Jharkhand CM Urges Tribal Community to Leverage PESA Act for Empowerment

Chief Minister's Call to Action

On Thursday, Hemant Soren, the Chief Minister of Jharkhand, encouraged the tribal community to thoroughly study the Panchayati Raj Extension to Scheduled Areas Act (PESA) to fully benefit from its provisions.

Speaking at an event commemorating the tribal martyrs who lost their lives in police firing on this day in 1948, Soren emphasized that existing laws like the Chotanagpur and Santhal Pargana Tenancy Acts are already in place to protect tribal lands. He noted that the implementation of the PESA Act would further strengthen village councils and panchayats.

According to an official statement, Soren pointed out that due to a lack of awareness about this law, outsiders are exploiting urbanization to gain control over tribal lands.

He highlighted that many village heads (Manki-Munda) possess hundreds of acres of land, yet despite the protections offered by the CNT and SPT Acts, brokers are encroaching on these lands.

Soren urged the tribal population to install solar panels on their land if it is not being used for agriculture, assuring them that the government is willing to purchase the electricity generated from these panels. He stated that this approach could help them earn additional income.

The Chief Minister concluded by stating that with the implementation of the PESA Act, villagers will gain rightful access to their resources through village councils and panchayats, aiding them in safeguarding their water, forests, and land.