PESA Act Delay: Tribal Groups Threaten Protests in Jharkhand

The Adivasi-Mulvasi Janadhikar Manch is expressing significant anger over the Jharkhand government’s continued postponement of the PESA law’s implementation. Vijay Shankar Nayak, the organization’s Central Vice President, underscored that PESA is intrinsically linked to the identity, existence, and self-rule of Jharkhand’s indigenous populations. He criticized the government for its perceived lack of commitment, stating that its indecisiveness weakens the authority of Gram Sabhas, the traditional governing bodies. Nayak directly challenged the administration: “The people are asking whose directives the government is following.” He articulated that the impact of PESA would be most keenly felt in areas slated for mining and land acquisition, leading to widespread concern that the government might be yielding to the influence of mining corporations. The demand is for the government to clarify the reasons behind its reluctance to take firm action on PESA. Nayak highlighted the current limitations faced by Gram Sabhas, noting a deficit in their empowerment and statutory rights. He pointed out the discrepancy between government assurances and the absence of an official PESA notification, along with a lack of clear rules for Gram Sabha empowerment and the functioning of local Panchayats, creating confusion among the state’s residents. The Manch views this delay not as a procedural hiccup but as a deliberate stalling tactic against granting vital rights. “Without PESA, the existential crisis will deepen significantly,” Nayak asserted, explaining that this law is crucial for survival, not just development. He warned of impending land alienation, the outflow of natural resources, and further marginalization of Jharkhand’s communities if PESA remains unimplemented. He predicted a surge in displacement, a collapse of traditional governance systems, and an acceleration of resource exploitation in the near future, urging the government to act decisively now. With the government’s second term’s first year drawing to a close, Nayak described this period as pivotal and representative of the hopes of Jharkhand’s people. He insisted on the government setting a concrete deadline for PESA’s implementation, suggesting November 28, 2025, or soon thereafter, as a critical marker. The tribal organizations are contemplating initiating large-scale state-wide agitations if the government continues its silence, as public patience has reached its limit.