The Jharkhand state cabinet, under Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s leadership, has cleared the way for reinstating traditional self-governance in the scheduled areas. The approval of the rules for implementing the Panchayat Extension to Scheduled Areas (PESA) Act, 1996, marks the end of a prolonged delay in enforcing the central law in the state.
Chief Minister Hemant Soren expressed that the formulated rules for the PESA law were the result of extensive consultations and inter-departmental discussions. These rules aim to enhance the role and powers of Gram Sabhas, empowering tribal communities for meaningful participation in governance and the preservation of local resources.
The new rules grant Gram Sabhas the authority to oversee and approve mining activities within their jurisdiction, as well as a significant role in land acquisition matters. They are also entrusted with legal rights concerning decisions on the conservation, utilization, and management of forest land, reinforcing local communities’ control over their traditional systems, cultural practices, and natural resources.
The implementation of the PESA Act in 15 scheduled districts of Jharkhand, following the cabinet’s decision, is viewed as a crucial move towards tribal self-governance and democratic decentralization in the state. The law will come into effect once the PESA rules are formally notified, prioritizing Gram Sabhas in the development scheme formulation and implementation process, while recognizing traditional Gram Sabhas to officially declare their customs and practices.
