Union Minister of State for Panchayati Raj S. P. Singh Baghel on Wednesday said the Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas Act, 1996 provides strong constitutional backing for tribal rights over water, forests, land and natural resources, and stressed the need for its effective implementation at the grassroots level. He addressed participants of the two-day PESA Mahotsav through a video message on the occasion of PESA Day, observed on December 24.
The Mahotsav saw participation of Panchayat representatives, sportspersons, artisans, craftsmen and cultural artistes from tribal communities across all 10 PESA States.
Mr. Baghel said the Ministry of Panchayati Raj has undertaken structured training programmes for elected representatives and officials in PESA areas, while documenting best practices for replication. He added that the Mahotsav aims to connect tribal youth, promote leadership skills and provide national recognition to tribal culture.
Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Vivek Bharadwaj, highlighted the significance of the PESA Act in protecting water, forests and land, and strengthening grassroots governance in Scheduled Areas. He said Jharkhand has approved the draft PESA Rules, becoming the ninth of the 10 PESA States to move towards notification.
