PESA ACT 1996 (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Polity)

Context: Recently, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj inaugurated a Two-Day Regional Conference on Strengthening of PESA at Pune.

Panchayats (Extension To The Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996

• About: This provision extends Panchayats to Fifth Schedule Areas, benefiting the tribal population, and enabling self-governance through Gram Sabhas (village assemblies).
• Applicable: To the Fifth Schedule(Article 244(1)), applicable in 10 states. 
• The objective of the PESA Act: To empower tribal communities by recognizing their rights over land, resources, and self-governance within the scheduled areas.

Significance of the PESA Act

• Involving Gram Sabha: By actively involving Gram Sabha, the Act protects the tribal population from exploitation.
• Democratic Decentralisation: Gram Sabhas are given significant authority by PESA to oversee all social sectors and play a critical part in approving development plans.
• Empowerment of Tribal Communities: PESA Act empowers tribal communities by granting them autonomy and self-governance over their resources, land, and local institutions.
• Recognition of Traditional Systems: The Act recognizes and protects the traditional systems of governance, customs, and practices of tribal communities, preserving their cultural heritage.