Stormy days are in store for the Assembly Winter Session beginning November 16 as all Opposition parties are readying themselves to oppose the Chotanagpur Tenancy Act (CNT) and Santhal Pargana Tenancy Act (SPT) amendments proposed by the Government.
The battle is to be led by the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), the largest claimant of tribal votes in the State. “This Government is working in an autocratic manner and all its decisions are against the interests of tribal community residing in the State. Their lands are being grabbed for the benefits of industrialists in the name of development. The proposed Bill is all about that. We would not let the House function if this tendency continues,” said JMM general secretary Supriyo Bhattacharya.
The party is particular about tweaking the norms meant to safeguarding tribals from sale or purchase of their land. Moreover, the amendments brought by the Government got nod of the Cabinet in May proposing changes in a sub-section of the Sections 21, 49 and 71(A) of the CNT Act and Section 13 of the SPT Act.
The proposed provisions in the tenancy laws empower the Government to acquire land in the areas under 5th schedule for various infrastructure and developmental activities. Also, the amendments facilitate tribal landholders to use their agricultural land for non-agricultural purposes.
The changes were to be brought by issuing an Ordinance which was earlier sent to the President for his assent and still pending. Moreover, the Government went ahead convincing its own MlAs earlier up in arms against the changes and also brought the matter for discussion in the TAC meet held on November 3.
Regardless of the nod given by the TAC to the proposed changes, political outfits other than the BJP are still unconvinced. Partner in the Government AJSU Party has also lodged its protest over the amendments and it is learnt that it would continue during the session as well.
“There is no such provision in the Acts which suggest changes in the nature of their land. The Government is doing exactly the same. Congress party is completely against weakening the land related laws meant for tribals which would ultimately ruin their sole means of livelihood. Conscience of the Government is also not clear,” said Pradesh Congress Committee president Sukhdeo Bhagat.
The party having six MlAs would sit ahead of the start of the Winter session to chalk out its strategy but Bhagat clarified that the Bill to be brought by the Government to amend the provisions would be opposed tooth and nail both inside and outside the House. The party has also planned a march to Raj Bhawan on November 13 and gherao of the Assembly on November 17.
The JVM, whose leader Babulal Marandi is spearheading land related struggle across the State, echoed the Congress. Though the party does not have considerable presence in the House of 81 its voice joining together with Congress and JMM may pose challenge to the Government.
“We are not worried to the genuine grievances being brought from the Opposition parties since the decision to place a Bill for amending the Acts is only for having a proper discussion. The changes in the Bill are with all necessary safeguards ensuring unchallenged ownership of raiyats over land. We want all issues to be discussed threadbare on the floor and not just disruptive politics. The Government will do its best to save the Session from a washout and ensure that the Bill is passed anyhow,” said BJP’s chief whip Radha Krishna Kishore.