Raghubar Das blames lack of education for people believing in witchcraft

On 10 August, a day after five women alleged to be witches were lynched, Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das said lack of education leads to the delusion of superstition.Therefore, efforts should be made to educate every child, Das said, addressing a gathering in Ranchi on the occasion of 'World Adivasi Day'. He said the "dangerous delusion" is widespread in society, but must be overcome.

So far 27 people from Kanjia village under Mandal police station in Jharkhand have been arrested for the lynching on 9 August.Das said migration has been another big challenge due to a lack of job opportunities down the years, but the situation is changing now as large and small industries have been set up in the state.

The government is trying to connect literate tribal youth with jobs by imparting skills training.Das said he learnt through his 'Straight Talk' programme from the people about the illegal sale/purchase and grabbing of tribal land and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been set up to deal with such problems.

Stating that the government would launch the Adivasi Grameen Path (road) from 15 August, he said self-help groups of tribal women would be given Rs 2 lakh to carry out their works. The same amount would also be given to youths after training to make them economically self-sufficient.

The Chief Minister also said that several welfare schemes for tribal people have been started.

Welfare Minister Louis Marandi also called upon the people to stay away from dangerous superstitious beliefs like witchcraft.

(with inputs from PTI)