Question

The Government enacted the Panchayat Extension to Scheduled Areas (PESA) Act in 1996. Which one of the following is not identified as its objective?
1. To provide self-governance
2. To recognize traditional rights
3. To create autonomous regions in tribal areas
4. To fee tribal people from exploitation

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 3 : To create autonomous regions in tribal areas

The correct answer is to create autonomous regions in tribal areas.

Objectives of Panchayat Extension to Scheduled Areas (PESA) Act:

1. To extend the provisions of Part IX of the Constitution to Scheduled Areas, identified by the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution of India.
2. To guarantee self-governance through traditional Gram Sabhas for people living in the Scheduled Areas of India.
3. To provide tribals control and rights over the natural resources and conserves their identity and culture.

• The act brought a positive development in the lives of tribal communities who have earlier suffered tremendously.
• The tribal areas are found in ten Indian states, thus the provisions of Panchayats extended through the PESA  Act find a place in these Fifth Schedule Areas.

1. The law came into force on 24 Dec 1996 on the recommendations of the Dilip Singh Bhuria committee. 
2. Scheduled Areas earlier were not covered under the Panchayati Raj Act (73rd Constitutional Amendment).