PESA Act

The Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act is a central legislation enacted to extend the provisions of Part IX of the Constitution relating to Panchayats to the Fifth Schedule areas, ensuring tribal self-rule through gram sabhas.

Why it matters

Empowers gram sabhas with the authority to approve development plans and identify beneficiaries for poverty alleviation programs.
Mandates mandatory consultation with gram sabhas for land acquisition and resettlement of displaced persons in scheduled areas.
Grants control over minor forest produce to gram sabhas to protect the livelihoods of tribal communities.
Recognizes the traditional rights of tribal communities over local resources and cultural identity.

How it is asked

Focus on the devolution of power to local bodies in tribal regions, the conflict between state-level resource management and gram sabha autonomy, and the role of the Act in strengthening grassroots democracy.

In the syllabus

In the news

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