
Jharkhand CM determined to changes in land laws
Jharkhand chief minister Raghubar Das is determined to stick to his government’s decision to amend two British-era laws that protect the state’s tribal people, despite widespread unrest in which seven protesters have died in police firing.
The laws restrict the government’s say in land acquisition, which is considered a hindrance in initiating development projects for “the larger interest of the state”.
Das announced on Thursday that his government would recompense people who lose their land, giving four times the value of the acquired plot. The money will be disbursed within a timeframe of four to five months, he promised.
The move is viewed as an incentive to quell tribal protests and opposition fire.
The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, which is opposing the government’s move, was not impressed with Das’s announcement.
Party general secretary Supriyo Bhattacharya said: “The government’s intention is disastrous. By amending the land laws and forcing industrialization, the government will kill tribal culture and identity.”
The chief minister said his government took the latest decision after consulting the Tribal Advisory Council (TAC), the apex body that recommends and decides on tribal affairs in the state.
“When CNT and SPT laws were amended in the past for setting up industries, no leaders objected. Why are the protests erupting now when the proposed amendments are meant to usher in public amenities such as schools, roads and hospitals?” he asked.
Das was speaking at a function celebrating Jatra, a tribal fair, in the Ghagra block of Gumla district. The event was organised in the memory of tribal icon Kartik Oraon.
The BJP-led government has introduced two ordinances seeking changes in the century-old Chottanagpur Tenancy Act (CNT) and Santhal Pargana Tenancy (SPT) Act, considered safeguards against rampant acquisition of land belonging to tribal people who constitute 26.2% of the state’s 33 million population.
The government defended its decision, saying the aim is to acquire land for public interest projects. But tribal organisations are opposed to any dilution of the laws.
Das’s latest announcement follows two major back-to-back tribal protests in the state.
He said some people do not want development as he took a dig at opposition parties and indirectly hinted at the church for misguiding the tribal people on the two ordinances.
“They only want to see tribals languish in poverty. None of the leaders in the past 14 years have thought of development. Instead, they robbed the state and plundered its resources. Now, the same set of people is considering forming a third front to further plunder the state,” he said.
He clarified that the proposed changes would not destroy the basic features of the laws.
Besides, the chief minister announced a massive mahasammelan or convention in Ranchi within the next three months to exhibit tribal strength and their resolve not to allow any power to meddle with their culture, tradition and religious faith.
Das requested the gathering not to get misguided by vested interests robbing tribals of their culture and religion.
“After 70 years of Independence, three million tribal households in the state are still deprived of electricity. Will the Congress reply why this is so?”

10th century Buddha Vihar discovered in Jharkhand’s Hazaribag
- As per the evidence found in Hazaribagh, it appeared that the Buddhist structures were built during the Pala period, said an archaeologist with the ASI.

Jharkhand petroleum dealers body demands reduction of VAT on diesel

Tribal people are not Hindus, says Soren; BJP launches attack

Jharkhand to reopen colleges, coaching centres, cinema halls from March 1
- Classes for students studying in class 8 and above are also set to resume in schools.

Dacoits gun down passenger in bus robbery in Jharkhand
- The robbery occurred between 3.30 am and 4 am while the bus was on the way to Biharsharif, Bihar from Kolkata. Dacoits, reportedly half a dozen in numbers, had boarded the bus at Kolkata posing as passengers

2 CRPF jawans injured in gun-battle with Maoists in Jharkhand

Number of Jharkhand residents missing in Chamoli district rises to 21
- Ten people, who are stranded, want to return to Jharkhand.

At least 15 Jharkhand labourers feared missing following Chamoli disaster
- While nine labourers belonged to Jharkhand's Bethat village, six hailed from Ramgarh district.

Domestic help kills self after assaulting CRPF commandant’s kin in Ranchi
- The CRPF commandant told police that the domestic maid appeared to be mentally unstable for the past few days and had turned aggressive all of a sudden.

Former Jharkhand minister Haji Ansari’s son inducted in Hemant Soren cabinet
- Hemant Soren decided to induct Haji Ansari’s son, who is not yet a member of the Jharkhand legislative assembly, as the 10th member of his cabinet.

No new Covid-19 fatality in Jharkhand, tally rises to 118,897

Former Jharkhand minister Haji Ansari’s son to be inducted in Hemant cabinet
- By-election for Madhupur assembly seat is likely to be held next month and Hafizul was considered a front runner for the seat.

Govt should ensure our pension, decent wages, says coal mine worker Sambhu Ram
- He works as a coal loader in an opencast mine in Jharia; as a daily wager, he is dependent on the work he gets every day.

Jharkhand High Court adjourns hearing on Lalu Prasad Yadav's bail plea to Feb 12
- The former Bihar chief minister has been serving jail term since December 23, 2017, after his conviction in three fodder scam cases.
