One-day Conference on PESA organised on completion of 25 years of the Act

What is the News?

Union Minister of Tribal Affairs inaugurated the one-day National Conference on provisions of the Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas (PESA) Act 1996 (PESA).

What is the PESA Act?

The Provisions of the Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act,1996 (PESA) is an important and key legislation to empower the tribal communities.  

Aim: The act aims at devolving governance to Panchayats/Gram Sabhas in Schedule V areas for mainstreaming tribal development. 

States covered: The act is currently in force in 10 states of the country with a predominantly tribal population, namely, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan and Telangana.

Gram Sabha: Every village shall have its own Gram Sabha. A village may consist of one or more habitations or hamlets comprising a community and managing its affairs in accordance with traditions and customs. 

What are the significant powers provided to Gram Sabha under PESA?

Approve plans, programmes and projects for social and economic development. 

Identify persons as beneficiaries under the poverty alleviation and other programmes. 

Right to mandatory consultation in land acquisition, resettlement and rehabilitation of displaced persons.

Mandatory recommendations by Gram Sabha or Panchayat at an appropriate level for prospective licenses/leases, concessions for mines and minerals.

To safeguard and preserve the traditions and customs of the people, and their cultural identity, community resources and customary mode of dispute resolution.  

Regulate sale/consumption of intoxicants and ownership of minor forest produce.

Manage village markets and control over money lending to STs.

Source: This post is based on the article “One-day Conference on PESA organised on completion of 25 years of the Act” published by PIB on 18th Nov 2021.