Why in News?
Jharkhand Cabinet approved PESA Rules after 25 years of the Act’s passage, granting Gram Sabhas legally enforceable powers in Fifth Schedule areas of the state.
Exam Point of View: What is PESA?
Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA) enacted in 1996 to extend Panchayati Raj system to Scheduled Areas. It Applies to tribal regions under the Fifth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
Recognizes Gram Sabha as the central authority in governance. Empowers tribal communities to:
- Manage natural resources (land, water, forests)
- Protect customs and traditions
- Control local institutions and markets
Grants powers over:
- Land acquisition decisions
- Minor forest produce
- Regulation of intoxicants
The act is applicable in 10 states. The 10 PESA states are Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, and Telangana
https://www.downtoearth.org.in/governance/pesa-act-implemented-in-jharkhand-after-25-years-but-will-it-change-tribal-lives: PESA Act implemented in Jharkhand after 25 years