DC Rajeev Ranjan Chairs District-Level Conference on Tribal Self-Governance Law
Key Points:
- District-level round table on PESA Rules 2025 held at East Singhbhum collectorate
- Focus on strengthening gram sabha rights in scheduled areas of Jharkhand
- DC directs officials to study rules seriously and take steps for implementation
JAMSHEDPUR — A district-level round table conference on the Panchayat Provisions (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Jharkhand Rules 2025, commonly known as PESA Rules 2025, was held at the East Singhbhum Samaharalaya auditorium under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner Rajeev Ranjan.
The conference brought together a wide cross-section of officials and community representatives. Among those present were the Deputy Development Commissioner, the Dhalbhum Sub-Divisional Officer, the District Panchayati Raj Officer, and the DCLR Dhalbhum. Circle officers, block development officers, civil society representatives, intellectuals, and members of community-based organisations also attended the PESA rules conference.
The primary objective of the workshop was to build a better understanding of the provisions of the PESA Rules 2025. In addition, participants focused on strengthening the role of gram sabhas in scheduled areas and ensuring the active participation of local communities in development planning.
Detailed discussions were held on the rights of gram sabhas, conservation and management of natural resources, and protection of local traditions and cultural identity. Experts also deliberated on the role of gram sabhas in implementing development schemes in tribal regions. They explained various provisions of the rules and addressed the queries of participants.
DC Rajeev Ranjan said the PESA Rules were an important instrument for strengthening democratic decentralisation in scheduled areas. He directed the concerned officials to study the rules thoroughly. He also instructed them to take necessary steps to empower gram sabhas and ensure effective enforcement of their rights.
He further said the active participation of local communities was essential for the success of government schemes. He added that through the PESA Rules, gram sabhas would receive greater authority and involvement in the decision-making process in East Singhbhum and other scheduled areas. This, he said, would ensure transparency and accountability in developmental work.
The conference also saw extensive deliberation on the challenges likely to be encountered in the effective implementation of the PESA framework in Jamshedpur district, along with possible solutions to address them.
The PESA Act, originally enacted by Parliament in 1996, extends the provisions of the Panchayati Raj system to the scheduled areas of India. Jharkhand’s 2025 rules are aimed at operationalising these provisions at the grassroots level, particularly in districts with significant tribal populations such as East Singhbhum.
