RANCHI: Tension gripped the Jharkhand Assembly on Thursday during the budget session as lawmakers from both sides fiercely debated the rampant illegal transfer of tribal lands and misuse of Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) funds. The seventh day of the session turned into a battleground for tribal rights, with opposition leaders demanding immediate accountability from the government.
Congress MLA Naman Viksal Kongari kicked off the fiery exchange, highlighting how unchecked land grabs are eroding the demographic balance of indigenous communities. ‘Illegal transfers are not just displacing our people; they’re reshaping our political, linguistic, and cultural fabric,’ he asserted. He pointed out that Ranchi, once a scheduled area, has now lost its protected status due to rampant encroachments and unauthorized constructions without proper maps.
Revenue Minister Deepak Birua responded by reaffirming the state’s commitment to the Chotanagpur Tenancy Act. ‘We’re enforcing the provisions strictly. Any wrongful transfer will be reversed, and illegal map approvals will face thorough probes,’ he stated. However, he admitted that comprehensive data on such cases isn’t readily available, promising a detailed report soon.
Minister Sudivya Sonu echoed the assurance, vowing strict action against violators. Meanwhile, Congress MLA Rajesh Kachhap from Khijri raised alarms over TSP fund diversions, questioning why these irregularities aren’t being treated with the urgency they deserve.
Minister Chamra Linda clarified that TSP allocations from the Centre are based on population ratios but acknowledged the lack of clear utilization guidelines in the state. ‘We’re working on concrete directives,’ she said. The Speaker intervened, suggesting a study of best practices from other states to formulate a robust policy.
This showdown underscores the deepening concerns over tribal welfare in Jharkhand, a mineral-rich state where land rights remain a flashpoint. As the session progresses, all eyes are on whether the government delivers on its promises to safeguard indigenous lands and ensure funds reach their intended beneficiaries.