The opening of the two-day Tribal Self‑Governance Festival was held at Audrey House on Tuesday. Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Mrs. Deepika Pandey Singh performed the inauguration. Under the slogan “Nachi Se Bachi”, the festival aims to fulfil the dreams of Dihoom Guru Shibu Soren by implementing self‑governance. The government prioritises the implementation of the PESA Act in Jharkhand. Mrs. Pandey Singh stated that the government is working swiftly to enact the PESA Act and has devoted the entire issue to the cabinet after considering suggestions from the people. During the ceremony, she launched the Panchayat Magazine and opened the Panchayat Portal. She assured that the government will introduce a PESA law that will set a national example for Jharkhand, emphasizing good governance and empowering Gram Sabhas. She also highlighted that the government strives to protect both individuals and groups, granting everyone a right to voice their concerns in the Gram Sabha. The minister added that by adopting self‑governance, we can realise the dreams of Dihoom Guru Shibu Soren, and that strengthening good governance through the PESA Act, as directed by Chief Minister Hemant Soren, is a government responsibility that will soon be achieved. The Director of Panchayati Raj, Mrs. Rajeshwari B, noted that the festival includes several technical sessions on PESA. Professor Ramchandra Uraav from National Law University, Ranchi, emphasised that since most tribal rural areas are inhabited by people, the state must strengthen these areas and enact laws aligned with their self‑governance systems. Padma Shri Ramdayal Munda’s research scholar, Gajjun Ekil Munda, remarked that people often forget their basis. Observing a Manda tour reveals that while it appears to be about dance and music, its essence is self‑governance. Small gatherings where people discuss and decide together embody the foundation of democracy. Governance and self‑governance, he said, must be continually applied and cannot be merely compared with written books. Senior literary figure Mahadev Topp added that “Nachi Se Bachi” is often underestimated, and we must understand its underlying philosophy. We must care for the natural resources around us and reflect on the language and culture of tribal people. Many senior officials, staff, and representatives from various districts of the state attended this event.
