Union Minister of State for Panchayati Raj S. P. Singh Baghel on Wednesday said the Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas Act, 1996 provides strong constitutional backing for tribal rights over water, forests, land and natural resources, and stressed the need for its effective implementation at the grassroots level. He addressed participants of the two-day PESA Mahotsav through a video message on the occasion of PESA Day, observed on December 24.
The Mahotsav saw participation of Panchayat representatives, sportspersons, artisans, craftsmen and cultural artistes from tribal communities across all 10 PESA States.
Mr. Baghel said the Ministry of Panchayati Raj has undertaken structured training programmes for elected representatives and officials in PESA areas, while documenting best practices for replication. He added that the Mahotsav aims to connect tribal youth, promote leadership skills and provide national recognition to tribal culture.
Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Vivek Bharadwaj, highlighted the significance of the PESA Act in protecting water, forests and land, and strengthening grassroots governance in Scheduled Areas. He said Jharkhand has approved the draft PESA Rules, becoming the ninth of the 10 PESA States to move towards notification.
Principal Secretary, Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Department, Government of Andhra Pradesh, Shashi Bhushan Kumar, reiterated the State government’s commitment to empowering citizens through Panchayati Raj Institutions, with focus on PESA districts.
Several initiatives, including the PESA Portal, PESA Indicators, training modules in tribal languages and an e-book on Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh, were launched on the second day. The valedictory session saw the distribution of prizes for sports events, and the PESA Mahotsav baton was handed over to Chhattisgarh as the next host State.
Published – December 24, 2025 09:30 pm IST
