The Aryavarth Express
Agency(New Delhi): In a significant move reflecting its commitment to tribal welfare, the Odisha government, under Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, has decided to withdraw around 48,000 cases against members of tribal communities. These cases, which span across the excise, home, and forest departments, have long been a source of mental and financial strain for the tribals.
The breakdown of these cases includes 36,581 from the Excise Department, 9,846 from the Home Department, and 1,591 from the Forest and Environment Department. This decision was made after a thorough review of cases involving tribals, highlighting a need to alleviate the prolonged burden these cases have imposed on them, as well as to ease the pressure on the courts and judicial system.
A significant portion of these cases, particularly those registered by the excise department, relate to the traditional use of liquor by tribal communities. Liquor, integral to their rituals and festivals, is often home-brewed by tribals, a practice deemed illegal under current laws. This cultural practice has led to numerous legal challenges for the community.
Furthermore, the forest department has registered cases exacerbating the longstanding conflict over forest rights between the tribals and the department. Despite the enactment of the Forest Rights Act 2006, there has been a reluctance to fully recognize tribal rights over forest lands.
In addition to the mass withdrawal of cases, the Odisha government has allocated Rs 100 crore under the Odisha Millets Mission scheme. This scheme aims to procure 60 types of minor forest produce from tribals at a minimum support price, thereby supporting their economic well-being.
This move, alongside the recent decision to revoke permissions for the transfer of tribal land to non-tribals, underscores the government’s efforts to strengthen its relationship with the tribal population. This is especially significant considering the upcoming elections, given the substantial representation of tribals in both the state assembly and the Lok Sabha. In Odisha’s 21 Lok Sabha seats, five are reserved for tribals, and in the state assembly of 147 seats, 33 are reserved for them.
The Chief Minister’s actions, particularly highlighted last November on Constitution Day in the presence of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, reflect a deeper commitment to addressing the challenges faced by tribals. Patnaik had emphasized the plight of tribals who, despite being granted bail, remain incarcerated due to financial constraints, and urged the judiciary to pay closer attention to such cases.