Ranchi- The Hemant Soren government in Jharkhand is facing mounting pressure from activists and social movements as they prepare for the "Ranchi Chalo" rally on September 10. Organized by the Jharkhand Janadhikar Mahasabha, the rally aims to hold the government accountable for unfulfilled promises on critical public issues, including land rights, social justice, and employment under NREGA.

As the state heads towards elections, this protest represents a significant challenge to the government's handling of indigenous rights, anti-people projects, and the ongoing struggles of rural workers. Here's the key demands of the protest:

• Abolish the Land Bank: The protestors demand the immediate cancellation of the controversial Land Bank policy, which has been criticized for displacing indigenous communities and undermining their land rights. This policy involves the government's acquisition of vast tracts of land, often from common or community-owned lands, to reserve for industrial and developmental projects, without proper consultation with or consent from the affected communities.

• Repeal the Jharkhand Land Acquisition Act Amendment, 2017: Protestors are calling for the repeal of this amendment, which they argue weakens protections for landowners, particularly tribal communities, by making it easier for the government to acquire land for industrial purposes.

• Immediate Distribution of Forest Rights Titles: The demonstrators demand the immediate distribution of all pending individual and community forest rights titles under the Forest Rights Act (FRA), which is critical for the recognition of land rights for tribal and forest-dwelling communities.

• Cancel Anti-People Projects: Protestors are also seeking the cancellation of several large-scale projects, such as the Ichha-Kharakai Dam and Lugu Buru Power Plant, which they claim are detrimental to local communities and the environment.

• Strict Implementation of PESA: The rally will call for the notification and strict implementation of the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA), which ensures that local self-governance is respected in tribal areas.

• Immediate Allocation of Caste Certificates and Land Titles to Dalits: The protestors are pushing for the immediate issuance of caste certificates and land titles to Dalit communities, addressing long-standing issues of social justice and land rights.

• Nutritional Demands: The rally will advocate for the provision of eggs daily in Anganwadi centers and in the midday meal scheme, to address malnutrition among children in the state.

• Release of Long-Term Undertrial Prisoners: The protest will also focus on the release of long-term undertrial prisoners who have been languishing in jail without trial, calling for justice and fair treatment.

Amplifying NREGA Workers' Struggles:

The protest will also highlight the ongoing struggle of NREGA (National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) workers, who have been fighting for their rights amid severe challenges. The NREGA Sangharsh Morcha (NSM), a coalition of organizations representing NREGA workers from 13 states, has recently escalated its campaign to address issues like budget cuts, job card deletions, and the suspension of NREGA funds, particularly in West Bengal.

NSM's Key Demands Include:

• Resumption of Work in West Bengal:
  Due to the stoppage of funds, workers in West Bengal have been denied their right to employment. Protestors will demand the immediate resumption of NREGA work in the state.

• Fair and Timely Wage Payments:
  Protestors are calling for the clearing of all pending wage payments to workers across states, with compensation for delays. They also demand an end to frequent and unpredictable payment delays, which have led many workers to abandon the program.

• Increase in Budget Allocation:
  The rally will call for a substantial increase in the budget allocation for NREGA to ensure that employment can be provided on demand and to uphold the employment guarantee act's provisions.

• Fair Wages:
  NSM has been advocating for NREGA wages to be revised to match state minimum agricultural wages. The low wages under NREGA have been a significant deterrent for labor participation, driving many rural workers to migrate in search of better opportunities.

• Improved Grievance Redressal and Transparency:
  Protestors will also push for a robust grievance redressal mechanism, regular updates of job cards, and greater transparency in the management of funds and job allocations.

The September 10 protest in Ranchi will be a convergence of multiple struggles, from local land rights issues to national employment guarantees. By bringing together the demands of the Jharkhand Janadhikar Mahasabha and NREGA workers, this rally aims to send a powerful message to the government, demanding that it uphold the rights of marginalized communities, ensure justice, and fulfill its promises ahead of the state elections. The protest will be a crucial moment in the ongoing fight for social justice, land rights, and fair employment in Jharkhand and beyond.