Mail News Service
Ranchi, Nov 16: The 26th meeting of the Jharkhand Tribal Advisory Council (TAC) convened under the leadership of Chief Minister Hemant Soren resulted in a crucial decision to limit land transactions under the Chotanagpur Tenancy (CNT) Act. The council resolved that land purchases and sales would adhere strictly to the districts and police stations established within Jharkhand on January 26, 1950. Additionally, the committee, chaired by Stephen Marandi, Member of Jharkhand Assembly cum Tribal Consultative Council, saw its tenure extended for another year.
One of the key highlights of the meeting was the unanimous opposition to the proposed LUGU PAHAR HYDEL PUMPED STORAGE PROJECT by the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) on Lugu Pahar, a sacred site for the tribal Santalis of Bokaro. Chief Minister Hemant Soren emphasized that the government would vehemently resist any attempts to construct the project, pledging to safeguard Lugu mountain—a revered religious heritage for the tribal community. The government is resolute in preventing any disruption to the sentiments and beliefs of the community.
In tandem with these decisions, the Chief Minister directed the acceleration of the “Aapki Yojana, Aapki Sarkar Aapke Dwar” program from November 15 to December 29. This initiative aims to engage with the public and address their concerns effectively.
The meeting also delved into discussions on the “Abua Bir Abua Dishome Campaign” under forest rights. The council issued directives to expedite the distribution of individual and community leases to dependents relying on forests in the state. Additionally, suggestions were sought from TAC members for enhancing the PESA (Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas) law in the state. Several crucial topics, including the Chhotanagpur Tenancy Act, 1908, were deliberated during the meeting.
Notable attendees at the meeting included Minister of Scheduled Tribe, Scheduled Caste, Minority, and Backward Class Welfare Department and Vice President of TAC Champai Soren, TAC members Prof. Stephen Marandi, Sita Soren, Deepak Birua, Bhushan Tirkey, Sukhram Oraon, Dashrath Gagrai, Vikas Kumar Munda, Rajesh Kachhap, Sonaram Sinku, Shilpi Neha Tirkey, nominated member Vishwanath Singh Sardar, Jamal Munda, Chief Secretary Sukhdev Singh, Principal Secretary of Scheduled Tribe, Scheduled Caste, Minority, and Backward Class Welfare Department Rajiv Arun Ekka, Secretary to Chief Minister Vinay Kumar Choubey, among others.
