PESA Act, Jharkhand PESA Rules 2025: Khora Mauza Reconstitutes Traditional Parha Panch by Consensus

The traditional Parha Panch of Khora Mauza was reconstituted unanimously at the Khora Panchayat Bhawan under the provisions of the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996, and the Jharkhand PESA Rules, 2025. The process was conducted in accordance with customary practices and social traditions under the guidance of the Traditional Self-Governance Parha System, Gumla.

Residents from all seven hamlets of Khora Mauza participated in the programme and collectively selected the office-bearers of the traditional Parha Panch. The meeting was chaired by Shivcharan Pahan, the village head of Khora.

The gathering reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the traditional self-governance system, maintaining community unity and making the Gram Sabha more effective in local decision-making.

Traditional office-bearers selected

The following office-bearers were selected unanimously by the villagers:

1. Mahato – Mahesh Oraon
2. Pahan – Shankar Oraon
3. Pujar – Suman Devi
4. Jaithraiyat – Gedya Pahan
5. Gaurav – Bolba Oraon
6. Mukhi Jokhas – Vinay Oraon
7. Mukhi Pello – Urmila Devi
8. Jokh Kotwar – Tima Oraon
9. Pello Kotwar – Anima Kumari
10. Bhandari – Rajesh Oraon

The executive committee of the Parha Panch was also constituted, with Shivcharan Pahan as president, Anima Kumari as assistant secretary and Rajesh Kujur as treasurer.

State-level PESA trainer highlights Gram Sabha's role

Sanju Bhagat, a state-level trainer for the Jharkhand PESA Rules, 2025, attended the programme as the chief guest and observer. He explained the provisions of the PESA Act and the state rules, highlighting the powers, rights and responsibilities of the Gram Sabha and the importance of traditional village self-governance institutions.

Bhagat said the primary objective of the PESA framework was to protect and strengthen the traditional systems, socio-cultural identity, community resources and self-governance rights of tribal communities in Scheduled Areas. He emphasised the need for better coordination between traditional institutions and the Gram Sabha to strengthen decision-making at the local level.

Other attendees included Manisha Kumari, Panchayat Secretary representing the PESA Block Committee, Gumla; Lal Kumari Lakra, Mukhiya of Khora Gram Panchayat; Deepak Bhagat of Muli Parha, Gumla; and social activist Jitesh Minj. Sanjay Oraon, Chumna Oraon, Sukhram Oraon, Durgeshwari Oraon, Shyam Sundar Sahu, Swaroop Kumar Sahu, Phoolmani Oraon, Somnath Sahu, Ramswaroop Singh, Budhanath Sahu and Sarita Devi were also present, along with other community representatives.

Hundreds of men and women from all seven hamlets of Khora Panchayat attended the Gram Sabha and witnessed the reconstitution process.

The reconstitution is expected to provide fresh momentum to the traditional leadership system and strengthen collective decision-making on local social issues, community interests, customary practices and the protection of natural resources. At the conclusion of the programme, villagers congratulated the newly selected office-bearers and pledged to advance the traditional Parha system through unity, participation and shared responsibility.