Jharkhand Governor Pushes for Immediate Implementation of PESA Act

Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar urged Chief Minister Hemant Soren to expedite the implementation of the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act or PESA in Jharkhand. The law, acknowledging the rights of tribal communities, remains unimplemented in the state despite being enacted in 1996. The appeal was made during the Adivasi Mahotsav-2024.

Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar on Friday appealed to Chief Minister Hemant Soren for the swift implementation of the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, known as PESA, in Jharkhand. Highlighting the delay, the Governor noted that Jharkhand remains the sole state yet to enforce this vital legislation, which aims to restore traditional governance for tribal communities.

The Act, recognizing the rights of tribal communities in Scheduled Areas, was passed in 1996 but remains unimplemented in Jharkhand even after the state's formation in 2000. Speaking at the inaugural event of the 'Adivasi Mahotsav-2024,' which aligns with the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, Governor Gangwar underscored the urgency of enacting PESA.

Governor Gangwar stressed the necessity of preserving the traditional governance systems of the tribal people. According to the draft provisions published by the state's Department of Panchayati Raj, residents in Scheduled Areas would be able to self-govern through gram sabhas. The Governor also called for social reforms, specifically addressing witchcraft through awareness and education initiatives. The two-day Adivasi festival at the Bhagwan Birsa Munda Memorial Park cum Museum in Ranchi celebrates the rich art, culture, and traditions of the tribal community.