Ranchi: The Jharkhand Pradesh Congress Committee hosted a workshop on the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, or PESA, at Geetanjali Banquet Hall in Chiraundi. The event was chaired by Pradesh Congress President Keshav Mahato Kamlesh, with Congress Jharkhand in-charge Shri K. Raju as the chief guest.
The workshop brought together state ministers, MLAs, district Congress presidents from PESA-notified regions, and senior party leaders. Participants engaged in in-depth discussions on the draft rules prepared for the implementation of the PESA Act in Jharkhand. Detailed suggestions were offered chapter-wise, aiming to ensure that the law upholds tribal self-governance and benefits all segments of society.
Shri K. Raju noted that even though it has been 30 years since the enactment of the PESA Act, Jharkhand’s rules are still in the drafting stage. He stressed that Jharkhand should set an example for the nation by creating the most robust and inclusive PESA rules. He invited written feedback on the draft by June 20, stating that all suggestions would be compiled into a comprehensive framework. A state-level committee will then be constituted to oversee implementation, with special emphasis on spreading awareness among tribal communities about their rights under the Act.
Raju further emphasized that the final law should reflect key constitutional provisions under the Fifth Schedule, as well as existing land acquisition and forest rights laws, to protect the autonomy and traditions of Gram Sabhas and ensure sustainable tribal development.
Keshav Mahato Kamlesh highlighted that the workshop facilitated rich dialogue and yielded constructive ideas. He expressed confidence that Jharkhand’s PESA law will serve as a national model for decentralized tribal governance and the protection of traditional rights.
Congress Co-incharge Siribela Prasad reiterated the party’s longstanding commitment to safeguarding tribal rights, including forest and community governance rights, which PESA aims to reinforce in the state.
Congress Legislature Party leader Pradeep Yadav described the PESA Act as an essential component of the Panchayati Raj framework. He said that its implementation would empower Gram Sabhas and help preserve tribal culture, identity, and values.
Deputy Legislature Party leader Rajesh Kachhap said the Act is crucial for protecting tribal rights and empowering grassroots decision-making. He emphasized the urgency of implementing PESA in Jharkhand to preserve traditional tribal governance systems.
Rural Development Minister Deepika Pandey Singh reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to the law’s rollout. She stated that the draft rules were shared publicly to encourage widespread input, acknowledging the role of scholars and activists in the discussion process. She also criticized the BJP for spreading misinformation about PESA and underlined the need to take the draft to grassroots communities through deliberations in the Tribal Advisory Council, the state cabinet, and other forums.
Finance Minister Radha Krishna Kishore stressed the importance of ensuring tribal communities receive their rightful powers. He highlighted concerns around the functioning of democratic governance in the 2,066 notified panchayats and noted potential challenges—such as the requirement of Gram Sabha permissions for police actions in certain cases—which could be misused. He urged that any implementation must preserve traditional tribal customs, religious practices, and cultural heritage.