The Panchayat Extension to Scheduled Areas (PESA) Act should be implemented by the southern States in letter and spirit to empower tribal people to have access to resources and rights, said P.V. Rajagopal, Chairman, Ekta Parishad.
Addressing tribal people at a function to mark the International Day of the World’s Indigenous People’s celebrations (Adivasi Day) on Gandhigram Trust premises at Gandhigram near here on Wednesday, he said even Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu did not implement the act properly.
The PESA assumed immense importance for tribal communities as it would protect them from displacement and alienation of land. Ultimately, tribal people would be empowered for development of their community. They would have rights to take decisions on minor forest produces and minor minerals. Outsiders would be prevented from buying lands under the PESA zone. It would prevent fraudulent land acquisitions also, he pointed out.
When estate owners came to Odisha to buy lands in tribal areas, tribal people pointed out that it was under PESA zone. The Apex Court too supported their stand and prevented the industrialists from buying their land. But, 16 years had passed and PESA had not been implemented in these States effectively. Governors should exercise their power to protect the rights of the tribal people, he appealed.
The simple lifestyle of tribal people and their limited use of natural resources should be adopted by everyone to protect the globe. Everyone in the world should accept Adivasis as global gurus and follow them. We should adopt their lifestyle instead of dumping our lifestyle on them, said Mr. Rajagopal
Later, Paliyar tribes from Kadugudhadi on lower Palni hill performed a folk dance highlighting their traditional lifestyle.
