Ranchi: On the occasion of completing 117 years of the Chotanagpur Tenancy Act (CNT Act) — a symbol of Jharkhand’s identity and a protector of tribal rights — a one-day workshop was organized on Tuesday at the Tribal Research Institute (TRI) auditorium in Ranchi, under the banner of the Adivasi-Moolvasi Professors’ Association.
Addressing the workshop, Congress State In-charge K. Raju said that the sole objective of the CNT Act is to safeguard the interests of the tribal community and to protect their land. The Constitution of India also clearly emphasizes the preservation of jal, jungle, and zameen (water, forest, and land). He said all stakeholders must work together to ensure the full implementation of the CNT Act in the state. The act aims to secure tribal families and their land; however, in many instances, non-tribal groups have also benefited from its provisions.
Raju further stated that the Jharkhand government has made full preparations for the implementation of the PESA Act, which aims to empower traditional village assemblies. Both these laws, he said, are crucial for safeguarding the interests of Jharkhand’s large tribal population and must be effectively enforced for the overall development of the state.
Speaking on the occasion, State Minister for Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, and Cooperation Shilpi Neha Tirkey said that the CNT Act serves as a living shield for Jharkhand’s tribal society. If implemented honestly and sincerely, it can help tribal families retain ownership of their ancestral land. She described the act as a unique legislation that provides legal protection along with preserving land, community, and culture. “This is a small beginning,” she added, “but its long-term impact will certainly be visible in the coming years.”
Senior advocate Pandey Ravindranath Rai elaborated on the key provisions of the CNT Act and the legal measures related to land protection. He also provided detailed insights into the different categories of land in Jharkhand and their lawful uses.
Former Education Minister Bandhu Tirkey said that the CNT Act is the strongest legal weapon for the tribal community to protect their land, but many remain unaware of their rights under it. He emphasized that no tribal person’s land can be taken without consent under this law, but landowners must come forward and seek legal recourse when required. “Knowing the powers given by the Act and using them is crucial,” he said.
Former Finance Minister Dr. Rameshwar Oraon also addressed the gathering. Referring to several areas of Ranchi, he remarked that these regions were once dominated by tribal populations, but over time their numbers have significantly declined. He called this trend worrisome and urged for greater social awareness to preserve tribal identity.
The program was also attended by Deputy Leader of the Legislative Party Rajesh Kachhap, Chief Whip Naman Vixal Kongari, senior advocate Pandey Ravindranath Rai, Subhashish Soren, Prof. Ramchandra Oraon, Rama Khalkho, Hari Oraon, Jagdish Lohra, Dayamani Barla, and Ratan Tirkey, who shared their views.
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