The Chotanagpur Tenancy Act  (Paperback, G. K. Srivastava, S. Alam)

The Chotanagpur Tenancy Act (CNT Act) of 1908 is a protective legislation aimed at safeguarding the land rights of tribal communities in the Chotanagpur region of Jharkhand. It imposes strict restrictions on the transfer and sale of tribal lands to non-tribals, preventing exploitation and ensuring community ownership. By prohibiting land alienation due to debt and unauthorized land use, it preserves tribal cultural identity and socio-economic stability. The Act also empowers local governance in land management and offers mechanisms for restoring lands taken illegally. It remains a cornerstone in preserving indigenous rights amidst modernization and development pressures.