Various social organiaations under the banner of the Adivasi Vikas Manch here on Sunday demanded immediate implementation of the Provisions of the Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) (PESA) Act in all the scheduled districts of the State for the better interest of the tribals.
Attending a convention at the Vedavyas College premises, the speakers blamed the Odisha Government, MlAs and MPs of the scheduled districts for non-implementation of the Act even 18 years after its introduction in 1996.
“In these years, the tribals have fallen victim to the so-called development process by losing land, livelihood and culture. The Act which was aimed at protecting the tribal’s interests in every respect remains to be non-starter,” lamented the speakers.
While the meeting was chaired by Bhimsen Kujur, Speakers comprised Pravin Bhai Patel from Jharkhand, Ashok Bhai Shramani from Gujarat and a active member of Narmada Bachao Andolon besides tribals leaders from Odisha.
Ruing tribals are being treated as second-class citizens in Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Rajasthan, the social workers called upon the educated and high-positioned tribals not to get fascinated with the position, power and comfort but to work at their respective levels for the welfare of tribals.
It was resolved that the visits of MPs and MlAs to the scheduled districts would be opposed until implementation of the PESA Act.
Among others, Sudhir Toppo, Pramod Ekka, Brijbel Khalko, Jhaga Tirkey, Sagar Sundi, Saiman lakra, Alhad Oram, Mohanlal Kissan, Bagi lakra, Dayamani Barla, Budhwa Jojo, Celestian Khakha and Juliani Toppo placed their views.