Ranchi: A three-day national workshop on the formulation of the National Tribal Policy concluded at the Dr. Ramdayal Munda Tribal Welfare Research Institute, Ranchi. Representatives from 21 states across the country participated in the event. The main objective of the workshop was to develop a concrete framework for a policy focusing on the existence, rights, protection of natural resources, and future of tribal communities.
In the inaugural session, Vishwanath Tirkey, National President of the Tribal Coordination Forum, stated that inequalities are increasing across the country and the world, and conflicts are intensifying. Due to the rapid depletion of natural resources, tribal communities are being displaced from their ancestral lands. He emphasized that a national policy is essential to protect the lives, culture, and rights of tribal communities.
Ashok Chaudhary, General Secretary of the Tribal Unity Council, said that constitutional and international rights granted to tribal communities are still not fully implemented. Effective enforcement of these rights and ensuring a dignified life for the community is urgently needed. For this reason, tribal activists, intellectuals, and experts from across the country came together on a single platform to chart a course for solutions.
Nicholas Barla, coordinator of the Tribal Coordination Forum, stated that on December 5, detailed discussions were held on critical issues such as education, health, administration, social justice, natural resource management, tribal women’s rights, youth development, and sports. Based on these deliberations, a draft of the National Tribal Policy was prepared. He added that this policy will serve not only the tribal communities but also provide guidance for the broader human society and all living beings on Earth.
The participants expressed hope that the policy document will play a significant role in guiding state and national-level policies in the future. The Chief Minister of Jharkhand also assured full support for the implementation of the key recommendations of the policy in the state.
The workshop was made successful with the notable contribution of Minister Chamra Linda of the Jharkhand government. This three-day national workshop underscored that a strong policy on tribal rights, existence, and natural resource protection is essential for the balance of society and the environment.
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