The Government enacted the Panchayat Extension to Scheduled Areas (PES

The Government enacted the Panchayat Extension to Scheduled Areas (PESA) Act in 1996. Which one of the following is not identified as its objective?

To provide self-governance
To recognize traditional rights
To create autonomous regions in tribal areas
To free tribal people from exploitation
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2013
The correct answer is C) To create autonomous regions in tribal areas.
The Panchayat (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA) aims to extend the provisions of Part IX of the Constitution relating to Panchayats to the Scheduled Areas, recognizing and incorporating tribal traditions and customary laws. Its key objectives include enabling tribal self-governance through Gram Sabhas, preserving tribal traditions, recognizing community rights over resources, and protecting tribal populations from exploitation. PESA empowers Gram Sabhas significantly but does not create new, separate “autonomous regions” in the sense of distinct administrative entities with legislative powers akin to those under the Sixth Schedule. It rather integrates enhanced self-governance mechanisms within the existing state framework for Scheduled Areas.
PESA gives powers to the Gram Sabha over aspects like land alienation, management of minor forest produce, control over minor water bodies, approval of development plans, and control over local markets and money lending. These powers are intended to ensure tribal self-rule and protect their rights and resources, but the framework remains within the state’s jurisdiction, unlike areas governed by autonomous councils under the Sixth Schedule which have greater administrative and legislative autonomy.
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