The All India Paharia Primitive Tribal Federation’s Jharkhand branch recently convened its annual conference in Dumka. During the gathering, the Federation championed several resolutions aimed at better representing and supporting the Paharia primitive tribal community. The most prominent of these was a call to rename the Santhal Pargana division to “Paharia Aranyanchal.”
Advocating for Paharia Identity
The annual conference, hosted at Dumka’s Indoor Stadium, attracted attendees from various states including West Bengal, Bihar, Assam, and, of course, the Santhal Pargana division. All participants represented the Paharia primitive tribal community. The primary goal of the conference was to discuss and address issues relevant to the community’s well-being and future.
Key Resolutions Passed
A total of 18 resolutions were passed during the conference. One of the most significant was the demand to rename the Santhal Pargana division to “Paharia Aranyanchal.” The Federation argues that the current name does not adequately reflect the historical and cultural importance of the Paharia people in the region. This proposed name change aims to acknowledge and preserve the Paharia heritage.
Furthermore, the resolutions included demands for ensuring representation of primitive tribal members in Jharkhand’s Tribal Advisory Council. The Federation also seeks to reserve assembly seats for primitive tribes in the Dumka-Rajmahal Lok Sabha constituencies. These measures are intended to empower the community and give them a stronger voice in local and regional governance. If you are interested in how councils work, you might find more information on the processes for electing members.
Looking Ahead
According to a Federation representative, renaming the division would properly recognize the Paharia people. In addition, the resolutions approved at the conference strive to tackle different problems impacting the tribal population and to promote their overall socio-economic progress. These demands emphasize continuous initiatives focused on defending the rights and representation of tribal groups in Jharkhand.
Ultimately, these efforts highlight the Federation’s commitment to advocating for the rights and recognition of the Paharia primitive tribal community. The resolutions passed during the conference represent a significant step towards achieving greater representation and socio-economic development for this historically marginalized group. The Federation hopes that these actions will lead to meaningful change and a brighter future for the Paharia people.