In a significant move aimed at bolstering development for indigenous communities in southern Assam, State Education and Tribal Affairs Minister Ranoj Pegu on Monday initiated the formation of the Khasi-Jaintia Development Council. The foundation stone was laid at New Tibongcherra Khasi Punjee in Cachar district, marking a pivotal moment for the tribal populations of the Barak Valley.
A Long-Awaited Step for Tribal Welfare
The ceremony was attended by Minister Kaushik Rai and leaders from the Barak Valley Khasi-Jaintia Welfare Organisation. This council comes as a direct response to the longstanding demands of the Khasi and Jaintia communities, who have a sizeable presence across the remote Punjees (villages) of Cachar, Sribhumi, and Hailakandi districts. Despite residing in the region for generations, these communities have historically grappled with issues of land rights, limited access to government welfare schemes, and poor infrastructure.
Officials stated that the newly proposed council is specifically designed to bridge these persistent developmental gaps. Its core mandate will be to execute targeted initiatives and safeguard the interests of the tribal groups, ensuring their socio-economic progress.
Community Leaders Highlight Core Issues
Later on Monday, Minister Pegu visited the residence of Sebastian Pakyntein, the appointed chairperson of the new council, in Kasukhal village. This was followed by an interactive session with headmen representing approximately 30 Khasi and Jaintia villages. The discussions brought to the forefront the acute challenges faced by these hill-origin tribes.
A majority of the grievances presented to the minister revolved around the critical issues of land ownership and forest rights. These problems have been central to the socio-economic vulnerabilities of the communities for decades. Community representatives highlighted their dependence on betel-nut cultivation for livelihood, which is often threatened by the destruction of plantations, allegedly by forest mafias.
Government's Assurance and Path Forward
In response, Minister Ranoj Pegu gave firm assurances to the community leaders. He emphasized the government's commitment to resolving these concerns through the effective implementation of Mission Basundhara and the Forest Rights Act, 2006. The administration's focus, he stated, would be on streamlining land-related documentation processes to ensure that tribal communities receive full legal protection over their homestead and forest lands.
The Barak Valley Khasi-Jaintia Welfare Organisation had previously voiced frustration, noting a lack of development even after nearly 80 years of Independence for the community, which resides in close to 300 villages across the valley's forest areas. The formation of the council is seen as a direct answer to these calls for attention and action.
The minister's visit concluded on a symbolic note with a traditional Khasi lunch hosted by Chairperson Sebastian Pakyntein. Officials described this gesture as representative of the government's renewed and dedicated engagement with the tribal communities of the Barak Valley, signaling a new chapter in collaborative development.
