Implementation of PESA in Jharkhand

Category: Polity / Panchayati Raj / Tribal Affairs / Fifth Schedule

PESA

Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996

Objective

Extends provisions of Panchayati Raj to Scheduled Areas with safeguards for tribal communities.

Constitutional Basis

  • Fifth Schedule → administration and control of Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes.

Importance of Gram Sabha

PESA gives the Gram Sabha an important role in:

  • Community resources

  • Traditional customs

  • Local development

  • Land-related issues

  • Minor forest produce

  • Local governance.

Jharkhand

Jharkhand had been one of the states where implementation of PESA rules had remained pending for a long period. Government sources subsequently recorded Jharkhand among the states that moved toward/achieved notification of PESA rules.

PESA States

PESA applies to Scheduled Areas in 10 States:

  • Andhra Pradesh

  • Chhattisgarh

  • Gujarat

  • Himachal Pradesh

  • Jharkhand

  • Madhya Pradesh

  • Maharashtra

  • Odisha

  • Rajasthan

  • Telangana.

Prelims Trap

PESA applies to Fifth Schedule Areas, not all tribal areas of India.