← 16 September 2026's Current Affairs · Polity GS-2 Prelims ★★★★★ Mains ★★★★★
Gram Sabha consultation required before land acquisition in Scheduled Areas
Why in News?
Land can't be acquired in Scheduled Areas without asking one body first: PESA, 1996
Renewed concerns over Gram Sabha powers under PESA, 1996 have highlighted its requirement for consultation before land acquisition in Scheduled Areas.
Why it matters: asked in UPSC 2012; GS-2 core; factual, Prelims-type
What you need to know
2 min read
Concerns over the erosion of Gram Sabha powers in tribal land matters have renewed focus on the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA).
PESA extends Part IX of the Constitution, relating to Panchayats, to Fifth Schedule Scheduled Areas, with modifications suited to tribal customs.
It requires that Gram Sabhas be consulted before land is acquired for development projects in these areas, in addition to their role in managing minor forest produce.
Sources: The Hindu · Topper IAS editorial
Key facts
Remember these
- PESA = Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996
- PESA extends Part IX of the Constitution (Panchayats) to Fifth Schedule Scheduled Areas
- Gram Sabha consultation is mandatory before land acquisition for development projects
- Gram Sabhas also manage minor forest produce in Scheduled Areas
- Provisions are modified to suit tribal customary practices
Prelims · Mains
How the exam will ask it
Prelims
- PESA, 1996 extends Part IX of the Constitution to Fifth Schedule Scheduled Areas with modifications suited to tribal customs.
- Under PESA, the Gram Sabha must be consulted before land is acquired for development projects in Scheduled Areas.
- Gram Sabhas under PESA have a role in managing minor forest produce.
Mains
GS Paper 2 - Polity/Governance: the issue is erosion of Gram Sabha authority in tribal land matters despite PESA, 1996 mandating prior consultation before land acquisition in Fifth Schedule Areas. The implication is weakened tribal self-governance and rising land conflicts when this consultation is bypassed. The way forward lies in strict enforcement of PESA's consultation clause and capacity-building of Gram Sabhas to exercise their statutory powers.
PYQ connection
A question UPSC has already asked on this
In the areas covered under the Panchayat (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996, what is the role/power of Gram Sabha?
- Gram Sabha has the power to prevent alienation of land in the Scheduled Areas.
- Gram Sabha has the ownership of minor forest produce.
- Recommendation of Gram Sabha is required for granting prospecting licence or mining lease for any mineral in the Scheduled Areas.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Answer: B
Why this matters: today's issue is directly connected to a concept UPSC has already tested. Read the story with this question in mind.
Practise this PYQ →Quick recall
Answer before you reveal
Under the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA), which body must be consulted before land is acquired for development projects in Scheduled Areas?
- District Collector
- State Election Commission
- State Human Rights Commission
- Gram Sabha
Show answer
Answer: D — PESA, 1996 requires that the Gram Sabha be consulted before land is acquired for development projects in Fifth Schedule Scheduled Areas, in addition to its role in approving development plans and managing minor forest produce.
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