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The land dispute in Odisha’s Sundargarh district has reached Parliament after Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Sanjay Singh submitted a notice seeking a discussion on allegations that land belonging to 12 villages was acquired without the mandatory consent of the Gram Sabha. The issue has sparked concerns over the rights of tribal communities living in Scheduled Areas.

What Are the Allegations?

According to the notice moved by Sanjay Singh, land in 12 villages of Sundargarh was allegedly taken over without obtaining prior approval from the respective Gram Sabhas. He argued that such action violates legal safeguards meant to protect the land and livelihood of tribal communities. He urged the Centre to intervene and ensure that the rights of affected villagers are protected.

Why Is Gram Sabha Consent Important?

Sundargarh falls within a Scheduled Area, where the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA) provides special protections for tribal communities. Under the law, Gram Sabhas have a significant role in decisions involving land acquisition and development projects in these areas. In addition, the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 provides safeguards for land acquisition in Scheduled Areas, including consultation or consent requirements in specified cases.

Demand for Government Response

Through his parliamentary notice, Sanjay Singh has sought clarification from the government on:

• Whether due legal procedures were followed before the land acquisition.
• Whether Gram Sabha approval was obtained from all affected villages.
• What steps will be taken if any violations are found.
• How the government plans to safeguard the rights of tribal residents.

Why the Issue Matters

Land acquisition in tribal regions has remained a sensitive issue across India, particularly in Scheduled Areas where constitutional and statutory protections are intended to ensure local participation in decisions affecting community land and resources. Any allegation of acquisition without following these procedures often leads to legal and political scrutiny.

The Bottom Line

The Sundargarh land dispute has now become a national political issue after AAP MP Sanjay Singh raised it in Parliament. The allegations that land from 12 villages was acquired without Gram Sabha consent have renewed debate over the implementation of tribal land protection laws. The government’s response in Parliament is expected to determine the next course of action.