- Task Force for PESA-FRA coordination will soon be constituted under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister – Principal Secretary Shri Sonmani Bora
- The findings of the State Commons Convincing Discussion by experts will be helpful in the formulation of state policies.
- Effective role of commons in conservation and promotion of water, forest , land , culture and environment , heritage – Shri Bora
- Two-day Chhattisgarh Commons Convening Workshop inaugurated
Mr. Bora, Principal Secretary of the Tribal Development Department, stated that tribal communities’ unwavering faith in the commons is linked to their empowerment. He added that the commons play an effective role in water, forest , land , culture, and environment , as well as in heritage conservation and promotion. He emphasized the principle of “minimum government , maximum governance,” emphasizing that local people are at the forefront of policy implementation. He added that the government is in the process of establishing a dedicated task force for policy change. The task force aims to ensure balanced coordination between the Panchayat (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA) and the Forest Rights Act (FRA) for more effective implementation across the state. Cultural and traditional perspectives were central to the Commons Conference Dialogue , which began with opening remarks by distinguished guests such as Padma Shri awardees Mr. Jageshwar Yadav and Mr. Pandi Ram Mandavi, and Gaur Maria dance artist Ms. Laxmi Sori.
The two-day ” Chhattisgarh Commons Convening ” focused on good governance and community conservation of shared natural resources (commons) was inaugurated by Shri Sonmani Bora, Principal Secretary, Tribal Development Department. The workshop is being organised at Nava Raipur Tribal Research and Training Institute , Sector -24 . This event is being organised by various partner organisations under the ” Promise of Commons ” initiative in collaboration with the Tribal Development Department of Chhattisgarh Government . Tomorrow on 10th April, Chief Secretary Shri Vikas Sheel will participate in the dialogue on tribal policy. Tribal Development Minister Shri Ramvichar Netam will participate in the closing session.
- The effective role of commons in the conservation and promotion of water, forests , land , culture and environmental heritage
Mr. Bora stated that, recognizing the deep connection between natural resources and tribal heritage , plans are underway to establish a dedicated studio. This project, expected to be unveiled soon, will be dedicated to the melodies , documentation , identification, and copyright protection of traditional folk songs and indigenous musical instruments. Regarding the conservation of these shared resources , Mr. Bora stated that the key issue is how to develop shared knowledge and improve our aspirations , heritage, and future while maintaining a balanced approach amid challenges such as globalization and modern lifestyles .
- The important role of collective care in protecting the state’s vast natural resources
The Principal Secretary of the Tribal Development Department stated that the conference proved to be a huge platform for dialogue , with over 300 participants from different parts of Chhattisgarh and other states . These included policy experts from various organizations , representatives from Panchayats , researchers, and dedicated community members. This diverse group gathered to discuss the 7 million acres of land classified as commons in Chhattisgarh. This land includes forests , grasslands, and water bodies , which serve as lifelines for rural and tribal populations. On the first day of the Commons Convening , experts emphasized the crucial role of collective stewardship in protecting the state’s vast natural resources.