Bhubaneswar, August 26: BJD Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Sasmit Patra has submitted a detailed response and a series of constitutional submissions to the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) concerning the Sijimali issue in Rayagada district, Odisha.

Dr. Patra submitted the response to Purnendu Kant, Director of the NCST, in New Delhi, following the Commission’s communication dated June 9, 2026, regarding the Sijimali matter.

The submission responds to the NCST notice dated December 10, 2025, as well as reports and documents provided by the Odisha Government’s Steel & Mines Department, the Human Rights Protection Cell and Odisha Police, and the district administration.

It also examines material relating to Gram Sabha proceedings, implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA), policing and administrative measures, along with the Orissa High Court judgment in W.P.(C) No. 3729 of 2025.

In his detailed submission, Dr. Patra has placed the factual, legal and constitutional issues arising from these documents before the NCST and sought continued independent examination of matters concerning tribal rights, Gram Sabha participation and consent, FRA safeguards, democratic participation, and police and administrative action.

Dr. Patra emphasised that development must go hand in hand with constitutional dignity, meaningful participation, justice and protection of the rights of tribal communities.