Odisha Congress Advocates for PESA Act to Protect Tribal Lands
The Odisha Congress is calling for strict enforcement of the PESA Act to prevent displacement due to industrial projects. They argue for the protection of tribal lands and demand that affected communities be made shareholders. A memorandum was submitted to the Governor for justice and fair compensation.
- Country:
- India
The Odisha unit of Congress has stepped up its efforts to ensure the strict implementation of the PESA Act and related laws, aiming to tackle displacement issues caused by industrial projects. The PESA Act, which empowers Gram Sabhas in Fifth Schedule areas, seeks to safeguard tribal communities from dispossession of their land.
The protest, led by Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee President Bhakta Charan Das, highlighted the grievances of people displaced by industrial and mining initiatives. Das emphasized that while Congress supports industrial development, the interests and rights of local populations—such as land, water, and mineral access—must be prioritized.
In a memorandum to Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, the Congress delegation advocated for mandatory corporate spending on compensation and rehabilitation. They argued for amendments to CSR rules and demanded that a portion of project revenues benefit dislocated communities.
(With inputs from agencies.)
Google News