Former Chief Minister Arjun Munda has sent a letter to Chief Minister Raghubar Das questioning the necessity of making changes in the CNT and SPT Acts when the lands were being acquired in the State without any obstructions by the earlier Government since it came into being in the year 2000. Through this letter, Munda has cautioned the CM that its repercussions will be hazardous for the people of this State as it will keep on shrinking Adivasi - Moolwasi lands resulting into the worsening of law and order situation in the State.
“It will not only hamper their development and prosperity but will also pose a threat on their survival. It is also against the provisions of the Constitution of India and the spirit of CNT and SPT Acts,” stated Munda in his letter. When there was already provisions of land acquisition under Section 50 of CNT and Section 53 of SPT Acts by the Government for welfare purposes then why the decision was taken in such a hast to make changes in it, he added.
Changes in the land acts will also increase the chances of exploitation and unexpected migration of tribal population as it will compel the poor tribals to migrate to some other states for their livelihood, he added.
“Being Chief Minister of this State, it is not only your Constitutional duty but also your personal responsibility to stand with the people of this State as their guardian and ensure that the activities of your Government is according to the provisions of the Constitution of India and also in accordance with the statements given by Prime Minister Modi,” read the letter.
Munda also stated that it should also be looked into that why there was such a sudden diffidence arose between the party and the Government. “My personal opinion is that there must be some array of incidents which deteriorated the environment due to which people looking at the government with suspicion,” Munda said.
The letter further said that the first incident occurred when the State Government, in spite of having majority in the house, decided to bring the ordinance on the issue. The amendment not only created an environment of unprecedented diffidence in the state, voices of opposition could be heard from everywhere giving an issue to the Opposition parties.