Tribal and Indigenous Rights Forum has strongly condemned the Jharkhand government’s ongoing delays in implementing the PESA (Panchayat Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act. Central Vice President Vijay Shankar Nayak articulated the group’s severe disappointment, stating that PESA is foundational for the identity, self-rule, and very existence of Jharkhand’s tribal communities. He criticized the government’s lack of clear action, which he believes weakens the traditional power structures vested in village assemblies (Gram Sabhas). Nayak demanded transparency, asking, ‘The public desires to know the forces influencing the government’s inaction.’ He asserted that areas slated for significant mining and land acquisition are particularly vulnerable, fueling suspicions that corporate lobbying is hindering PESA’s enactment. The government must reveal the source of this obstruction.
Nayak pointed out the current deficiency in Gram Sabha authority. Despite government pronouncements, the official notification for PESA implementation is pending, and guidelines for Gram Sabha empowerment and the practical roles of local panchayats remain undefined. This ambiguity leaves the people of Jharkhand in a state of confusion and apprehension. He characterized the government’s slow pace as a deliberate attempt to delay the devolution of constitutional rights. ‘Without PESA, the existential threat will only grow,’ Nayak cautioned.
He stressed that for Jharkhand’s indigenous people, PESA is not merely about development but about safeguarding their fundamental existence. The absence of PESA risks the dispossession of land, the outward flow of mineral wealth, and increased societal marginalization. Nayak issued a stern warning that continued government inaction will inevitably lead to widespread displacement, the erosion of traditional governance systems, and intensified exploitation of natural resources. He conveyed a critical message: ‘Implement PESA now, or risk losing this opportunity forever.’ With the first year of the government’s second term concluding, Nayak identified this period as pivotal for addressing the aspirations of Jharkhand’s populace. He urged the government to announce a firm timeline for PESA implementation, aiming for November 28, 2025, or immediately following. Failure to act will prompt tribal organizations to consider launching a widespread public movement, as the community is no longer prepared for further delays.