Demands Raised for Representation of Displaced Tribals in Lease Renewal Committee
Jharkhand Moolvasi Adhikar Manch seeks inclusion of displaced communities in Tata Company lease renewal discussions and challenges current committee formation.
Key Points:
- Jharkhand Moolvasi Adhikar Manch submitted a memorandum to the CM via the DC.
- Demand to include displaced tribals in Tata Company’s lease renewal committee.
- Forum threatens protest if demands are unmet.
JAMSHEDPUR – The Jharkhand Moolvasi Adhikar Manch, led by Chief Convener Harmohan Mahato, submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner for onward submission to Chief Minister Hemant Soren. The memorandum highlights the exclusion of displaced tribals from Tata Company’s lease renewal committee and demands immediate redress.
Representation for Displaced Tribals
The forum highlighted that communities displaced due to projects like Tata Company, the airport, and Dimna Dam have not been included in the committee. Mahato demanded the dissolution of the existing committee and the inclusion of representatives from these displaced groups. “The voices of the displaced need to be heard to address their legitimate demands,” he stated.
Legal and Constitutional Context
The forum referenced key judgments like the 1998 Supreme Court judgment in P. Rami Reddy vs. Andhra Pradesh and the 1997 Samata judgment, asserting that granting leases or subleases in Fifth Scheduled Areas without Tribal Advisory Council and Gram Sabha consent is unconstitutional under Article 244.
Historical Injustice
Displaced individuals from 18 revenue villages have long protested for compensation, land restitution, and employment. Despite decades of struggle, justice remains elusive. The forum urged the government to establish a Displacement Commission before proceeding with lease renewals to address their grievances.
Governor’s Oversight Sought
The memorandum called for the intervention of the Governor, who holds a constitutional role in Fifth Scheduled Areas, to annul notifications issued by the Urban Development and Revenue Department without proper tribal consent.
Protest Threatened
The forum demanded the inclusion of Harmohan Mahato and Gopal Murmu in the lease renewal committee. It warned of intensified protests if their demands are ignored, underlining the importance of justice for displaced communities.
