Regional Conference on Strengthening of PESA

• 06 Mar 2024

Why in News?

Recently, the Second Two-Day Regional Conference on Strengthening of Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas Act (PESA), 1996 was organised at Ranchi.

Key Points

• Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj Vivek Bharadwaj addressed the valedictory session and emphasized on the Government's commitment to prioritise the implementation of schemes like PM–JAN MAN Yojana.
• Engaging discussions on Role of Non-Government Stakeholders in strengthening implementation of PESA and Enforcement of Forest Rights Act, 2006 in PESA areas were the highlights of the concluding day of the Regional Conference to help facilitating knowledge-sharing among participants, fostering commitment towards achieving the objectives of PESA.
• The Conference organised by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj concluded focusing on the strengthening and effective implementation of the provisions of the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996, popularly known as the PESA Act.
• The Regional Conference garnered significant momentum towards the successful and targeted implementation of PESA and achieved its objectives, with active participation and insightful contributions from all participants, paving the way for further progress in the Act implementation.
• The participants from five participating States viz. Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha and Telangana left the valedictory session filled with enthusiasm and hope, anticipating positive changes at the grassroots level as a result of their collective efforts.
• The Regional Conference in Ranchi concluded with a resounding resolution to maintain the momentum for the successful, envisioned and effective implementation of PESA.

Panchayat Extension to Scheduled Areas (PESA) Act, 1996

• To promote local self-governance in rural India, the 73^rd constitutional amendment was made in 1992.
• Through this amendment, a three-tier Panchayati Raj Institution was made into a law.
• However, its application to the scheduled and tribal areas under Article 243(M) was restricted.
• After the Bhuria Committee recommendations in 1995, Panchayat Extension to Scheduled Areas (PESA) Act, 1996 came into existence for ensuring tribal self-rule for people living in scheduled areas of India.
• The PESA conferred the absolute powers to Gram Sabha, whereas state legislature has given an advisory role to ensure the proper functioning of Panchayats and Gram Sabhas.
  • The power delegated to Gram Sabha cannot be curtailed by a higher level, and there shall be independence throughout.
• The PESA is considered to be the backbone of tribal legislation in India.
• PESA recognises the traditional system of the decision-making process and stands for the peoples’ self-governance.
• Following powers and functions have been provided to the Gram Sabhas:
  • Right to mandatory consultation in land acquisition, resettlement and rehabilitation of displaced persons.
  • Protection of traditional belief, the culture of the tribal communities
  • Ownership of minor forest products
  • Resolution of the local disputes
  • Prevention of land alienation
  • Management of village markets
  • Right to control production, distillation, and prohibition of liquor
  • Exercise of control over money-lending
  • Any other rights involving the Scheduled Tribes.

PM-JANMAN Scheme

• PM JANMAN is a government scheme that aims to bring tribal communities into the mainstream.
• The scheme (comprising Central Sector and Centrally Sponsored Schemes) will be implemented by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, in collaboration with the State governments and the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG) communities.
• The scheme will concentrate on 11 critical interventions overseen by 9 line Ministries, ensuring the implementation of existing schemes in villages inhabited by PVTGs.
  • It encompasses various sectors, including safe housing under the PM-AWAS Scheme, access to clean drinking water, improved healthcare, education, nutrition, road and telecommunications connectivity, as well as opportunities for sustainable livelihoods.
• The plan also includes the establishment of Van Dhan Vikas Kendras for trading in forest produce, off-grid solar power systems for 1 lakh households, and solar street lights.
• The scheme is expected to enhance the quality of life and well-being of the PVTGs, by addressing their multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination and exclusion, and by recognizing and valuing their unique and valuable contribution to national and global development.