THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, Jan 8: BJP state president and Leader of the Opposition Babulal Marandi on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the PESA rules notified by the Hemant Soren government, alleging that they undermine the traditional belief systems and customary practices of tribal communities.
Addressing a press conference here, Marandi said the newly issued rules deal a serious blow to the traditional governance system of tribals and dilute the very spirit of the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA).
‘PESA meant to protect tribal traditions’
Marandi recalled that the Congress-led central government enacted the PESA Act in 1996 to strengthen the weakening traditional systems of over 700 tribal communities across the country. However, he alleged that the Hemant government had misled the tribal community through the present rules.
He pointed out that Section 4(a) of the PESA Act clearly mandates that state laws on Panchayats must be in conformity with customary law, social and religious practices, and traditional management of community resources.
“Customary law means beliefs and worship practices, which differ from one tribal community to another,” Marandi said.
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‘Those abandoning traditions cannot head Gram Sabha’
Explaining further, the BJP leader cited examples of different tribal faith systems, including the Santhal community’s worship of Marang Buru and Jahir Ayo at Jahir Than and Manjhi Than, and the distinct belief systems of Munda, Oraon, Ho and Khariya communities.
According to Marandi, the PESA Act allows only those connected to traditional beliefs and worship practices to serve as Gram Sabha chairpersons.
“Those who have abandoned traditional beliefs and worship practices cannot become heads of the Gram Sabha under the Act,” he said.
He alleged that while the Hemant government’s rules mention customs and traditions, they omit the word ‘traditional’, which has created strong objections among tribal communities.
‘Congress betraying tribals for power’
Marandi accused the Congress party of betraying tribal interests for political power in Jharkhand.
“It is ironic that the same Congress which enacted the PESA Act to protect tribal customs is now attacking its spirit. The Hemant government is robbing tribals of their rights by empowering those who have abandoned traditional beliefs,” he said.
BJP warns of mass outreach
Demanding immediate correction, Marandi urged the Chief Minister to incorporate the exact wording of the PESA Act into the state rules.
He warned that if the government fails to reconsider the rules, the BJP would take the issue to the people’s court.
“We will go to every village and inform people about how their rights are being infringed,” Marandi said.
BJP media in-charge Shivpujan Pathak, spokesperson Pradeep Sinha, and co-media in-charge Ashok Baraik were present at the press conference.