Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar on Friday urged Chief Minister Hemant Soren to ensure the implementation of the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act or PESA in Jharkhand.
Gangwar emphasized that Jharkhand was the only state where the crucial legislation that provides for traditional governance has not been implemented so far.
The Act recognising the rights of tribal communities in scheduled areas was enacted in 1996 but despite the creation of a separate state in 2000, Jharkhand was yet to implement PESA.
"It is necessary to restore the traditional governance system of the tribals in the state. At present, Jharkhand is the only state in the country where PESA Act is not implemented. I request the chief minister to get the law implemented immediately," Gangwar said while addressing the inaugural function of the 'Adivasi Mahotsav-2024' that coincides with the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples.
Chief Minister Hemant Soren was also present at the program.
Jharkhand's Department of Panchayati Raj had published the draft rules for implementing the provisions of the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act of 1996 or PESA in the state but it has not been implemented so far.
People living in scheduled areas in Jharkhand will be able to self-govern through gram sabhas, according to the draft provisions.
"The tribal community constitutes about 27 percent of the population of more than 3.28 crore in Jharkhand. Thirty-two scheduled tribes live here, including 8 PVTGs (Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups). This community is an integral part of our society, which has further enriched the diversity of our country through their unique identity and culture," Gangwar said.
"The Constitution has entrusted special responsibilities to the governor in the administration of scheduled areas. I am committed to discharging these responsibilities," he said.
The governor also emphasized the need to uproot social vices such as witchcraft, which is prevalent in the tribal society, by creating awareness and ensuring literacy.
"We all should be proud of the culture of the tribal community and pledge to preserve it. I am proud to say that there are no social evils like the dowry system in the tribal society, but social vices such as witch-hunting exist and have to be eradicated," he said.
Gangwar said the tribal community is facing many challenges and there is a need to work more on education, health, and employment.
"We have to ensure that our tribal brothers and sisters get the full benefit of the welfare schemes run by the government and that they are aware of their rights," he added.
Paying homage to tribal icon Birsa Munda, the governor extended gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for declaring the anniversary of Munda as 'Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas'.
"Our tribal community has a glorious history. Their role in the Indian freedom struggle has been unique. The tales of their valor and bravery will remain a source of inspiration for future generations. Tribal art, culture, folk literature, and customs are assets... Their environmental knowledge and approach to co-existence with nature is inspiring for all of us," he said.
He said that history is witness to the fact that many people from the tribal community have received education even in adverse circumstances.
"President Droupadi Murmu ji also received higher education in adverse circumstances and she became the first woman of her village to be admission to a college. She is an inspiration to people. Today, we have a better education environment than before. Therefore, more and more people should get higher education," he said.
Tribal Research Institute, now known as Dr Ramdayal Munda Janjatiya Shodh Sansthan, has taken an important initiative to release 12 books on tribals, he said.
Urging people to take inspiration from the tribal society, he said their love for nature, and their simple and balanced approach towards life can lead all to a better future.
The two-day tribal festival being held at Bhagwan Birsa Munda Memorial Park cum Museum in Ranchi showcases the diverse art, culture, and tradition of the community.