PESA (Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act

The PESA (Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, enacted in 1996 in India, extends the provisions of the Panchayati Raj system to Scheduled Areas, which are regions predominantly inhabited by Indigenous tribes. The Act empowers local self-governments (Panchayats) in these areas to make decisions about land management, resources, and development. It emphasizes preserving tribal culture, ensuring their participation in governance, and granting control over their resources. This law aims to enhance local autonomy and promote sustainable development while safeguarding the rights of tribal communities against external exploitation.