ENACTED 30 YEARS AGO, the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA) was meant to empower tribal communities by extending Panchayati Raj institutions to Scheduled Areas. However, its implementation has been patchy and inconsistent, failing to ensure effective self-governance in many tribal regions. Despite its intention to recognize the autonomy of tribal communities over their resources and local governance, bureaucratic hurdles, lack of political will, and weak enforcement have impeded its success. The impact of the Act has been particularly limited in states like Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Odisha, where tribal populations remain marginalized. Experts argue that for PESA to fulfill its promises, there needs to be a revitalization of the framework and greater political accountability. Read the full article here.
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