Governance

Jharkhand: Despite tribal state’s 25th anniversary next year, tribes still have a long march to traverse

Tussle between revenue-generating commercial operations and land allotment to tribal residents is most evident in states like Jharkhand and Odisha
Jharkhand: Despite tribal state's 25th anniversary next year, tribes still have a long march to traverse
The demand for land rights in forests form the crux of tribal politics as these tribes depend onPhotograph by Vikas Choudhary
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Today, on November 28, Hemant Soren took oath as the chief minister of Jharkhand for his fourth tenure. The state, carved out of Bihar in 2000, was incepted on tribal lines and tribal ownership over land, water and forests (jal, jangal, zameen) was the biggest political objective.

Tribal women sitting outside the threshold of their houses on the outskirts of Ranchi
Tribal women sitting outside the threshold of their houses on the outskirts of RanchiPhotograph by Vikas Choudhary

However, almost 25 years after its inception, tribal residents still have a long way to go when it comes to achieving social justice and entitlement of land rights.

Tribal leader Shibu Soren at a leisurely gathering during the peak of Jharkhand movement.
Tribal leader Shibu Soren at a leisurely gathering during the peak of Jharkhand movement. Photograph by Ruhani Kaur
Jharkhand
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