Tribal Leaders Demand Immediate PESA Law Implementation in Jharkhand

A strong rebuke has been issued by the Adivasi-Mulvasi Janadhikar Manch against the Jharkhand government for its ongoing delay in enforcing the PESA (Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act. Vijay Shankar Nayak, the organization’s Central Vice President, stressed the law’s profound significance, calling it the foundation of Jharkhand’s societal identity, existence, and self-governance. He criticized the government’s passive approach, arguing that it undermines the established, village-level democratic structures. Nayak publicly questioned the external influences impacting the government’s decision-making, stating, “The people deserve answers regarding the pressures the government is responding to.” He highlighted that areas targeted for intensive mining and land acquisition stand to be most profoundly affected by PESA, fueling widespread suspicion that corporate mining interests are hindering its implementation. The Manch is calling for transparency and immediate action. Nayak pointed out that Gram Sabhas currently operate with severely limited authority and empowerment. He contrasted government rhetoric with the reality of no PESA notification being issued, nor any clear regulations for Gram Sabha strengthening or the precise roles of village Panchayats, leading to widespread public bewilderment. This prolonged inaction, he suggested, appears to be a strategy to delay constitutional rights rather than facilitate them. Nayak emphasized that the failure to implement PESA is an issue of survival, warning that without it, land will be lost, resources plundered, and Jharkhand’s indigenous populations pushed further to the fringes. He projected a future marked by escalating displacement, weakened traditional leadership, and intensified resource exploitation if the government fails to act swiftly, conveying an urgent ‘the time to act is now’ message. As the government’s current tenure completes its first year, Nayak emphasized this as a critical moment for demonstrating commitment to the people of Jharkhand. He urged for a definitive timeline for PESA’s rollout, ideally by November 28, 2025, or immediately following it. The tribal and indigenous organizations are prepared to launch extensive state-wide protests if the government remains unresponsive, indicating that the public’s capacity for patience has been exhausted.