Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former Chief Minister of Jharkhand Raghubar Das on Tuesday (December 30, 2025) slammed the Hemant Soren government over recent cabinet approval to Panchayat Extension Scheduled Areas (PESA) Act rules giving Gram Sabha administrative and decision-making power.
Under the approved rules, Gram Sabhas in rural areas will have authority over the use of minor forest produce, preparation of local area development plans, and management of water resources.
Mr. Das while addressing the media at party office in Ranchi said that the primary objectives of PESA Act was to strengthen the traditions of the tribal community, their self-governance system, and the rights of the Gram Sabha, but the rules framed by the State government appear to be completely contrary to the spirit of PESA Act 1996.
He alleged that through these rules, an attempt is being made to weaken the traditional Gram Sabha system of various tribal communities such as the Santhal, Ho, Khariya, Oraon, Munda and Bhumij.
“According to information published in newspapers, the government has limited the definition of Gram Sabha to the traditional tribal system and traditional leadership. Whereas, in Scheduled Areas, the Gram Sabha has been envisioned in accordance with traditional customs and social structure,” Mr. Das said.
