Jharkhand Polity & Governance Notes for JPSC

Jharkhand Polity and Governance: State Administration to Tribal Self-Governance

Jharkhand's governance structure is unique in India — it combines standard state administrative machinery with constitutionally protected tribal governance mechanisms under the Fifth Schedule, PESA Act, and traditional systems like Manki-Munda and Manjhi-Paragana. For JPSC aspirants, understanding both formal and traditional governance is essential.

State Administrative Structure

Jharkhand follows the standard Indian state governance pattern with some distinctive features:

• Governor — Constitutional head of state. In Jharkhand, the Governor has enhanced responsibilities under the Fifth Schedule as administrator of Scheduled Areas. The Governor chairs the Tribal Advisory Council and can direct that certain central/state laws not apply to scheduled areas, or apply with modifications.
• Chief Minister and Council of Ministers — The real executive authority. Jharkhand has had frequent changes in government since statehood (2000), reflecting coalition politics.
• Jharkhand Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha) — 81 members elected from single-member constituencies. 28 seats reserved for STs, 9 for SCs. No Legislative Council.
• Jharkhand High Court — Established in 2000 at Ranchi. Has jurisdiction over the entire state.

District Administration

Jharkhand has 24 districts organized into 5 divisions:

• North Chotanagpur Division (Hazaribagh): Hazaribagh, Koderma, Giridih, Chatra, Ramgarh
• South Chotanagpur Division (Ranchi): Ranchi, Khunti, Gumla, Simdega, Lohardaga
• Kolhan Division (Chaibasa): West Singhbhum, East Singhbhum, Saraikela-Kharsawan
• Palamu Division (Medininagar): Palamu, Garhwa, Latehar
• Santhal Pargana Division (Dumka): Dumka, Deoghar, Godda, Sahebganj, Pakur, Jamtara

The Deputy Commissioner (DC) is the chief administrative officer at the district level, combining revenue, general administration, and development functions.

Fifth Schedule and Scheduled Areas

The Fifth Schedule of the Indian Constitution provides a special governance framework for areas with significant tribal populations. In Jharkhand:

• Large portions of the state are declared Scheduled Areas under the Fifth Schedule.
• The Governor has special powers to regulate land transfer in scheduled areas, modify application of laws, and make regulations for peace and good governance.
• A Tribal Advisory Council (TAC) advises the Governor on tribal welfare. It has up to 20 members, three-fourths from tribal representatives in the state legislature.
• The Governor can prohibit or restrict land transfer from tribals to non-tribals in these areas.

PESA Act 1996 (Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas)

The PESA Act extends Part IX of the Constitution (Panchayats) to Fifth Schedule areas with significant modifications to protect tribal autonomy:

• Gram Sabha (village assembly) is empowered to safeguard and preserve traditions, customs, cultural identity, community resources, and dispute resolution.
• State legislation must ensure that Panchayat seats are reserved for STs in proportion to their population, and chairpersons at all levels are reserved for STs.
• Gram Sabha must be consulted before land acquisition, rehabilitation/resettlement, and granting of mining leases.
• Panchayats have powers related to minor minerals, minor water bodies, enforcement of prohibition, management of village markets, and prevention of land alienation.
• Jharkhand's implementation has been criticized as incomplete — the state passed the Jharkhand Panchayat Raj Act 2001 but PESA-compliant panchayat elections have faced delays and legal challenges.

Traditional Governance Systems

Jharkhand's tribal governance predates the British colonial system and continues to function:

• Manki-Munda System (Mundas, Ho) — The Munda is the village headman, managing land allotment, dispute resolution, and community affairs. The Manki presides over a cluster of villages (Parha). These positions are hereditary but accountable to community assemblies.
• Manjhi-Paragana System (Santhals) — The Manjhi governs the village with a council of advisors (Jog Manjhi, Paranik, Godet). The Paragana oversees multiple villages. The system includes the Jog Manjhi (deputy), responsible for youth affairs and festivals.
• These traditional institutions are recognized under the Chotanagpur Tenancy Act and Santhal Pargana Tenancy Act, and the PESA Act mandates their preservation.

Left-Wing Extremism (Naxalism)

Jharkhand is significantly affected by Naxal activities, particularly in:

• Affected districts: Palamu, Garhwa, Latehar, Chatra, Hazaribagh, Giridih, West Singhbhum, Gumla, Lohardaga, Khunti
• Root causes include land alienation, poor governance in tribal areas, unemployment, displacement by mining, and exploitation by middlemen.
• The state uses a combination of security operations and development interventions (under the National Policy and Action Plan 2015) to address the challenge.

Key Commissions and Bodies

• JPSC (Jharkhand Public Service Commission) — Constitutional body for recruitment to state civil services
• Jharkhand State Human Rights Commission — Monitors human rights violations
• State Election Commission — Conducts panchayat and municipal elections
• Jharkhand State Scheduled Tribes Commission — Advises on tribal welfare policies