Leaders submit memorandum to Governor demanding no lease extension
Key Points:
- Tata Steel’s lease set to expire on December 31, 2024
- Adivasi Party alleges constitutional violations and demands action
- Concerns raised over lack of empowerment for local tribal communities
JAMSHEDPUR – Members of the Bharat Adivasi Party from East Singhbhum met the Deputy Commissioner on Thursday and submitted a memorandum addressed to the Governor. The party opposed the renewal and expansion of Tata Steel’s lease, set to end on December 31, 2024.
Allegations of Constitutional Violations
Madan Mohan Soren, District President of the Adivasi Party, stated that despite over 115 years, Tata Steel has failed to economically, educationally, and socially empower the tribal and local communities of East Singhbhum. He alleged that the company has marginalized tribals by denying equal employment opportunities and misusing schemes like ESS to remove them from jobs.
Soren also accused Tata Steel of violating Articles 19(5) and 9(6) of the Constitution, claiming the company has altered the district’s demographic structure. He emphasized that East Singhbhum falls under the Fifth Schedule area, yet Tata Steel’s lease was renewed illegally and unconstitutionally in 2007 for 30 years, from January 2006 to December 31, 2024.
Opposition to Further Lease Expansion
The Adivasi Party further alleged that Tata Steel violated lease agreements by issuing licenses to non-tribals and outsiders to operate businesses such as shops, malls, hospitals, and educational institutions within the lease area. This, according to the party, has contributed to an “illegal population” settlement in scheduled areas, depriving local tribals of employment and resources.
The memorandum demands that no lease renewal or expansion be permitted beyond December 31, 2024. The party urged the implementation of the Supreme Court’s 1997 Samata Judgment, Fifth Schedule provisions, and CNT-SPT Act to resolve the ongoing constitutional crisis.
