The Jharkhand Congress has announced plans to provide comprehensive suggestions to the state government regarding the Jharkhand Panchayat Provisions (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Rules, 2024. This initiative, aimed at creating an exemplary PESA implementation, was discussed extensively in a party workshop.
Leaders such as state president Keshav Mahto Kamlesh and in-charge K Raju emphasized the significance of empowering gram sabhas, particularly in Scheduled Areas. The PESA Act, which seeks to recognize tribal rights, remains unimplemented in the state since its enactment in 1996.
“पेसा नियमावली कानून पर कार्यशाला”
शिरकत करते प्रदेश प्रभारी श्री के राजू जी, सह प्रभारी श्री सिरीबेला प्रसाद जी, प्रदेश अध्यक्ष श्री केशव महतो कमलेश जी,विधायक दल नेता श्री प्रदीप यादव जी, उपनेता श्री राजेश कच्छप जी, माननीय मंत्री क्रमशः वित्त विभाग श्री राधा कृष्ण किशोर जी,… pic.twitter.com/4BxlSsrQMR
— INCJharkhand (@INCJharkhand_) June 11, 2025
Raju stated that written suggestions from members are expected by June 20, after which a committee will evaluate them, alongside field visits to tribal communities.
Minister of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Dipika Pandey Singh, emphasized that the state aims to make Jharkhand a model for PESA implementation across the country.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Singh stated, “PESA is our commitment. It will be implemented with full participation of tribals, locals, and every villager. The government will not compromise on the core spirit of the law.”
She added that decision-making will rest with Gram Sabhas and Panchayats, and that PESA is not limited to tribal communities but is a law for people of all castes and religions living in Scheduled Areas.
The minister highlighted the historic role of tribal communities in protecting water, forests, and land and said their voices will be respected within the constitutional process. The government plans to bring the final draft of the rules before the Tribal Advisory Council (TAC) and the state cabinet soon.
⬆️पेसा हमारी प्रतिबद्धता है — आदिवासी, मूलवासी और हर ग्रामीण की भागीदारी से इसे लागू करना हमारा संकल्प है। हम चाहते हैं कि पेसा की बात हो तो झारखंड को आदर्श माना जाए।
राज्य सरकार कानून की मूल भावना से कोई समझौता नहीं करेगी। पेसा जैसे बना था, वैसे ही लागू होगा — पूरी पारदर्शिता… pic.twitter.com/dx6aVnStaw
— Dipika Pandey Singh (@DipikaPS) June 11, 2025
The Panchayati Raj department released the draft rules in May, inviting public feedback, with Congress eager to set a national standard.
