Tribal PESA Mobilisers Protest Funding Cuts to Local Self-Governance
Source:Indian Express ↗
Why It Matters
This issue highlights the practical challenges in implementing decentralised governance in Scheduled Areas. It exposes the vulnerability of local self-governance mechanisms when dependent on centrally sponsored schemes (like RGSA) and underlines the ongoing need for institutional support to empower tribal Gram Sabhas.
Summary
More than 1,000 tribal PESA mobilisers in Maharashtra are protesting following a government directive to slash their posts by nearly 65%. These mobilisers, originally appointed under the Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA), serve as essential links between the government and tribal communities, ensuring the effective functioning of Gram Sabhas and raising awareness about rights under the PESA Act, 1996, and the Forest Rights Act, 2006. The Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj justified the funding cut by claiming the awareness-building phase is complete. However, activists argue that this move will severely impair local self-governance, disrupt dispute resolution, and hinder the delivery of welfare schemes in Scheduled Areas.
Key Points
- Over 1,000 PESA mobilisers in Maharashtra are protesting a government order that cuts their sanctioned posts by nearly two-thirds.
- PESA mobilisers act as crucial intermediaries in Scheduled Areas, raising awareness about tribal rights, facilitating Gram Sabha meetings, and helping implement the Forest Rights Act (FRA).
- The mobilisers were funded under the Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA), but the Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj reduced funding, stating that the 'gestation period' for creating awareness is over.
- The reduction in mobiliser posts threatens to weaken local self-governance, disrupt the functioning of Gram Sabhas, and increase distress migration among tribal communities.
Important Terms
PESA Act, 1996
A 1996 law extending the 73rd Amendment to Fifth Schedule areas, empowering tribal communities with self-rule and mandatory control over local resources and traditions.
UPSC context
GS-II: Governance and Polity. Vital for questions on democratic decentralization, tribal empowerment, and the Fifth Schedule.
Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006
A landmark law recognizing the land and resource rights of forest-dwelling Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers who were historically denied legal titles.
UPSC context
GS-II: Social Justice/Governance; GS-III: Environment. Tests understanding of tribal land rights and conservation-social justice balance.
Gram Sabha
A village assembly of all adult voters; under PESA, it is the primary authority for approving development plans and protecting tribal customs and resources.
UPSC context
GS-II: Panchayati Raj. Core to direct democracy and grassroots governance in Scheduled Areas.
Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA)
A Centrally Sponsored Scheme focused on strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) through capacity building, training, and infrastructure to localize Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
UPSC context
GS-II: Welfare Schemes. Important for topics regarding the administrative capacity and financial devolution of local bodies.
Scheduled Areas
Areas designated under the Constitution's Fifth Schedule where special administrative protections apply to safeguard the interests of tribal populations.
UPSC context
GS-II: Constitutional Provisions. Tests knowledge of the President's and Governor's special powers in tribal administration.
Prelims Trap
The PESA Act extends Part IX of the Constitution to both Fifth and Sixth Schedule areas.
PESA specifically extends Part IX to Fifth Schedule areas only. Sixth Schedule areas (Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram) are governed by Autonomous District Councils and are exempt.
Static Concepts Connected
What are the mandatory powers of the Gram Sabha under PESA 1996?
- Land rights: Power to prevent alienation of land and restore unlawfully alienated tribal land.
- Resource ownership: Ownership of minor forest produce (MFP) and the management of minor water bodies.
- Mandatory consultation: Must be consulted prior to land acquisition for development projects and for resettling affected persons.
- Regulatory control: Control over local markets, money lending to tribals, and institutions affecting social sectors.
What are the core features of the Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA)?
- Scheme type: A Centrally Sponsored Scheme aimed at strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Funding pattern: Funding is shared 60:40 between Centre and States, and 90:10 for Northeast and Hilly States.
- Capacity building: Focuses on e-governance, capacity building of elected representatives, and providing human resource support like mobilisers.
Cross-Topic Patterns
Convergence of PESA and FRA 2006
Both acts rely heavily on the Gram Sabha. While PESA focuses on self-governance and minor forest produce, FRA grants specific individual and community forest rights, often evaluated together by UPSC.
Statutory Devolution vs. Administrative Capacity
Slashing RGSA-funded mobilisers highlights the critical gap between statutory devolution (PESA) and actual administrative capacity at the grassroots, a persistent theme in 2nd ARC reports on local governance.
Expect a multi-statement question contrasting Gram Sabha powers under PESA, FRA 2006, and standard Part IX Panchayati Raj provisions.
Linked PYQs · 2
Linked PYQs · 2
- 2013PrelimsGS1
The Government enacted the Panchayat Extension to Scheduled Areas (PESA) Act in 1996. Which one of the following is not identified as its objective?
- 2012PrelimsGS1
In the areas covered under the Panchayat (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996, what is the role/power of Gram Sabha? 1. Gram Sabha has the power to prevent alienation of land in the Scheduled Areas. 2. Gram Sabha has the ownership of minor forest produce. 3. 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?
