Bhubaneswar- Former Union Minister Srikant Kumar Jena has raised serious allegations against the Odisha government, accusing it of colluding with corporate entities to suppress tribal voices and push mining projects forcefully. In a letter addressed to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Jena highlighted instances of fabricated Gram Sabha meetings being orchestrated to secure mining and environmental clearances in violation of tribal rights and legal provisions.
Jena specifically pointed to recent developments in Nandpur, Koraput, where he alleged that officials staged Gram Sabha meetings to facilitate Adani’s bauxite mining project in Balada, despite widespread protests from local villagers. He claimed that government officials, including Magistrates, falsely reported smooth proceedings while disregarding fierce opposition on the ground.
The former minister also cited similar incidents in Sijimali (Rayagada and Kalahandi), where he alleged that manipulated Gram Sabha meetings were being used to favor Vedanta’s mining project, sidelining local resistance. Additionally, he claimed that in Hemgiri (Sundargarh) and other mineral-rich regions like Angul, people’s voices were being systematically suppressed through a nexus between mining operators and the administration.
Jena criticized the state government for failing to implement the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA), 1996, which was designed to empower tribal communities in Scheduled Areas. Despite the Chief Minister’s assurances of its immediate implementation, he alleged that PESA remains non-operational in Odisha, allowing mining operators and officials to exploit tribal resources unchecked.
Demanding urgent intervention, Jena called for:
- Immediate suspension of all Gram Sabha meetings related to mining and environmental approvals until PESA is fully implemented.
- Cancellation of all fraudulent Gram Sabha meetings that were manipulated to obtain environmental clearances.
- A transparent investigation into the role of officials involved in these alleged fraudulent practices, with strict action against those found complicit.
Jena urged the Chief Minister to act swiftly to put an end to these illegal practices and ensure that the PESA Act is implemented in both letter and spirit to protect the rights of tribal communities in Odisha.
The post Ex-Union Minister Srikant Jena Slams Odisha Govt for ‘Fraudulent’ Mining Clearances, Calls for Immediate Action appeared first on Global Governance News- Asia's First Bilingual News portal for Global News and Updates.
