Archive · 8 Jan 2026
Opposition, Ruling Coalition Question Jharkhand's PESA Rules
The Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, or PESA, was made in 1996 to protect the rights and traditions of tribal communities in certain areas.
Recently, the state of Jharkhand made rules for this act, but some people, including those from the opposition BJP and the ruling Congress party, say these rules leave out important tribal customs and laws.
They believe this could weaken the tribal communities' ability to govern themselves according to their own traditions.
Both sides are asking the government to fix these rules to include the tribal practices that the original act was meant to protect.
If the government doesn't change the rules, the BJP has threatened to protest.
BJP and Congress members in Jharkhand criticize the state's PESA rules for omitting customary laws and tribal practices.
The rules, notified on January 2, 2024, are seen as diluting tribal autonomy and traditional belief systems.
Both opposition BJP and ruling Congress MLA Rameshwar Oraon demand the government correct the rules to align with the original PESA Act.
BJP threatens protests if the government does not amend the rules to include tribal customs and practices.
Congress MLA warns that the omission could negatively impact tribal communities and the party's political standing.
- Who
- Babulal Marandi (BJP), Rameshwar Oraon (Congress), Jharkhand government
- What
- Controversy over PESA rules omitting customary laws and tribal practices
- When
- PESA rules notified on January 2, 2024; opposition raised concerns on January 8, 2024
- Where
- Jharkhand, India
- Why
- Concerns that the rules dilute tribal autonomy and traditional belief systems
- Act
- Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996
- State
- Jharkhand
- Rules Notification Date
- January 2, 2024
- Key Figures
- Babulal Marandi (BJP), Rameshwar Oraon (Congress)
- Main Concern
- Omission of customary laws, social, and religious practices in PESA rules
- BJP Threat
- Protests if rules not corrected
- Congress MLA Concern
- Potential impact on tribal communities and party
- Act's Purpose
- Protect tribal self-governance and traditional practices
