The State Government finally blinked over controversial changes it had proposed in the CNT and SPT Acts.
Under pressure from all quarters, including former Chief Minister Arjun Munda and Khunti MP Karia Munda, Chief Minister Raghubar Das announced about taking back the provisions meant to alter with nature of tribal land following about an hour long Tribal Advisory Council (TAC) meeting convened on Monday.
With this there would be no changes in the Section-21 of the Chotanagpur Tenancy (CNT) Act, 1908, and Section-13 of the Santhal Pargana Tenancy Act (SPT), 1949 which were picked up to be amended on the pretext of giving schedule tribes rights to change the land use and use agricultural land even for commercial purposes.
“We have had fairly long discussions over the matter and gathered suggestions from all parties, including MlAs and MPs of the BJP, allies from NDA and social organisations and studied the proposed amendments in depth. Finally, we arrived to a conclusion that the proposal to amend the Section-21 of CNT and Section-13 of SPT Acts be rejected,” said the Chief Minister holding a press briefing after the TAC meeting.
He, at the same time, also admitted that perhaps the tribal society was not fully prepared to the interjections being made. “Host of social organisations said this which might be true. Our intentions were clear and we always acted with transparency on this issue. There is nothing like embarrassment for the Government,” replied the CM to a question.
Notably some senior BJP leaders, including Karia Munda, Arjun Munda, former State BJP president Tala Marandi and members of the apex decision making body on tribal affairs-TAC- had objected to the amendments proposed in various provisions of the twin tenancy laws.
Parties in the Opposition had not allowed to run the House for last three sessions in a trot besides, staging protests across the State along with social organisations.
Though the Government has not set any deadline for the fresh Bills, it is learnt that the exercise may take place during a special session or in the Winter Session. “We are not in a hurry. The matter would be discussed in tomorrow’s Cabinet meeting and then the strategy would be chalked for future course of action,” said Das.
He nonetheless defended Governor Droupadi Murmu for her act to return the twin amendment Bills to the Government unsigned along with 192 objections for reconsideration. The CM maintained that it was the Governor’s constitutional duty being the guardian under the 5th Schedule of the Constitution but rapped the Opposition for showing irresponsibility.
“Final decision on this is left for the Assembly to take. Previously as well, we were ready (for discussion) but they acted irresponsibly. Had there been debate the sentiments coming out now would be surfaced then and we would have rectified those then and there only,” observed the CM.
With this another meeting of the TAC has been called on August 3 that would discuss the fresh draft for amendment. It is learnt that sans the two clauses related to altering the nature of tribal land, amendments done in Section-49 and Section-71 of the CNT Act would remain intact barring removal of the land taken for private players. Also, there was agreement over ending the compensation provision but SAR Courts are there to continue.
Section-49 talks about acquiring in the Chotanagpur region to develop infrastructure such as expansion of railways, roads, communication networks, irrigation, and for energy purposes and mining activities, or to set up industry.
The Section-71 amendment is to abolish compensation provision facilitating transfer of tribal land to any non-tribal.