Convention on Tribal Existence and Environmental Protections, Sundarpahari, Godda, Jharkhand, 22 June, 2022

This gathering represented the stirrings of a new Adivasi movement in Jharkhand. Along with other demands, we lauded our voices for, ‘Gram Sabha’ for self-rule according to SPT Act, 1949; 5th Schedule and PESA Act. We also emphasised on the demand, 'Gram Sabha must be given the rights of the protection, conservation and enrichment of Forest'

Convention: Tribal Existence and Environmental Protections; Sundarpahari, Godda, Jharkhand, 22 June, 2022

 

2011 Census showed that Scheduled Caste community constituted about 8.2 % of the total population in India. They also constituted 55.16 % of total displaced populace, it shows the extent of vulnerability they are facing now. In Santal Paragana, Jharkhand picture of land grabbing and displacement of tribal people became faster when different coal projects were started and Adani group started their ambitious Thermal Power project in Godda. Despite the presence of Santal Paragana Tenancy Act (SPT Act), 1949*; land dacoit, Adani Power Jharkhand Limited grabbed tribal lands in Godda. This plant also jeopardised the total ecosystem of the region and contaminated water, air, soil and plant of entire area. Santal Paragana consists six north eastern districts of Jharkhand, namely Sahebgunj, Dumka, Pakur, Godda, Deoghar and Jamtara. All are the victims of different coal and developmental projects in post-independence India.

Hasa Ar Bhasa Jogao Sangathan initiated this convention on Tribal Rights and Environmental Rights, along with different movement groups from said districts, ‘Insaf’ , Jharkhand Janadhikar Mahasabha and AAMRA. People gathered in a large number at Amjhora, Sundarpahari, Godda despite initial restriction from Jharkhand Police.  

This gathering represented the stirrings of a new Adivasi movement in Jharkhand. We became a co-organiser of said convention with Jharkhand level groups fighting for tribal and environmental rights. Activists from Ranchi and Chtanagpur also took part in this convention. Convention demands-

1.   Implement tribal rights mentioned in the Constitution of India.

2.   State Government must empower ‘Gram Sabha’ for self-rule according to SPT Act, 1949; 5th Schedule and PESA Act.

3.   Gram Sabha must be given the rights of the protection, conservation and enrichment of Forest as Tribes saves the forest (and environment) around the centuries.

 

Name of the Organisers and associates-

2.    Hasa Ar Bhasa Jogao Sangathan, Godda

3.   Jan Jagriti Sangharsh Morcha, Boarijore

4.    Bhumi Bacao Sangharsh Samity, Godda

5.   Insaf

6.   Aamra Ek Sachetan Prayas

7.   Jharkhand Janadhikar Mahasabha

8.   Manjhi Paragana Sangathan, Sundarpahari.

 

*Four features of the Act make it fundamentally different from most other tenancy laws in the country. First, section 20 of the Act mandates a vast majority of the land in the division to be non-transferable by all means (including sale/mortgage/will/lease/gift) other than inheritance. Second, section 42 empowers the sub-divisional officer (SDO) to evict any illegal possessor of agricultural land within their subdivision. Third, there is no limitation prescribed for making an application for restoration of possession by the aggrieved party (Section 64). This effectively rules out acquisition of title based on adverse possession. Fourth, section 63 places an explicit bar on civil courts on matters concerning the Act other than the matters it had jurisdiction over immediately preceding the Act.

 

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আমরা: এক সচেতন প্রয়াস
AAMRA is an amalgamation of multidisciplinary team of researchers and activists erstwhile worked as an assemblage of movement, research and activism. Popular abbreviation of AAMRA is, An Assemblage of Movement Research and Appraisal.
Aamra Ek Sachetan Prayas
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