Lagatar24 Desk
Ranchi: Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das met Union Home Minister Amit Shah during Shah’s visit to Ranchi on Thursday. Taking to social media, Das described the meeting as warm and cordial, noting that several significant issues concerning Jharkhand were discussed.
PESA Act Implementation Among Key Topics
Das specifically raised concerns about the state government’s reluctance to implement the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, or PESA, alleging that pressure from foreign religious influences was stalling its enforcement. He argued that enforcing PESA would empower traditional systems, allowing local villagers to become Gram Pradhans (village heads).
According to Das, under PESA, village committees would gain responsibility for local development, and Gram Sabhas would acquire rights over resources such as sand mining, ponds, and forest produce. “This will generate income for Gram Sabhas and help prevent illegal exploitation of resources like sand and stone,” he stated. He further highlighted that the central government would provide a fund of ₹1,400 crore for the initiative, paving the way for self-governance in villages and ensuring protection of natural resources like water, forests, and land.
