Ranchi: The approval of the PESA (Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas) rules by the state cabinet was celebrated with enthusiasm at the Jharkhand Congress headquarters. Congress workers arrived at the party building with drums and traditional music, exchanging sweets and expressing their joy. They also extended their gratitude to Chief Minister Hemant Soren, All India Congress Committee permanent invitee for Jharkhand Raju, and Rural Development Minister Deepika Pandey Singh.
State Congress president Keshav Mahato Kamlesh said the move will strengthen democratic participation, transparency, and inclusive development in notified areas of Jharkhand. He added that implementing PESA was part of the party and Mahagathbandhan’s shared election manifesto, and the government has now delivered on this promise by ensuring local communities receive their rightful rights.
Former Union Minister Subodhkant Sahay highlighted that the PESA law will empower local communities in managing natural resources, approving development plans, and preserving cultural traditions, preventing exploitation of tribal populations.
The celebration saw participation from several leaders, including MLAs Suresh Baitha, Raj Rajendra Pratap Dev, Somnath Munda, Rakesh Sinha, Alok Dubey, Rajan Verma, Dr. Prakash Prasad, Rajesh Chandra Raju, Sanjaykumar Ajay Singh, along with hundreds of Congress workers.