Tue Dec 30 20:27:00 UTC 2025: Summary:

Former Jharkhand Chief Minister and BJP leader Raghubar Das criticizes the Hemant Soren government’s newly approved Panchayat Extension Scheduled Areas (PESA) Act rules. Das claims the rules, granting Gram Sabhas (village councils) administrative and decision-making power over resources in tribal areas, contradict the spirit of the PESA Act of 1996. He argues the rules weaken traditional tribal systems by limiting the definition of Gram Sabha and potentially allowing non-traditional leaders to take control. He questions whether Gram Sabhas will truly control their resources as intended by the PESA Act and accuses the government of offering a hollow gesture to the tribal community. Das demands the government revise the rules to align with the tribal people’s sentiments and legal protections.

News Article:

Jharkhand BJP Leader Slams State Government’s New Tribal Area Rules

Ranchi, December 30, 2025 – Former Jharkhand Chief Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Raghubar Das has sharply criticized the Hemant Soren government’s recently approved Panchayat Extension Scheduled Areas (PESA) Act rules, claiming they undermine traditional tribal governance structures.

The new rules, approved by the cabinet, grant Gram Sabhas (village councils) in rural areas authority over minor forest produce, local development plans, and water resource management.

Speaking at a press conference in Ranchi, Das alleged that the rules contradict the spirit of the PESA Act of 1996, which aimed to strengthen tribal traditions and self-governance. He argued that the government is limiting the definition of Gram Sabha to traditional tribal systems, potentially allowing individuals outside these systems to assume leadership positions.

“The PESA Act clearly states that Gram Sabha operations should align with tribal traditions and customs,” Das stated, questioning whether the new regulations would truly empower Gram Sabhas or if the government would retain control over resources like minerals and forests.

Das accused the Soren government of offering a “lollipop” to the tribal community and demanded an immediate revision of the rules to reflect the true sentiments and protect the cultural identity of the tribal people. The rules are set to come into effect once formally notified.

Read More