Jharkhand Implements PESA Rules After 25 Years of Statehood

fter 25 years of statehood, Jharkhand has finally notified rules under the Panchayat (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA). The move fulfils a long-standing demand of tribal communities for greater self-governance in Fifth Schedule Areas.

Coverage Across the State
The newly notified PESA rules will be fully applicable in 13 of Jharkhand’s 24 districts, which fall under Scheduled Areas.

Gram Sabha Declared Supreme Authority
Under the new rules, the Gram Sabha is designated as the strongest and supreme institution in Scheduled Areas.

• The President of the Gram Sabha will be a person recognised by the village according to prevailing traditional customs, reinforcing indigenous governance practices.

About the PESA Act

• Enacted by Parliament in 1996
• Extends constitutional protections of local self-governance to tribal-majority areas under the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution
• Eight of India’s ten Fifth Schedule states had already implemented PESA; Jharkhand has done so only now, after decades of delay.

Powers of Gram Sabhas Under PESA
Under the Act and the newly framed rules, Gram Sabhas are empowered to:

• Manage natural and community resources, including minor minerals and small water bodies, within traditional boundaries
• Prevent and act against social evils
• Resolve local disputes within their jurisdiction
• Impose fines up to ₹2,000

Administrative Framework

• The District Deputy Commissioner will recognise and notify Gram Sabhas and their boundaries
• A multidisciplinary team at the district level will prepare annual development plans in consultation with Gram Sabhas