Mohan Bhagwat attends RSS camp on ST community in Raipur

RAIPUR: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat today attended the ‘chintan shivir’ (introspection camp) in Chhattisgarh’s Raipur where issues pertaining to the Scheduled Tribes in the country were discussed.nnThe two-day camptitled ‘Bharat ki janjatiyon ki asmita aur astitva’ (the pride and existence of the Scheduled Tribes of India),was inaugurated in presence of Bhagwat this morning, said programme convener Harsh Chauhan.nnThe camp is organised by the Akhil Bharatiya Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram, a Sangh affiliate,nn”Elaborate discussions were held on (issues like) Panchayats (Extension of Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA) and its implementation in scheduled areas, ensuring participation of entire scheduled tribe community in reservation, and on Forest Rights Act and development of tribal community,” he said.nnTribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram, Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Sudarshan Bhagat, Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram’s national president Jagdeo Ram Oram, RSS Sarkaryavah (General Secretary) Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi and National Commission for Scheduled Tribes chairperson Nand Kumar Sai, members of RSS and its affiliates were present, according to Chauhan.nnAs many as 135 thinkers and social leaders are taking part in the discussions which will conclude tomorrow, he said.nnThis is Bhagwat’s second visit this year to the BJP-ruled Chhattisgarh, where Assembly polls are due by this year-end.nnThe Sangh chief had earlier visited Raipur in January and addressed a public meeting here.nnThe closed-door camp is being considered significant as it is being held against the backdrop of controversial “Patthalgadi” movement of Jashpur district in northern Chhattisgarh.nnUnder the movement, tribals in some villages of Jashpur had put up plaques, painted in green and white, outside their villages declaring the gram sabha as the only “sovereign authority” under the provisions of the Panchayats (Extension of Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA), 1996.nnThe slogans on the plaques read that laws enacted by Parliament are not applicable in the scheduled areas where the gram sabha is supreme.nnThe Sarva Adivasi Samaj, an umbrella body of tribal groups, had claimed that the movement was launched because tribals are feeling cheated over improper implementation of the laws meant to protect their interests.nnAccording to RSS sources, Patthalgadi issue was also discussed in the camp today.nnSource: Press Trust of India