JJM urges Jharkhand to amend JPRA for tribal rights

The Jharkhand Janadhikar Mahasabha (JJM) has urged the state government to amend the Jharkhand Panchayat Raj Act (JPRA) to fully implement the Panchayat (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA), 1996. They argue that current laws do not adequately protect tribal rights. JJM highlighted issues faced by tribal communities, such as land encroachments and lack of consent for land use. They stated that key PESA provisions, like village council consent for land acquisition, are missing from the JPRA. The organization noted that discussions on PESA have started in the state, but differing opinions among groups have hindered unified pressure on the government. They called for immediate amendments to the JPRA to align it with PESA provisions.