Ranchi
Celebrations broke out across Jharkhand a day after the State cabinet’s approval of the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) (PESA) Rules, with traditional village heads, pramukhs, mukhiyas and civil society representatives from Scheduled Tribal Areas assembling at the Chief Minister’s residential office complex to express gratitude to Chief Minister Hemant Soren.
Participants described the development as the fulfillment of the dream envisioned by Jharkhand’s ancestors, martyrs and tribal movement leaders. The Chief Minister also joined the celebrations by playing the nagara (traditional drum), marking what he termed as the observance of “PESA Diwas”.
Addressing the gathering, Hemant said the State government had achieved its objective of taking the PESA Rules to their final stage. “The PESA law is now ready to be implemented on the ground,” he said, while stressing that honest and effective implementation would determine its success. He added that while laws are usually framed without inconsistencies, problems often arise during implementation.
‘A Milestone For Tribal Development’
The Chief Minister said the approval of the PESA Rules would prove to be a milestone in the development of Scheduled Areas. “Our ancestors had envisioned a Jharkhand where tribal communities would protect jal, jungle aur zameen and preserve their culture, identity and traditional systems of self-governance. Our government is continuously working to realize that dream,” he said.
Under the PESA framework, traditional village heads and Gram Sabhas in Scheduled Areas will now receive legal rights and decision-making powers. “Gram Sabhas will become stronger and will have the authority to take decisions affecting their communities,” Hemant said.
‘PESA Is Not Just a Law, It Is Our Emotion’
Calling PESA more than a legal framework, the Chief Minister said, “PESA is not just a law; our emotions are attached to it.” He noted that the demand for PESA had existed for a long time and faced several hurdles. “After extensive consultations with public representatives, citizens and civil society organisations, the draft was prepared and given legal backing,” he said.
Expressing confidence, Hemant said that Jharkhand’s PESA Rules would serve as a benchmark for the entire country. He also thanked all those who played a key role in drafting the rules.
Empowering Future Generations
Highlighting the broader development vision, the Chief Minister said the government was strengthening social, economic and educational systems to secure the future of coming generations. “Only when our future generations are empowered and secure will the state move forward,” he said.
He reiterated that strengthening villages was central to Jharkhand’s overall development. “Unless villages are strong, the dream of a strong state cannot be realized,” Hemant said, adding that the government was working vigorously to strengthen the rural economy.
Jharkhand Moving Towards Major Transformation
Marking 25 years of Jharkhand’s Statehood, the Chief Minister said the State was now moving towards major change. He highlighted recent initiatives, including free coaching institutes for economically weaker tribal students preparing for medical and engineering entrance examinations, expressing confidence that students would secure admission to premier institutions across the country.
Hemant also referred to the Mukhyamantri Maiya Samman Yojana, stating that around 50 lakh women in the state were becoming self-reliant through the scheme. He said the government was preparing actionable plans to ensure growth despite limited resources. “I am not afraid of criticism, but I do fear that our schemes should not fail,” he said.
Tribal Leaders Welcome the Decision
Several village heads congratulated the Chief Minister, including Ram Prasad Badaik, president of the Gumla district Scheduled Area Mukhiya Association; Diwakar Hemant from Seraikela-Kharsawan; Yogendra Bhagat from Ghaghra block in Gumla; and Kanhu Murmu, village head of Keradungri Panchayat in East Singhbhum.
They said the PESA Rules would elevate local self-governance in Scheduled Areas by granting Gram Panchayats decision-making authority and rightful powers. “This long-pending demand has finally been fulfilled,” they said, congratulating the Chief Minister for the decisive step.
Rural Development Minister Dipika Pandey Singh, MLA Kalpana Hemant, Panchayati Raj Department Secretary Manoj Kumar, Panchayati Raj Director Rajeshwari B, village heads from different regions and PESA mobilisers were present on the occasion.
