PESA Rankings of States for 2024–25

On the eve of the 77th Republic Day, the Union Minister of State for Panchayati Raj launched the PESA Rankings of States for 2024–25. Among the 10 States with Fifth Schedule Areas where the PESA Act is applicable, Maharashtra secured the first position in implementation, followed by Madhya Pradesh in second place and Himachal Pradesh in third.

Objective of the Rankings
The PESA Rankings aim to motivate PESA States to strengthen Gram Sabha–centric self-governance, promote evidence-based policy interventions, and identify areas requiring focused administrative and institutional support. The exercise reflects a shared commitment of the Centre and States towards measurable and outcome-oriented implementation of the PESA framework.

About the PESA Act, 1996
The Provisions of the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA) was enacted to empower Gram Sabhas in Scheduled Areas to manage land, water and forest resources, protect community resources, and safeguard traditional customs and practices of tribal communities.

Challenges in Implementation
Although the PESA Act provides a robust legal framework, its implementation has varied across States due to differences in State Panchayat laws, subject-specific legislations, PESA rules, and implementation strategies.

Performance Measurement through Indicators
To bring objectivity, transparency and accountability, the PESA Rankings assess States on mutually agreed 100-point indicators. These indicators enable States to objectively evaluate gaps in implementation and take targeted corrective measures to strengthen PESA compliance.

PESA Indicators and Mahotsav
The PESA Indicators were formally released during the PESA Mahotsav on 24 December 2025, commemorating the day the PESA Act came into force in 1996. The rankings are expected to serve as a practical tool for improving governance outcomes in Scheduled Areas through empowered Gram Sabhas.