Question

Which part of the Constitution helps in identifying PESA districts in Andhra Pradesh?
1. Schedule VI
2. Schedule V
3. Schedule IV
4. Schedule IX

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 2 : Schedule V

The correct answer is Schedule V.

• “Scheduled Areas” mean the Scheduled Areas as referred to in Clause (1) of Article 244[4] of the Constitution.
  • The Fifth Schedule of the Constitution of India, which mentions Scheduled Areas, is termed as a "Constitution within a Constitution".
  • The PESA Act extended the provisions of Panchayats to the tribal areas of ten states including Andhra Pradesh that have Fifth Schedule Areas.
  • Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, (PESA) was enacted on 24 December 1996 to extend the provisions of Part IX of the Constitution to Scheduled Areas, with certain exceptions and modifications.

• Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996
  • The Provisions of the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 or PESA is a law enacted by the Government of India for ensuring self-governance through traditional Gram Sabhas for people living in the Scheduled Areas of India.
  • Scheduled Areas are areas identified by the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution of India.
    • Scheduled Areas are found in ten states of India which have a predominant population of tribal communities.
    • The Scheduled Areas, were not covered by the 73rd Constitutional Amendment or Panchayati Raj Act of the Indian Constitution as provided in Part IX of the Constitution.
    • PESA was enacted on 24 December 1996 to extend the provisions of Part IX of the Constitution to Scheduled Areas, with certain exceptions and modifications.
    • PESA sought to enable the Panchayats at appropriate levels and Gram Sabhas to implement a system of self-governance with respect to a number of issues such as customary resources, minor forest produce, minor minerals, minor water bodies, selection of beneficiaries, sanction of projects, and control over local institutions.
    • PESA is an Act to provide for the extension of the provisions of Part IX of the Constitution relating to the Panchayats and the Scheduled Areas.[