Nagpur, June 5: Speaking as the chief guest at the RSS Vikas Varg 2025 held in Nagpur, Arvind Netam made a strong and emotional appeal for deeper engagement between the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and the janjati society. He began his address by expressing gratitude to the RSS and Sarsanghachalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat for inviting him, noting it as a matter of honour and responsibility.
“This is the centenary year of the Sangh. No other organisation in the country has worked so consistently and for so long for the unity, integrity, and social harmony of the nation,” said Netam.
Reflecting on his recent exposure to the RSS, he acknowledged that while he had not interacted with the Sangh earlier, his experience over the past two days had given him clarity about its work and commitment. He used this platform to highlight key concerns of the Scheduled Tribes (STs) and urged the RSS to step in where successive governments have failed.
Conversion: A Grave Concern
Netam raised the issue of religious conversions among janjati communities, calling it the biggest and most ignored challenge. “None of the governments, past or present, have addressed this seriously. After deep contemplation, I feel that the Sangh is the only organisation that can help in dealing with this issue. Without the cooperation of the RSS, this problem cannot be solved.”
He extended support to the Sangh’s recent movement for ‘delisting’—the demand to remove from the Scheduled Tribes list those who convert to other religions. “Earlier we were not convinced about delisting,” he admitted. “But after discussions with the RSS’s state units and dialogue within the janjati society, we now realise that it can be an effective tool to check conversion. We are now actively working to build public consensus around it.”
Post-Naxalism Strategy Must Prioritise Socio-Economic Justice
Lauding the Union government’s efforts to counter red terrorism, Netam warned that unless the post-Maoist socio-economic grievances are addressed with seriousness, the issue may resurface in a more dangerous form. “This is a warning I am issuing to both the Government and the Sangh. Rehabilitation, development, and dignity must be part of the next steps.”
Displacement and PESA Violations
Netam criticised the unjust displacement of janjati communities due to industrial projects. While recognising the importance of industrialisation, he asked: “Should only tribals face the brunt of displacement in the name of development?”
He lamented that the PESA (Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act has been grossly violated, stating that not a single industrial license in the past 25 years has been issued in accordance with its provisions. “Tribals can accept going from labour to owner, but not from owner to labour. Our rights over Jal, Jungle, Jameen—for which our ancestors fought 150 years ago against the British—are under serious threat today.”
Call for a Sangh-Led Committee
Urging structured engagement, Netam proposed the formation of a dedicated committee within the Sangh to address janjati issues. “We are ready to interact regularly with the RSS leadership. We want to share our problems and seek solutions together.”
He concluded his address with a heartfelt note stating: “We have come here with the sole purpose of seeking help. We wish to engage with the Sangh on several pressing matters.”
