Subject: Polity
The Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996, commonly known as the PESA Act, was enacted to extend the benefits of Panchayati Raj to Scheduled Areas. These areas, which are home to various tribal communities, require special measures to protect their traditional rights and customs. The PESA Act empowers local Panchayats in Scheduled Areas by giving them authority over local governance, including decisions related to land management, natural resources, and cultural preservation.
In simple language, the Act ensures that tribal communities can govern themselves according to their traditions while also benefitting from modern developmental initiatives. This means that the local people have a greater say in how their villages are run, which helps preserve their unique cultural identities. For example, recent initiatives in some Scheduled Areas have successfully used PESA to improve local infrastructure and educational facilities while respecting traditional practices.
The PESA Act is an important tool in promoting decentralized governance and ensuring that the development process is inclusive and culturally sensitive.