Raipur : Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to the effective implementation of the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA) and the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006, stating that both legislations are central to strengthening tribal self-governance, community participation, and sustainable development in Scheduled Areas.
Chairing a meeting of the Task Force on PESA and Forest Rights Act at Mahanadi Bhawan on Wednesday, the Chief Minister reviewed strategies to ensure better coordination between the two landmark legislations and directed officials to accelerate their implementation at the grassroots level.
Government to Develop a Model for Tribal Self-Governance
Addressing senior officials, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said the state government aims to create an ideal model of PESA implementation that safeguards the traditions, rights, and socio-economic development of tribal communities.
He noted that nearly one-third of Chhattisgarh’s population belongs to tribal communities, making it essential for governance and development policies to reflect their cultural heritage and constitutional rights.
“The effective implementation of the PESA Act should strengthen Gram Swaraj (village self-governance), promote community participation in the management of natural resources, generate employment opportunities, and reinforce the rural economy,” the Chief Minister said.
Better Coordination Between PESA and Forest Rights Act
The Chief Minister emphasized that PESA and the Forest Rights Act (FRA) complement each other and should be implemented through an integrated approach to maximize benefits for people living in Scheduled Areas.
He directed officials to ensure that the provisions of both laws work in harmony so that government welfare schemes reach every eligible beneficiary efficiently.
According to him, stronger coordination between the two Acts will help secure:
- Community rights over natural resources
- Strengthened Gram Sabhas
- Inclusive rural development
- Sustainable management of forests
- Greater participation of tribal communities in decision-making
Focus on Strengthening Gram Sabhas
The Chief Minister reiterated that the PESA Act is intended to empower Gram Sabhas by giving them a greater role in local governance and resource management.
He said the legislation protects the interests of people residing in Scheduled Areas while promoting balanced and sustainable development.
The government, he added, is committed to ensuring that development and public participation progress simultaneously.
Public Awareness Campaigns to Be Intensified
Recognizing the need for greater awareness about tribal rights, the Chief Minister instructed officials to launch public awareness campaigns across Scheduled Areas.
He directed departments to:
- Disseminate accurate information about PESA and FRA
- Address misconceptions through factual communication
- Increase awareness among Gram Sabha members regarding their legal rights and responsibilities
The objective is to ensure that local communities actively participate in implementing the provisions of both Acts.
Review of PESA and FRA Implementation
During the meeting, officials reviewed the current implementation status of the Chhattisgarh Panchayat (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Rules, 2022, which govern the operational framework for PESA in the state.
The review also covered progress under the Forest Rights Act, 2006, including:
- Individual Forest Rights (IFR) claims
- Community Forest Rights (CFR) claims
- Pending and disposed claims
- Recognition of Community Forest Resource Rights (CFRR)
- Conservation and management of community forest resources
- Conversion of forest villages into revenue villages
The government assessed the progress of these initiatives and discussed measures to expedite pending processes.
State-Level Action Plan Committee to Be Formed
To ensure better coordination among various departments implementing PESA-related provisions, Chief Minister Sai announced the formation of a State-Level Action Plan Committee.
The committee will:
- Coordinate rules framed by different departments on similar subjects.
- Ensure convergence of departmental policies.
- Prepare a time-bound implementation roadmap.
- Monitor the execution of approved action plans.
The committee will comprise concerned Ministers and Secretaries from relevant departments.
District-Level PESA Monitoring Committees to Be Activated
The Chief Minister also directed officials to reactivate District-Level PESA Monitoring Committees to strengthen implementation at the local level.
These committees will focus on:
- Monitoring implementation of the PESA Act
- Strengthening Gram Sabhas
- Improving coordination among government departments
- Resolving district-level implementation challenges
- Ensuring effective delivery of benefits to tribal communities
The move is expected to improve accountability and facilitate better monitoring across Scheduled Areas.
Senior Leaders and Officials Attend Meeting
The high-level meeting was attended by:
- Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma
- Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap
- Tribal Development Minister Ramvichar Netam
- MLA Neelkanth Netam
Several subject experts associated with social organizations also participated in the discussions.
Senior bureaucrats present included:
- Chief Secretary Vikas Sheel
- Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Subodh Singh
- Additional Chief Secretary, Forest and Climate Change Manoj Pingua
- Principal Secretary, Tribal Development Sonmani Bora
- Secretary, Revenue and Disaster Management Shammi Abidi
- Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) Arun Pandey
- Director, Panchayat and Rural Development Priyanka Richa Mahobia
- Other senior officials from relevant departments.
Strengthening Tribal Governance and Sustainable Development
The Chhattisgarh Government views the PESA Act and the Forest Rights Act as key instruments for promoting tribal empowerment, decentralized governance, and inclusive development. Through improved coordination, stronger institutional mechanisms, and enhanced public awareness, the state aims to ensure that constitutional protections for tribal communities translate into tangible socio-economic benefits while preserving natural resources and strengthening local self-governance across Scheduled Areas.
