By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR: Former BJD MP and Tribal leader Niranjan Bisi has written a letter to Odisha Governor seeking urgent Exercise of Constitutional Powers under Fifth Schedule for Protection of Scheduled Tribe land in Odisha and Action against Illegal Transfer, Encroachment, Benami Transactions and Exploitation. Bisi has also written to President, Chief Minister drawing their attention to police brutality on Tribals in Rayagada , those fighting Vedanta Group mining activities.
‘I most respectfully submit this representation seeking your urgent constitutional intervention for protection of land belonging to Scheduled Tribes in Odisha, particularly in Scheduled Areas, where repeated incidents of illegal transfer, fraudulent mutation, benami purchase, forcible occupation, coercive acquisition and administrative negligence are causing grave injustice to vulnerable tribal communities. Land is not merely an economic asset for Scheduled Tribes; it is the foundation of identity, livelihood, culture, dignity and community existence. Any alienation of tribal land strikesat the very root of constitutional justice guaranteed to Scheduled Tribes,’ Bisi said .
‘Your Excellency is vested with special responsibilities under the Fifth Schedule of theConstitution of India to ensure peace and good governance in Scheduled Areas and toprotect tribal communities from exploitation. In view of the alarming situation, I humblyrequest immediate intervention,” he said.
‘I request Your Excellency to kindly: Invoke powers under the Fifth Schedule and call for a comprehensive report on illegal alienation of ST land across Odisha. Direct district administrations to identify all unlawful transfers of tribal land to non-tribals, companies, middlemen or benami holders, he demanded.
‘Order immediate restoration of illegally transferred land to original Scheduled Tribe raiyats/heirs.Ensure strict enforcement of the Odisha land laws, PESA Act, Forest Rights Act and SC/ST(Prevention of Atrocities) Act.Constitute a Special State-Level Tribal Land Protection Monitoring Cell under Raj Bhavan oversight,” he argued.
‘Direct criminal proceedings against land mafias, fraudulent purchasers and officialsfacilitating illegal transfer.Mandate Gram Sabha consent in all Scheduled Area land matters.Submit annual status reports regarding protection and restoration of tribal land.The framers of the Constitution created special safeguards because ordinary administration often failed to protect tribal communities. The Hon’ble Governor, as constitutional guardian of Scheduled Areas, occupies a historic position in preserving these protections. Where tribal land is lost, constitutional promises become hollow. Where tribal land is restored, justice becomes real.I therefore request Your Excellency to intervene urgently in the larger interest of justice,constitutional morality and protection of Odisha’s indigenous communities,” he added.
