Work of making rules to implement ‘PESA’ in Chhattisgarh in the final stages
Raipur:
The work of making rules for effective implementation of the Panchayat
Extension to Scheduled Areas (PESA) Act in Chhattisgarh is in the final stage.
Panchayat
and rural development minister TS Singh Deo is holding regular meetings with
the departmental officers in this regard. In the fifth marathon meeting, which
lasted for five hours through video conference, the departments concerned were
instructed to take necessary actions to finalize the rules for implementing
PESA Act in the state.
“Chhattisgarh
government is committed to implementing PESA at the earliest. PESA will play an
important role in protecting the interests of the tribal society and ensuring
their direct participation in the development of forest areas. This will not
only preserve their culture, tradition, customs, and traditional knowledge, but
will also save water, forest, and land along with other natural resources for
their welfare”, said the panchayat and rural development minister.
He
added that “PESA” has been a sensitive subject for the people of the Scheduled
Areas. He also directed to prepare rules for its effective implementation by
including suggestions received from residents of scheduled areas, communities,
public representatives, and experts on tribal issues.
Meanwhile,
Deo has been in constant discussion with various tribal societies,
non-governmental organizations and individuals for more than a year to
implement ‘PESA’ in the state. He visited many development blocks of the state
and discussed with the local residents of the scheduled areas and got their
opinion and suggestions regarding ‘PESA’.