Oppose any reduction in ST-reserved seats; demand implementation of Fifth Schedule provisions and strict enforcement of CNT-SPT laws.
Ranchi: Tribal social and political organisations have announced a statewide campaign against any proposed reduction in Scheduled Tribe (ST)-reserved Assembly seats during the upcoming delimitation exercise. Addressing a press conference, the speakers alleged that constitutional safeguards for tribal communities in the Fifth Schedule areas have been consistently neglected for the past 75 years and asserted that no delimitation process should undermine tribal rights without addressing these long-standing issues.
The speakers said that the Constitution, under Article 244, grants special powers to Governors for the protection of tribal interests in Fifth Schedule areas. However, they alleged that the Chotanagpur Tenancy (CNT) Act and the Santhal Pargana Tenancy (SPT) Act have been repeatedly violated in Jharkhand, resulting in large-scale alienation of tribal land through forged documents, illegal occupation and administrative lapses. They also claimed that development projects have displaced a significant number of tribal families and alleged inadequate implementation of the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA) and the Forest Rights Act, 2006 (FRA).
Expressing concern over the proposed delimitation process, the organisations said any reduction in ST-reserved seats based solely on demographic changes would be unfair if those changes were linked to alleged land alienation, displacement and violations of protective laws. They demanded that such issues be thoroughly investigated before any changes to reserved constituencies are considered.
The organisations urged that ST-reserved seats should not be reduced and instead sought greater political representation in Fifth Schedule areas. They also demanded strict enforcement of the CNT and SPT Acts, effective use of the Governor's constitutional powers, restrictions on non-tribal settlement in Fifth Schedule areas, and the constitution of a judicial commission to investigate alleged land alienation, displacement and cultural loss. They further sought adequate compensation, rehabilitation and employment for affected families.
The organisations appealed to tribal communities to participate in large numbers in the Adivasi Ekta Mahajutan Maha Rally scheduled to be held at Morabadi Ground in Ranchi on August 30 at 12 noon. They described the rally as a movement to safeguard tribal land, identity, culture and constitutional rights. They also urged political parties to clarify their stand on the delimitation issue.
The press conference was addressed by spokespersons Shashi Panna, Laxminarayan Munda, Ajay Tirkey, Rama Khalkho and Gladson Dungdung.
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