Ranchi: Jharkhand Pradesh Congress Committee General Secretary Alok Kumar Dubey stated that the Mahagathbandhan government has accomplished the historic task of bringing the long-pending Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA) into effective implementation on the ground. With the notification of the PESA Rules, 2025, the government has provided a clear and institutional framework for Gram Sabha–based self-governance in tribal and Scheduled Areas of the state.
Congratulating Chief Minister Shri Hemant Soren and Rural Development Minister Smt. Deepika Pandey Singh on this significant decision, Dubey said the move would prove to be a milestone in safeguarding tribal rights and strengthening local self-governance in accordance with the spirit of the Constitution.
He noted that although the PESA Act was passed by Parliament in 1996, it could not be effectively implemented in Jharkhand for many years due to the absence of clear rules. By notifying the PESA Rules, 2025, the Mahagathbandhan government has ended the administrative vacuum that had prevented Gram Sabha–based governance from becoming fully institutionalized.
Dubey explained that the PESA Rules, 2025 clearly define the structure of the Gram Sabha, procedures for meetings, quorum requirements, decision-making processes, and administrative coordination. This has given formal recognition to the Gram Sabha and provided it with an organized framework within local governance. The rules clearly link the Gram Sabha with development योजनाओं, social issues, and local-level functions.
He further stated that an important aspect of the rules is the effort to establish coordination between traditional village institutions and the Panchayati Raj system. This will help maintain a balance between tribal traditions and the constitutional framework, thereby strengthening the spirit of local self-governance.
Dubey emphasized that the PESA Rules, 2025 place special focus on administrative accountability and transparency. The roles, procedures, and responsibilities of officials have been clearly defined, which will make decision-making processes more transparent and reduce the scope for arbitrariness. Ensuring Gram Sabha participation in the approval and implementation of development
schemes is a key objective of the rules.
Responding to allegations made by the opposition, Dubey said unnecessary confusion is being created regarding the PESA Rules. The truth is that without rules, the PESA Act remained limited to paper. The Mahagathbandhan government has fulfilled its constitutional responsibility by formulating a clear and practical mechanism for its implementation. The rules do not curtail any rights; rather, they aim to make Gram Sabha–based governance more effective and systematic.
He added that the government clearly views the PESA Rules, 2025 as a beginning. Based on experiences gained during implementation and through public dialogue, necessary improvements can be made. The objective is not to weaken tribal self-governance but to provide it with administrative clarity and institutional support.
In conclusion, Alok Kumar Dubey said that the Congress Party and the Mahagathbandhan government are fully committed to tribal rights, local self-governance, and the constitutional ethos. The PESA Rules, 2025 are a testament to this commitment and will play a decisive role in the development and empowerment of Scheduled Areas in Jharkhand in the coming years.
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