Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996

Enactment of “The Provisions of the Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996” (PESA) was a step taken by the GOI to provide for the extension of the provisions of the Part-IX of the Constitution relating to the Panchayats to the Fifth Schedule Areas with certain modifications.

• This legislation has not only extended the development, planning and audit functions to the Gram Sabha in the Fifth Schedule Areas but has also endowed it with the management and control of natural resources and adjudication of justice in accordance with traditions and customs.