PESA Mahotsav 2025: Strengthening Tribal Self-Governance

The Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj organised the PESA Mahotsav in Visakhapatnam on 23–24 December 2025, marking the anniversary of the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA). The event focused on reviewing progress and reaffirming the role of Gram Sabhas in tribal self-governance.

73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992

• Came into force in 1993.
• Added Part IX and the Eleventh Schedule to the Constitution.
• Established Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) at:
  • Village
  • Intermediate (Block)
  • District levels
• Eleventh Schedule: Lists 29 subjects (e.g., agriculture, health, education, minor irrigation) for local self-government.
• Objective: Decentralised democracy and grassroots participation.

Limitation: The 73rd Amendment did not automatically apply to Scheduled Areas, which have a high tribal population.

Scheduled Areas and Fifth Schedule

• Article 244 (Fifth Schedule) provides for administration of Scheduled Areas.
• Scheduled Areas are declared by the President of India.
• Aim: Protect tribal control over land, resources, culture, and governance.
• 10 states have Fifth Schedule areas
  • (Excludes Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram — covered under Sixth Schedule)

Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA)

Purpose

• Extends the Panchayati Raj system to Scheduled Areas.
• Recognises the distinct social, cultural, and governance traditions of tribal communities.

Core Feature: Empowered Gram Sabha

The Gram Sabha is the cornerstone of PESA, entrusted with real decision-making authority.

Key Powers under PESA

Gram Sabhas / Panchayats must be consulted for:

• Land acquisition for development projects and related rehabilitation
• Planning and management of minor water bodies
• Grant of prospecting licences and mining leases for minor minerals
• Grant of concessions for minor mineral exploitation through auction

Rights Protected

• Community rights over:
  • Land
  • Water
  • Forests
  • Culture and traditions
• Strengthens self-rule (self-governance) in tribal areas.

Status of PESA Rules

• Out of 10 states with Fifth Schedule areas:
  • 8 states have notified PESA Rules
  • Odisha and Jharkhand have prepared draft rules