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Odisha Tribal Groups Demand PESA Rules, Plan Statewide Protest on Oct 27
The conference unanimously resolved to support and participate in the statewide protest on October 27, opposing the corporate exploitation of Odisha’s natural resources.
Tribal groups in Odisha protest, demanding the immediate implementation of PESA rules to protect their rights and resources.
Key Takeaways
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Bhubaneswar, Odisha : A two-day state-level conference demanding the immediate formulation and implementation of rules under the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA), along with the effective implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA), concluded in Bhubaneswar on October 8, 2026.
Tribal Groups and People’s Organizations Join Conference
The conference was organized on October 7 and 8 by the Campaign for Survival & Dignity (CSD Odisha) and other people’s organizations. Representatives of various tribal communities, activists, community leaders and organizations working for the effective implementation of the Forest Rights Act participated in the conference.
KEY EVENTS & DEMANDS
Odisha’s PESA Advocacy Timeline
OCTOBER 7-8
State-Level PESA Conference
- Demanded immediate PESA rules & FRA implementation.
- Finalized memorandum to Governor & CM.
OCTOBER 27
Statewide Protest Planned
- Opposing corporate exploitation of natural resources.
- Calling for wider public participation.
ONGOING
Movement Intensification
- Protests at district headquarters & Bhubaneswar.
- Continued pressure on state government for PESA rules.
VISUALS BY THE RIFT
The first day’s proceedings were coordinated by convenor and organizing committee members, including Gopinath Majhi, Biranchi Bariha, Narendra Mahanti, Dr. Sricharan, Bhishma Pangi, Arun Dihudi, Sandeep Pattnaik, and Bijay Swain, among others.
Prafulla Samantara, State President of Lok Shakti Abhiyan, inaugurated the conference and addressed the gathering. Aravinda Murti, Amulya Swain, Kalyan Anand, Shankar Pani and Gouranga Mahapatra were among those who participated in the proceedings.
Gram Sabha Powers at the Centre of PESA Debate
Extensive discussions focused on the challenges surrounding the formulation and implementation of PESA rules and on strategies for strengthening people’s movements and community organizations.
Participants emphasized that PESA gives Gram Sabhas important rights and powers concerning water, land and forests, along with responsibilities relating to the protection and management of natural resources.
Government Accused of Failing to Implement PESA Rules
Representatives and leaders at the conference alleged that the Odisha government has failed to formulate and implement appropriate PESA rules and claimed that this failure is benefiting capitalist and corporate interests.
Speakers stressed the need for an effective legal framework that would ensure the rights and decision-making powers of Gram Sabhas in Scheduled Areas.
Memorandum to Governor and Chief Minister Finalized
After detailed deliberations, the participants finalized a memorandum addressed to the Governor of Odisha and the Chief Minister of Odisha, demanding the immediate formulation and implementation of appropriate PESA rules.
The memorandum seeks stronger protection of the rights of tribal communities over their land, forests, water and other natural resources.
October 27 Statewide Protest Gets Unanimous Backing
The conference unanimously resolved to support and participate in the statewide protest on October 27, opposing the corporate exploitation of Odisha’s water, land, forests and other natural resources, as described by the participants.
Participants also expressed concern over police repression of people’s movements and called for wider public participation in the October 27 protest.
Movement to Be Intensified Across Odisha
The conference resolved to intensify the movement for the formulation and implementation of PESA rules.
As part of the campaign, protests and other democratic forms of mobilization will be organized at various district headquarters and in the state capital, Bhubaneswar, in the coming days.
Academics and Rights Activists Extend Solidarity
Several academics, human rights activists and public figures expressed solidarity with the two-day conference.
Professor Swadhin Pattnaik, human rights activist Biswapriya Kanungo, Professor Sumitra Patel, Prashant Paikaray, Prakash Kumar Samantsinghar, Deb Prasad Ray and others were present in support of the conference.
Conference Ends with Call for Stronger Collective Action
The two-day conference concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthen collective efforts for the protection of tribal rights, community control over natural resources and the effective implementation of PESA and the Forest Rights Act.
The organizers said the movement would continue to press the state government for the immediate formulation and implementation of appropriate PESA rules.
Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Rift.
