What is the PESA Act?
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The Provisions of the Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act,1996 (PESA) is an important and key legislation to empower the tribal communities.
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Aim: The act aims at devolving governance to Panchayats/Gram Sabhas in Schedule V areas for mainstreaming tribal development.
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States covered: The act is currently in force in 10 states of the country with a predominantly tribal population, namely, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan and Telangana.
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Gram Sabha: Every village shall have its own Gram Sabha. A village may consist of one or more habitations or hamlets comprising a community and managing its affairs in accordance with traditions and customs.
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It has completed 25 years this year.
What are the significant powers provided to Gram Sabha under PESA?
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Approve plans, programmes and projects for social and economic development.
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Identify persons as beneficiaries under the poverty alleviation and other programmes.
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Right to mandatory consultation in land acquisition, resettlement and rehabilitation of displaced persons.
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Mandatory recommendations by Gram Sabha or Panchayat at an appropriate level for prospective licenses/leases, concessions for mines and minerals.
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To safeguard and preserve the traditions and customs of the people, and their cultural identity, community resources and customary mode of dispute resolution.
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Regulate sale/consumption of intoxicants and ownership of minor forest produce.
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Manage village markets and control over money lending to STs.