Governor Droupadi Murmu has stressed on the need for inclusive discussions and deliberations before going ahead with developmental process so that resentments can be brought down to certain levels. Expressing her opinion in a consultation with journalists on Friday she referred to several projects -- including recently approved Master Plan-2037 for Ranchi.
“I think the projects should be discussed and people to whom those are meant for should be consulted before going ahead. Their rights should be given to them and process of consultation should never stop,” said the Governor during the brainstorming session that was called to gather opinion on projects and development schemes running in the scheduled areas and their results on lives and livelihoods of tribals and other residents in the light of displacements done and rehabilitations taken place.
The opinion holds importance as on Thursday only thousands of residents coming from nearby villages marched on the streets of the capital. The protesters carrying their traditional weapons had arrived knocking at Raj Bhawan and demanded to annul the Master Plan. The Master Plan vows to spread over 114 revenue villages falling under the RRDA.
“Discussion gives us energy. It is important in the way for sorting out issues. I also want to go to field (to look at peoples’ problem closely) and I have been connected with people during my political life,” added Murmu in the meeting that saw array of suggestions coming in the way of tribal welfare.
Most of the speakers were of the view that some policy intervention was required to ensure proper rehabilitation such as making tribals shareholders in the projects, multi-facet monitoring mechanism, their skill development and making the Samata Judgment applicable in letter and spirit in the State. Some opinions were also on putting a cap or putting in place a reliable evaluation system before the approval given to land requirement coming from any industry.
At the same time the Governor also underlined the years of negligence paid to this part, especially before bifurcation of the State from Bihar. “This area has faced the neglect because of being far from Patna. Also, there has been political instability for years but now things are moving for better and works have started taking place,” she added. Similar exercise of opinion gathering would also take place with social activists and intellectuals.