The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has taken cognizance to the constitution of Tribal Advisory Council (TAC) by the State Government in Jharkhand. Union Minister of Tribal Affairs and Khunti MP, Arjun Munda today informed Parliament that the Ministry of Tribal Affairs has taken cognisance to the constitution of TAC in State. The Minister was replying to a query posed by Rajya Sabha member and State BJP president Deepak Prakash in Rajya Sabha.
Prakash raising the constitution of TAC in State said that formation of TAC by State is unconstitutional. He said for the inclusive and holistic development of tribal communities in Country, under the fifth schedule of the Constitution, setting up a Tribal Advisory Council has been mandated. Prakash said that, as per the Constitutional provisions, the Governor of State has been bestowed with the power for the constitution of TAC. However, in Jharkhand the State Government violating the provisions has constituted TAC.
Munda further said, “The rights and provisions which are there for the benefit of tribals should be protected. There should be proper use of these rights and provisions. Do not tamper these rights and provisions for personal interests.” He further said, “In this case, the constitutional provisions should be followed. The ministry has taken cognizance to the formation of TAC in Jharkhand.”
It may be noted that last month the State Government constituted the TAC. The State Cabinet has framed new rules and regulations for the constitution of TAC. As per the State Government new provisions, the power of Governor for the constitution of TAC has been abolished. The Chief Minister has been made supreme authority in TAC.
The State Government after the constitution of TAC had sent the files relating to TAC for Raj Bhavan consent twice to former Governor Droupadi Murmu, however, the Governor returned the files to the State Government raising some queries.