The State Government has announced that it is keen to effectively implement Panchayat (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (or PESA), 1996 for further strengthening the tribal population in the State.
The Central Act was originally enacted to empower the tribal population in the country after ages of denial to their basic rights and also to bring them to mainstream of life. The State Government organised a two-day workshop on the ‘Execution and Challenges’ of PESA at Takhur Pyarelal Panchayat and Rural Development Institute on Monday.
The Minister for Panchayat and Rural Development Ajay Chandrakar inaugurated the workshop. The Minister in his inaugural address said it was essential to ensure proper participation of Panchayats for the effective implementation of the Act.
Chandrakar also suggested to study the model of execution of the Act in various states such as Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Gujarat and other states for ensuring proper benefit of it to the people of the State.
He also promised to give more teeth to the Act by providing necessary Cabinet approval for its effective implementation. The Minister said the Act would help bring proper balance between the Executive, Judiciary and the existing system in the society.