation of the Chotanagpur Tenancy (CNT) Act and Santhal Pargana Tenancy (SPT) Act, and enforcement of provisions related to restoration of land.

The delegation included Bandhu Tirkey, Dr Basvi Kiddo, Shashi Panna, Rama Khalkho, Laxmi Narayan Munda, Dayamani Barla, Dr Ramchandra Oraon, Ajay Tirkey, Shiva Kachhap and Anil Oraon.