Aiming to realize vision of Abua Raj in Jharkhand, campaign group unveils people's manifesto

By A Representative 

The Loktantra Bachao Abhiyan has called on political parties committed to communal harmony and constitutional values to integrate the demands articulated in their manifesto, "Abua Jharkhand, Abua Raj," into their electoral platforms. The manifesto was announced at a press conference where the achievements and shortcomings of the Hemant Soren coalition government over the past five years were summarized. 

The press conference featured remarks from several campaign members, including Ambika Yadav, Ajay Ekka, Aloka Kujur, Basing Hessa, Dinesh Murmu, Elina Horo, Nand Kishore Ganjhu, Riya Pingua, and Tom Kavala.

The coalition government has undertaken various initiatives in alignment with public expectations, including a significant expansion of social security pensions, the implementation of the Maiya Samman Yojana, support for migrant workers during and after the COVID-19 lockdown, waivers on agricultural loans, the dismissal of cases related to the Pathalgadi and Chotanagpur Tenancy Act-Santhal Pargana Tenancy (SPT) Act (CNT-SPT) movements, and a halt to extending the Netarhat Field Firing Range project, it was pointed out. Additionally, the assembly passed legislation regarding a 1932 khatiyan-based domicile policy, a 27% reservation for backward classes, and recommendations for the Sarna religious code. 

However, many promises made by the coalition parties remain unfulfilled after five years. Notable issues include the failure to repeal land bank and land acquisition law amendments, the Icha-Kharkai project not being canceled, the absence of Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA) rules, the lack of a mob lynching law, and the re-opening of merged schools, the media was told. Furthermore, ground-level corruption in government schemes, including MGNREGA, has continued unabated, while several government initiatives have not translated into action

Despite these challenges, the speakers underlined, the Central government, led by the Modi administration, has consistently attempted to undermine the state government and obstruct its policies. In light of this situation, the Loktantra Bachao Abhiyan presented its public manifesto for the 2024 Legislative Assembly elections, emphasizing that key issues must be addressed within the first six months of the new government's formation. 

Key priorities include the repeal of the Land Acquisition Law (Jharkhand) Amendment of 2017 and the Land Bank Policy, the cancellation of projects established without Gram Sabha consent, and the creation of a Displacement and Rehabilitation Commission. The manifesto also calls for the prompt distribution of land to displaced, landless, Dalits, and poor farmers, alongside the implementation of a state tax on mining, with at least 50% allocated to the Gram Sabha. Additionally, PESA rules must be established, and the provisions of the Sixth Schedule should be enacted in areas with large Adivasi populations such as Kolhan and Damini Koh. 

The manifesto demands swift distribution of all pending individual and community forest pattas within three months of government formation. Addressing the issue of undertrial prisoners, approximately 15,000 of whom are currently incarcerated—predominantly Adivasis, Dalits, backward castes, and Muslims—it calls for the immediate release of those unjustly detained and the establishment of a high-level judicial inquiry to investigate false cases against marginalized individuals. 

The manifesto expresses concern over appointments made under the previous government's anti-Jharkhand domicile policy, advocating for a khatiyan-based domicile policy with specific provisions for the landless within three months of the new administration's inception. 

The manifesto calls for the prompt distribution of land to displaced, landless, Dalits, and poor farmers

The manifesto also emphasizes laws to enhance Adivasi and Mulvasi representation in leadership roles across both the public and private sectors, particularly in decision-making positions in police stations and local administration. 

To combat divisive communal politics in Jharkhand, the next government is urged to prioritize measures that foster equality and communal harmony. This includes prohibiting the construction of religious-specific worship places in public institutions and expediting the removal of religious symbols from public spaces post-events. 

The manifesto highlights the urgent need for reform in the public education and health systems, advocating for timely hiring to fill vacancies from primary schools to colleges and sub-health centers to district hospitals, alongside ensuring the availability of medications and medical tests. 

To address unemployment and migration, the manifesto proposes introducing an urban employment guarantee law, adjusting the daily wage under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) to ₹800, increasing the social security pension to ₹3,000, and providing maternity benefits for pregnant and lactating women of ₹20,000 without conditions. Furthermore, it commits to ensuring that all children receive an egg daily in mid-day meal programs, while discontinuing centralized kitchens for these meals. 

The manifesto also emphasizes the necessity of combating ground-level corruption through the cessation of the contractor system and the establishment of a responsive grievance redressal mechanism, alongside the activation of essential commissions pertaining to women's rights, human rights, and information transparency.