Jharkhand News: Governor Sends Letter to Hemant Soren, Calls for Action Against Illegal Activities in Santhal Pargana

Ranchi, November 25, 2024: Jharkhand Governor Santosh Gangwar has sent an official letter to Chief Minister Hemant Soren, urging immediate action against numerous illegal activities reported in the Santhal Pargana region. The letter highlights violations of the Santhal Pargana Tenancy (SPT) Act, illegal land grabs and other unlawful practices affecting the area.

Santhal Pargana Facing Cultural and Religious Changes

The Governor’s letter references a report submitted by the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes. The report sheds light on demographic shifts in the Santhal Pargana region, largely attributed to illegal Bangladeshi migration. These changes are reportedly altering the cultural, religious and traditional institutions of the region.

Further, the letter details unauthorized construction of religious sites on grazing land and the conversion of sacred tribal lands, such as Jaher Than and Dev Sthan, into burial grounds. Some of these plans have even received administrative approvals, adding to the community’s concerns.

SPT Act Violations and Tribal Land Transfers

Santhal Pargana is a scheduled area protected under the SPT Act, which prohibits the transfer of tribal-owned land. However, the Governor points out widespread illegal land transfers occurring through simple gift deeds and affidavits, directly violating the Act’s provisions.

These violations, the letter states, pose a severe threat to tribal land rights and the region’s socio-economic stability. Governor Gangwar stressed the critical need for immediate intervention to ensure full compliance with the SPT Act.

Concerns Over Exploitation of Tribal Women

The Governor also raised concerns over exploitative practices involving tribal women in Santhal Pargana. The report indicates instances where women are married under dubious circumstances, sometimes as second or third wives, to enable their spouses to assume the position of Mukhiya (village head).

This, the Governor notes, allows unauthorized elements to gain control over village resources and governance. Additionally, there are allegations of inadequate police response to cases registered under the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, leaving many victims without justice.

Role of Governor in Protecting Tribal Interests

Governor Santosh Gangwar emphasized his constitutional responsibility to safeguard tribal interests and uphold the provisions of the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution. This schedule mandates the Governor to oversee the administration of scheduled areas, with special attention to tribal welfare and land rights.

Given the gravity of the situation, the Governor has requested Chief Minister Soren to take immediate steps to curb illegal activities in Santhal Pargana. He also urged the local administration to ensure 100% compliance with the SPT Act and related legal provisions.

Call for Action

The Governor’s letter is a significant development in addressing the escalating concerns in Santhal Pargana. It brings attention to critical issues such as demographic changes, illegal land transfers, and governance challenges, underlining the need for swift and effective action from the state government.

Key Takeaways from the Governor’s Letter

1. Cultural Shifts: Illegal migration is causing cultural and religious disruptions in Santhal Pargana.
2. SPT Act Violations: Unauthorized land transfers threaten tribal ownership.
3. Exploitation of Women: Exploitative marriages are being used for governance control.
4. Administrative Responsibility: Local authorities are urged to prioritize tribal welfare.

This decisive call by the Governor highlights the urgent need to address these challenges to safeguard the interests of Santhal Pargana and its tribal population.