constituent assembly of india debates (proceedings)- volume vii

The extreme expression of the discontent prevalent in Chhota Nagpur is the separatist movement
which demands the formation of a new province of Jharkhand out of the partially excluded area. This
movement is sponsored at present by the Adibasi Mahasabha containing a very large advanced or
Christian element but in Singhbhum and in the Santal Parganas also, a good proportion of non-Christians
seem to have been affected by it. To borrow Dr. Sinha's words it is "capturing the imagination" of the
tribals. Unmistakably also the movement is gaining sympathy among the non-aboriginals; and even if it
be party due to mere local ambition, the virtual exclusion of tribal elements from the Cabinet has
undoubtedly contributed much to it. We have already held in our interim report that the question of the
formation of a separate province is not for us to tackle but we would invite the attention of the Provincial
and Central Government to the separation movement, which seems to be gaining strength, as a
symptom of the discontent which is simmering in varying intensity among all sections of the Chota
Nagpur population. At the same time we have noticed that the Cabinet of the Bihar Government and
such an eminent public man as Dr. S. Sinha oppose the separation movement on the grounds very well
shown in the brochure of Dr. Sinha. We have also received a number of telegrams from these areas
saying that they thoroughly disapprove of the separatist movement.
We are inclined to the view which seems to be shared by Dr. Sinha also, that there should be
adequate association of the people of the partially excluded areas, particularly the tribals, in the different
branches of the administration including the Cabinet and that there can be neither satisfaction nor
adequate progress until this is done. In short, the problem of administration in this tract must be dealt
with not only by economic and educational improvements but also by remedies which recognise its
political and psychological aspects; and we would lay the maximum emphasis on the urgency of action in
both these directions.
UNITED PROVINCES
3. As regards the partially excluded areas of the United Provinces viz., the Jaunsar-Bawar Pargana in
the Dehra Dun District and the area comprising the Dudhi Tahsil and part of the Robertsganj Tahsil of the
Mirzapur District, we find that both of these comparatively small areas are suffering from serious neglect.
Although a committee was set up as early as 1939 to enquire into the administration of the Jaunsar-
Bawar Pargana and a report was submitted by it in1941, it is a matter for regret that no action has yet
been possible although the report was ultimately made only by the official members of the Committee.
We understand that another committee has been appointed recently this year to go into the matter by
the Provincial Government and hope that speedy action will be taken on its report. The main matters
which require attention in this area are as follows: -
(1) the fixation and collection of land revenue and distribution of "rights timber" through
the agency of the Sayanas as well as the position of the Sayana in the village panchayat
which gives rise to a great deal of oppression.
(2) survey resettlement of the area and removal of restrictions on the possession of land
and reclamation of waste land by Koltas (local depressed castes of Hindus).
(3) the elimination of social evils like polyandry and venereal disease.
In the partially excluded area of the Mirzapur District which is inhabited by a majority of tribals we
find that the administration is of a pretty primitive character. The figures given in the U. P. Government's
factual memorandum for the Dudhi Government Estate which are shown below indicate that the revenue
from it is not utilised to the extent of even two-fifths of the administration of the area: -