Union Minister Baghel calls for constitutional backing of tribal rights

Union Minister of State for Panchayati Raj Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel on Wednesday emphasised constitutional backing for tribal rights; calling for effective implementation at grassroots level

He was speaking through a video message at the two-day Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA) Mahotsav held here in connection with PESA Day. The concluding day also marked the launch of the PESA Portal, PESA Indicators, training modules on PESA in tribal languages, and unveiling of an E-book on Kinnaur District in Himachal Pradesh.

PESA Mahotsav concluded with strong focus on tribal empowerment through constitutional rights and concerted efforts, grassroots democracy and cultural integration with promotion of art, culture, heritage, traditions and sports. PESA Mahotsav inaugural began with the PESA Run along the iconic Ramakrishna (R.K.) Beach, marking a vibrant start to the celebrations around the PESA.

PESA Run witnessed enthusiastic participation from people across all age groups, especially the tribal youth. The run was flagged off by Arjuna Awardee and renowned Indian archer Jyothi Surekha Vennam in the presence of Mukta Shekhar, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj; Mutyalaraju Revu, Commissioner, APSIRD≺ V. R. Krishna Teja Mylavarapu, Commissioner & Director (Panchayat Raj & Rural Development); Dr. M. Sudhakar Rao, Additional Commissioner (PR); and other senior officials, who highlighted the spirit of PESA and its role in empowering gram sabhas and safeguarding the rights, community resources and cultural identity of tribal communities in scheduled areas.The programme attracted panchayat representatives, sportspersons, artisans, craftsmen and cultural artists from tribal communities across all 10 PESA States namely Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan and Telangana, showcased their talents and potential in sports (Kabaddi, Archery, PESA Run and Demo Games), food, crafts, different forms of arts and culture, dance and traditions on a national platform.

Baghel highlighted that participatory development plans prepared at village level give highest priority to local needs and traditions, making tribal society's progress absolutely critical for achieving the Prime Minister's vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. The PESA Mahotsav aimed to connect tribal youth, promote leadership skills, provide national recognition to tribal culture, and strengthen the spirit of ‘Meri Parampara, Meri Pehchaan’ (My Tradition, My Identity), paving the way for dignified and inclusive development of tribal communities.

Speaking on the occasion, Vivek Bharadwaj, Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj ,harped on the significance of the PESA Act, stating that it is a key framework for protecting water, forests and land while strengthening grassroots governance in tribal areas. He noted that the PESA Act addresses long-standing governance challenges by empowering local institutions and ensuring community-led decision-making. Emphasising the central role of the gram sabha, the Union Secretary said it represents the most direct form of democratic participation, with decisions taken by Gram Sabhas in PESA areas reflecting the true strength of India’s democratic framework and enabling tribal communities to manage their resources and guide their own development.

Principal Secretary, Panchayat Raj & Rural Development Department, Andhra Pradesh Shashi Bhushan Kumar, reiterated the State Government’s commitment to empowering citizens and improving their lives through Panchayati Raj institutions, with special focus on PESA Districts and Scheduled Areas.