The Pathalgadi movement started from Khunti district has compelled the authorities to think in a more elaborate way about the welfare of tribal populace. In a bid to reach out to the people of tribal communities, the State government will soon constitute a separate Ministry of Tribal Affairs for fortifying the vulnerable inhabitants that craves for existence even after so many years of independence in the tribal dominated provinces.
“Constitution of Department of Tribal Affairs is on the cards to look into the matters of tribal people. The Chief Minister on November 15 will announce the creation of Department of Tribal Affairs for better management and supervision of tribal dominated districts including the community as a whole. The decision has been considered after much brainstorming while following the social, political including economical disparity,” said Governor, Draupadi Murmu while addressing a lecture session titled ‘5th Schedule of Indian Constitution’.
The programme organised by Department of Tribal Regional Language (TRL), Ranchi University (RU) in association with Government of Jharkhand (GoJ) here on Saturday saw the participation of senior bureaucrats, vice-chancellors, civil society members, representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and other eminent personalities.
In the presence of Padma Bhushan recipient and Expert in Indian Constitution, Dr. Subhash C. Kashyap who addressed the gathering as a main speaker, the Custodian of Scheduled Areas added, “There are several rules, rights and duties which are yet to be interpreted and explained in a much detailed way especially to those excluded ones for the benefit of the society. At times, legal details aid the citizens in taking the society towards a correct direction.” In Jharkhand, over 32 kinds of tribes are found, registering 26.2 per cent of the total population.
Also, out of 24 districts, 13 districts including 118 blocks are such where the dominance of tribal people is more in comparison to others.
Narrating the story of encompassing a special schedule (5th Schedule) for the most vulnerable and backward regions during the British colonial era to its relevance in present day, Dr. Kashyap said, “In paper, the rights guaranteed by the Indian Constitution to tribal people enfolding every aspect are the best in the globe but due to lack of political, legislative willpower, it is not being implemented well.” Dr. Kashyap threw light on its amendments, Center-State difference, State government’s role, delay in approving the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 model.
In context to Pathalgadi, the Former Lok Sabha Secretary — General who had written a number of books, published several journals related to Indian Constitution further added, “As a citizen of India, we all have equal rights and privileges yet anything against the National or State Government institutions which hampers the integrity, unity is against the constitution. However, during the Pathalgadi, the State government has just managed the conflict but did not resolve it.”
Further, Dr. Kashyap elaborately highlighted about the provisions of the PESA Act enacted by the Government of India for ensuring self governance through traditional Gram Sabhas for people living in the Scheduled Areas of India including the Scheduled Castes and Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.
During an interactive session, Dr. Kashyap admitted that the developmental work which was expected to get accomplished at various scheduled areas is yet to be ensured, “The reports sent by the respective Governors of the States to Centre is mere a documented sheet prepared by the bureaucrats. The condition is such as there still exists a gap between the public and policy-makers,” he added.
