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Forest rights group defends PESA's gram sabha consent requirement on tribal land
Why in News?
Forest rights group defends PESA's gram sabha consent requirement on tribal land
A forest rights group has defended PESA's requirement that gram sabhas be consulted before land acquisition in Scheduled Areas, rejecting claims that this is delaying government projects.
Why it matters: factual, Prelims-type
What you need to know
2 min read
A forest rights group has asked the Tribal Affairs Ministry to withdraw its position that gram sabha consent requirements are delaying government projects, calling the claim part of a misinformation campaign.
The Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA) extends Part IX of the Constitution, dealing with Panchayats, to Scheduled Areas with modifications suited to tribal customs.
PESA mandates that gram sabhas be consulted before land is acquired for development projects in these areas.
Sources: Topper IAS editorial (PIB / The Hindu / Indian Express)
Key facts
Remember these
- PESA
- gram sabha
- Scheduled Areas
- Tribal Affairs Ministry
Prelims · Mains
How the exam will ask it
Prelims
- PESA, gram sabha, Scheduled Areas, Tribal Affairs Ministry
Mains
Use as an example in GA answers (GS2 - Polity: PESA, Panchayati Raj in Scheduled Areas).
Quick recall
Answer before you reveal
Under the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA), before land in a Scheduled Area is acquired for a development project, whose consultation is mandated by law?
- District Rehabilitation Committee
- Gram Sabha
- State Human Rights Commission
- National Commission for Scheduled Tribes
Show answer
Answer: B — PESA, 1996 mandates that the gram sabha be consulted before land is acquired in a Scheduled Area for a development project, recognising the gram sabha's central role in governing tribal land and resources.
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