SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Ministry of Tribal Affairs | Ministry of Panchayati Raj
The PESA Mahotsav is a strategic national initiative dedicated to celebrating and strengthening the implementation of the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996. This landmark legislation empowers tribal communities in Fifth Schedule areas by recognizing their traditional rights over local self-governance and natural resources. The Mahotsav serves as a platform to enhance the administrative capacity of Gram Sabhas, ensuring that tribal populations can effectively exercise their constitutional right to manage their own affairs according to customary laws.
Key highlights and strategic focus areas of the event include:
Empowering Gram Sabhas: Strengthening the authority of local councils to manage land acquisition, minor minerals, and control over local institutions.
Resource Sovereignty: Highlighting the role of tribal communities in the sustainable management of Minor Forest Produce (MFP) and water bodies.
Cultural Preservation: Showcasing indigenous art, traditional knowledge systems, and tribal heritage as integral components of national identity.
Awareness Outreach: Conducting large-scale sensitization programs to inform tribal citizens of their legal protections against land alienation and exploitation.
What is the “PESA Act” and why is it vital for tribal governance? The PESA Act (1996) is a central legislation that extends the provisions of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment (Panchayati Raj) to the Scheduled Areas of ten Indian states. It is unique because it mandates that the legal framework of local bodies must be consistent with the traditional practices and cultural identity of tribal communities. Under PESA, the Gram Sabha is not just a consultative body but a decision-making authority with mandatory powers to approve development plans and safeguard community resources, effectively establishing ‘Village Republics.’
Policy Relevance
The PESA Mahotsav underscores the government’s commitment to Democratic Decentralization in historically marginalized regions. By operationalizing PESA effectively, the state can address systemic grievances related to land and resource rights, which are often the root causes of industrial unrest and extremist movements in tribal belts. Furthermore, strengthening PESA is essential for achieving inclusive growth, as it ensures that tribal development is led by the community’s own vision rather than top-down administrative mandates.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders: How can the government standardize the state-level PESA rules to eliminate inconsistencies that currently limit the statutory powers of Gram Sabhas in various Scheduled Areas?
Follow the full news here: PESA Mahotsav