PESA Act (Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas Act)

The PESA Act (Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas Act) of 1996 is an Indian law that extends local self-governance rights to tribal communities living in scheduled areas. It empowers these communities to make decisions on issues like land management, natural resources, water, and local development, respecting their traditions and customs. The Act ensures they have control over local governance, fostering autonomy while integrating with broader government systems. Its goal is to protect tribal rights and promote inclusive, participatory development in areas with indigenous populations.