Raipur: The Baghel govt on the occasion of World Tribal day implemented the extension of panchayat rights in scheduled areas — PESA Rule-2022. Under this act, tribals who constitute 33per cent of the total state population will now be able to take their own decisions related to water, forest, and land.
“The power of the Gram Sabha will increase with the implementation of the PESA Act. 50% of the members of the Gram Sabha will be from the tribal community. Out of this 50 per cent, 25 per cent will be women members. They will also have the right to take decisions in the development of villages and to settle mutual disputes,” Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel said.
The act is implemented under the Central laws with its own set of rules. “The PESA law was already there but due to non-formulation of its rules, tribals were not getting its benefits. But now with the formation of rules, they will be able to decide for themselves about their water-forestland,” he further added.
The state govt has announced to conduct an awareness campaign starting Independence day this year until January 26th 2023.