The political landscape of Jharkhand is once again embroiled in a debate concerning the PESA Act, the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act of 1996. The BJP has turned its attention to Chief Minister Hemant Soren, criticizing his government’s stance on the Act. Former Chief Minister Champai Soren has voiced strong accusations, claiming the current administration is acting unjustly towards the state’s tribal population.
Champai Soren has stated that the Hemant Soren government is displaying a lack of empathy for the tribal community and shows no inclination to enforce the PESA Act. The PESA Act is a critical piece of legislation designed to grant tribal communities in India’s scheduled areas greater control and the ability to govern themselves. The primary goal of the Act is to extend the Panchayati Raj principles to scheduled areas, where tribal communities constitute the majority. This Act was implemented after the 73rd Constitutional Amendment, which established Panchayati Raj institutions throughout the country but initially excluded these specific regions. The purpose of PESA is to empower tribal communities through Gram Sabhas, allowing them to manage their resources and govern their affairs.
The PESA Act aims to give tribal communities the authority to manage their resources, including forests, land, and water. It also grants Gram Sabhas the power to engage in planning, resource management, and resolving local disputes. The Act also ensures the preservation of traditional practices and encourages participation in development programs.
Ten Indian states have adopted PESA, including Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, and Telangana. However, Odisha and Jharkhand have yet to implement the Act, while the remaining eight states have successfully done so.
The BJP has launched an offensive against the Hemant Soren government, centered on the PESA Act. Speaking at the Adivasi Maha Darbar, Champai Soren said that during his tenure, he had reviewed the PESA Act and included special provisions to financially strengthen the Gram Sabhas, but the current government is not interested in implementation. He also highlighted that on International Tribal Day, August 24, he announced the commencement of farming in Nagri, Ranchi, challenging the government. Despite efforts to impede his supporters, they succeeded in cultivating the land designated for the RIMS-II project.
Champai Soren appealed to the tribal community to unite in order to protect their traditions, identity, and culture, mirroring the actions of their ancestors. He criticized the Hemant Soren government, alleging that the administration does not aim to bolster tribal self-governance but instead seeks to limit their influence. He pointed out the Daanpatra issue, a document allegedly used to take tribal land by bypassing laws like the Chota Nagpur and Santhal Pargana Tenancy Acts. He also announced a significant tribal gathering on December 22 in Bhognadih, Dumka, where strategies for reclaiming tribal land acquired through Daanpatra will be discussed.