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Jharkhand PESA Rules Notified: Tribal Self-Governance Begins

14 January 20261 min read
NATIONAL AFFAIRSJharkhand PESARules Notified: TribalSelf-GovernanceBegins14 January 2026safalsetu.com

Why in the news

Jharkhand notified rules under PESA, 1996, 25 years after statehood, finally enabling tribal self-governance in its Fifth Schedule areas.

Key facts

  • PESA was enacted on 24 December 1996 for Scheduled Areas in nine States.
  • It extends Part IX (Panchayati Raj) to Fifth Schedule areas, making the Gram Sabha the primary authority.

Why it was needed

  • Colonial laws alienated tribals from customary lands.
  • Fifth Schedule (Article 244) protection was weak without local self-government.
  • The 73rd Amendment (1992) excluded Scheduled Areas.
  • The Bhuria Committee (1994-95) proposed Gram Sabha-centred governance.

Main features

AreaProvision
CultureRespect for customs, religion, dispute-resolution traditions
ResourcesRights over minor forest produce, water bodies, community land
LandGram Sabha consultation before acquisition; return of illegally transferred land
RegulationMarkets, money-lending, liquor; picking scheme beneficiaries

Exam angle

  • Bhuria Committee; Part IX; Article 244; MFP.

Test yourself

1. The PESA Act, 1996 extends which part of the Constitution to Fifth Schedule areas?

PESA extends Part IX, on Panchayati Raj, to Scheduled Areas.

2. Which committee of 1994-95 recommended Gram Sabha-centred governance that led to PESA?

The Bhuria Committee urged Gram Sabha-based governance in tribal areas.

3. Under PESA, Gram Sabhas hold rights over which of the following forest items?

PESA gives Gram Sabhas control over minor forest produce.

This topic is part of Daily Current Affairs 14 January 2026 (15 topics).

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