From Abolishing Land Banks to Anti-Lynching Laws: Activists' Comprehensive Demands Ahead of Jharkhand Assembly Elections

Ranchi- Loktantra Bachao Abhiyan, a coalition of Jharkhand activists and social organizations dedicated to saving democracy and the constitution, has submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Hemant Soren. The memorandum outlines key demands that the collective hopes will be addressed before the upcoming assembly elections in November.

Over the past 1.5 years, Loktantra Bachao Abhiyan has organized public awareness programs, including rallies, workshops, marches, and volunteer training sessions, to highlight threats to democracy and address public issues. This has resulted in significant support for the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) alliance in the state's five tribal constituencies during the 2019 assembly elections.

The campaign asserts that the Modi government, along with the RSS and BJP in Jharkhand, pose the greatest threats to democracy, the constitution, and the working class.

Given this context, the importance of the upcoming assembly elections has increased. The campaign has requested that the following issues and pending promises be addressed before the elections, and has asked for a meeting to discuss these demands:

1. Land and Environmental Issues: The previous BJP government had placed 2.2 million acres of non-cultivated and community land into a land bank. The land bank should be immediately abolished. Plans for the Ichha-Kharkai Dam, the Netarhat Field Firing Range, and the power plant at Lugu Buru should be fully canceled. A displacement and rehabilitation commission should be established. Community land rights under the Forest Rights Act should be enforced, and forest villages should be regularized to ensure that tribal and forest-dependent communities are not deprived of their rights.

2. Implementation of PESA and Tribal Rights: The rights of self-governance for tribals in Fifth Schedule areas should be fully implemented in accordance with PESA (Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act). The PESA regulations should be formulated. As per the Supreme Court's July 25, 2024, ruling, the state government should immediately impose a state tax on mining and allocate at least half of it to the Gram Sabha. Adequate teachers for tribal languages should be appointed as per regional requirements.

3. Release of Undertrial Prisoners: Immediate release of long-term undertrial prisoners should be ensured. A high-level judicial investigation should be conducted into cases involving tribals, indigenous people, and marginalized communities trapped in false cases.

4. Local Employment Policies: Implement local and employment policies based on Jharkhand's aspirations. All vacant positions, particularly in education and healthcare, should be filled. Local and indigenous people should be given priority in all appointments.

5. Simplification of Caste Certificate Process: The process for issuing caste certificates to Dalit communities should be simplified, and certificates should be provided promptly. Land pattas should be allocated to landless families, especially Dalits.

6. Addressing Migration: Immediate action should be taken against corruption in MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) and the Urban Employment Guarantee Scheme should be implemented to prevent migration.

7. Nutrition Initiatives: The longstanding promise of providing eggs daily in Anganwadi centers and midday meals to combat widespread malnutrition should be implemented immediately.

8. Anti-Lynching Law: A special law against mob lynching should be enacted, and the Supreme Court's current guidelines on the issue should be enforced.

9. Action Against Hate Speech: Prior to the elections, measures should be taken to prevent communal and hateful speeches and activities. The administration should be directed to take just action against such activities. Religious flags and symbols placed in public areas during religious ceremonies, festivals, and programs should be removed within 48 hours of the event's conclusion.

10. Activating Commissions: The Women’s Commission and Information Commission should be appointed and made active.