PESA at 29: Mahotsav and the state of PESA rules
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Asked by UPSCPrelims 2025, 2013, 20123 PYQs
UPSC has already asked about this. Read the story with these questions in mind.
- Prelims 2012In the areas covered under the Panchayat (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996, what is the role/power of Gram Sabha?Solve with answer →
- Prelims 2025Consider the following statements :With reference to the Constitution of India, if an area in a State is declared as Scheduled Area under the…Solve with answer →
What happened
- The Panchayati Raj Ministry held a PESA Mahotsav in Visakhapatnam on 23-24 December 2025, marking the anniversary of the PESA Act, 1996 [PIB].
- Eight of the ten states with Fifth Schedule areas have framed PESA rules; Odisha and Jharkhand have draft rules [PIB].
Background
- The 73rd Amendment did not apply to Scheduled Areas automatically. PESA extended panchayats there and gave Gram Sabhas power over land, water, forest produce and customs [PIB]. Scheduled Areas are notified under Article 244.
Why it matters
- Without state rules, Gram Sabha powers remain on paper. Jharkhand, with a large tribal population, is still without final rules.
How to use this in Mains
- As per PIB (2025-12-22): the Panchayati Raj Ministry held a PESA Mahotsav in Visakhapatnam on 23-24 December 2025, marking the anniversary of the PESA Act, 1996.
- Without state rules, Gram Sabha powers remain on paper. Jharkhand, with a large tribal population, is still without final rules.
Quotable data pointThe Panchayati Raj Ministry held a PESA Mahotsav in Visakhapatnam on 23-24 December 2025, marking the anniversary of the PESA Act, 1996.
PIB: PIB Backgrounder: PESA Mahotsav, 22 Dec 2025
Exam angle
UPSC
Prelims: PESA, Article 244. · Mains: tribal self-rule.
Practice MCQs
Original practice questions (not PYQs).
Practice · UPSC
PESA Act was passed in
Answer (b) & explanation
PIB.
Practice · UPSC
States with Scheduled Areas that have only draft PESA rules
Answer (a) & explanation
PIB.
Practice · UPSC
Scheduled Areas are declared under
Answer (b) & explanation
PIB.
Go deeper
ExplainerFifth Schedule of the Constitution: Scheduled Areas, Governor’s Powers, Tribes Advisory Council, Samatha Case and Sixth Schedule Compared (UPSC Notes + PYQs)ExplainerPESA Act, 1996: Panchayats in Fifth Schedule Areas, Gram Sabha Powers and Implementation Gaps (UPSC Notes + PYQs)
Official source: PIB: PIB Backgrounder: PESA Mahotsav, 22 Dec 2025
facts from cited sources only; faculty review pending