Panchayat, Rural Development and Health Minister T.S. Singhdeo on Thursday said that the state government was committed in enacting provisions of Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas (PESA) Act, 1996.
Under PESA the state government was framing rules soon to be enforced which would ensure self governance through traditional Gram Sabhas, he said.
Singhdeo was addressing Panch-Sarpanch Sammelan at Tirthum village in Bastanar block of Bastar district. Speaking on this occasion he apprised that the state government had recently included 15 types of minor forest produce for purchase in minimum support price. This would prevent tribals from middlemen and they would be benefitted with it, he said.
The minister on this occasion dedicated to the public development works worth Rs 9.74 crore.
Speaking on this occasion he also emphasized on Narva Garva Ghurva Badi scheme meant to strengthen rural economy. He also apprised on this occasion that the government was providing each ‘Gauthan Samitis’ a grant of Rs 10,000 per month for construction of ‘Gauthan’ (cowsheds).
The government was contemplating to increase the grant very soon, he informed.