Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act

The Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA), is an Indian law that recognizes the rights of tribal communities in scheduled areas by extending Panchayati Raj (local self-government) institutions to them. It grants these communities authority over local governance, including decision-making on natural resources, land, and social issues. PESA aims to empower tribal populations, protect their traditions, and ensure their participation in developmental processes. It provides a framework for decentralized governance, respecting indigenous customs, and promoting social justice within scheduled areas.