Indian Tribal News Service
New Delhi : Union Tribal Affairs Minister Arjun Munda on Thursday said there is an urgent need to closely review the implementation of the Provisions of the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA) to ensure self-governance in scheduled areas through traditional gram sabhas.
Inaugurating the national conference on PESA, along with Union Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Giriraj Singh, Munda said it was the “first time in 25 years” that the two ministries were holding a joint meeting on the implementation of the Act in tribal-dominated states.
Inaugurating the national conference on PESA, along with Union Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Giriraj Singh, Munda said it was the “first time in 25 years” that the two ministries were holding a joint meeting on the implementation of the Act in tribal-dominated states.
“When the whole country is celebrating Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, there is an urgent need to closely review the implementation of PESA on completion of its 25 years to ensure basic rights of tribals,” Munda outlined adding “There should be clarity among officials on how to implement the Act. First, officials of the two ministries involved in the implementation of the Act need to be trained. Many issues will emerge during the discussion over it.”
The Government officials at the conference admitted that there was a lack of awareness among the tribal communities and also the implementing officials about PESA.
Munda said PESA seeks to protect the principle of “Jal, Jungle, Jameen (water, forest and land)” for tribals and is the basis of Atmanirbhar Bharat. It is, therefore, imperative to strengthen and empower gram sabhas under PESA. But whatever system is evolved, it has to be in consultation with tribals, he said.
He emphasised the need for involving civil society and NGOs working for welfare of tribals to ensure better implementation of PESA saying, “They are better-versed with the ground reality.” He also called for a joint conference of officials of the forest department, panchayati raj and tribal affairs for better coordination in implementation of PESA and the Forest Rights Act.
