District Council members demand rightful share in DMFT funds and proper implementation of PESA law through a rally and sit-in protest.
Key Points:
– Tribal Party demands PESA law enforcement and rights for panchayat representatives.
– Protesters seek inclusion in District Mineral Foundation Trust (DMFT) fund distribution.
– Council members request the use of DMFT funds by village committees for local projects.
CHAIBASA – Under the banner of the Adivasi Kisan Mazdoor Party, District Council members held a rally and sit-in protest in Chaibasa, demanding the implementation of the PESA law and rights for panchayat representatives.
The protesters gathered in front of the District Council office, emphasizing the need for proper representation of panchayat members in the allocation of the District Mineral Foundation Trust (DMFT) fund.
Currently, the fund is managed by the district administration through MPs and MLAs.
The council members argue that these funds should be utilized by ward members, mukhiyas, panchayat committee members, and district council members through village committees.
This, they believe, would ensure the proper use of funds and effective implementation of projects.
John Miran Munda, a District Council member from Jhinkpani, highlighted that the district has a DMFT fund amounting to ₹28,000 crores.
He proposed that ₹20 lakhs be allocated annually to ward members, ₹2 crores to panchayat committee members, and ₹5 crores to district council members.
He also demanded the provision of government vehicles and bodyguards for council members and block chiefs during field visits.
Other prominent members, including Madhav Chandra Kunkal from Manjharia and Manasingh Tiriya from Jagannathpur, also participated in the rally.
