Odisha to Implement PESA Act Soon for Tribal Empowerment: Minister

Bhubaneswar: In a significant step towards empowering tribal communities in the state, the Odisha government is set to implement the Panchayat Extension to Scheduled Areas (PESA) Act, 1996 soon.

Panchayatiraj Minister Rabi Narayan Naik made the announcement in the state assembly today in response to a question raised by Pottangi MLA Rama Chandra Kadam. The minister criticised the previous government for withdrawing the additional powers granted to sarpanches during the COVID-19 pandemic, stating that the current administration is committed to implementing the PESA Act to benefit tribal communities.

About the PESA Act, 1996

The PESA Act, enacted on December 24, 1996, aims to promote Tribal Self Rule in designated areas. It extends Panchayat provisions to tribal regions in nine states with Fifth Schedule Areas, including Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Rajasthan. The Act is designed to devolve powers to Gram Sabhas and Panchayats, empowering them to handle local governance tasks such as regulating intoxicants, managing minor forest produce, preventing land alienation, overseeing village markets and more.

PESA also grants Gram Sabhas the authority to approve development plans, identify beneficiaries for poverty alleviation, certify fund usage, protect natural resources and consult on land acquisitions.