Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Saturday said the rules of the ‘The Provisions of the Panchayats (Extension of the Scheduled Areas) Act 1996 (PESA) have been made by the government. It has been published in the Gazette. Now, a public awareness campaign will be launched to provide details of the Act.

He was addressing an event to mark the International Day of the World’s Indigenous People at Charama, the Tehsil          headquarters of Kanker           district. Baghel inaugurated and dedicated 126 different development works worth Rs 40.05 crore, an official communication said.

Baghel said in the law, power has been given to the Gram Sabha where all the residents of the village together will take a decision in the interest of the village.

There is no need for  anyone to panic. All rights have been given to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and women, and all together will take decisions.

He said for making the public aware of the               provisions of the law, a          public awareness campaign would be launched to give information about the rights.

The Chhattisgarh         government is working for the protection of culture, education, health and employment of the Scheduled Areas. Everyone is proud of the dialect, language and culture. Devgudi and Ghotul are being constructed to preserve the tribal culture, he said. He said freedom fighters like Amar Shaheed Ballsingh, Indru Kewat and Paatar Halba of Kanker district have also contributed to the freedom struggle. Thakur Ramprasad Potai also played a role in the making of the Indian Constitution. It is time to recall their contributions.