In a landmark decision aimed at bolstering tribal self-rule, the Jharkhand state cabinet led by Chief Minister Hemant Soren has given its crucial approval to the draft Jharkhand Panchayat Extension to Scheduled Areas (Rules), 2025. This move, finalized during a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, fulfills a long-standing demand to implement the central PESA Act of 1996 in the state's scheduled regions.
A New Era of Gram Sabha Authority
State Rural Development Secretary Manoj Kumar confirmed that the rules will become enforceable upon a formal notification. He emphasized that this framework is designed to consolidate and clearly define the powers of village assemblies. "Once these rules come into force, the gram sabha in scheduled areas will get several powers to decide on mining, water use, and land acquisition, among others," Kumar stated. The administration has crafted the rules by integrating key provisions from the national PESA guidelines with local contextual needs.
The secretary further elaborated that gram sabhas will now have a significantly enhanced role in managing minor forest produce, overseeing water resources, handling revenue collection, granting mining leases, and approving land acquisition projects. While the government had been consulting gram sabhas on some of these matters informally, the new rules create a single, legally robust umbrella for all such activities.
Strengthening Tribal Self-Governance
This policy is set to impact a substantial portion of Jharkhand, as 15 districts are officially classified as scheduled areas where the PESA rules will be applicable. Kumar highlighted the transformative potential of this step, noting, "This will strengthen self-governance in tribal areas, enabling rural and tribal societies to protect their natural resources themselves."
In a significant nod to indigenous systems, the approved rules also formally recognize traditional gram sabhas. "All traditional gram sabhas have to document their traditions and send them to the government for notification," Kumar added, ensuring that customary practices are integrated into the new governance structure.
Other Key Decisions from the Cabinet
The council of ministers, in the same meeting, cleared a total of 39 proposals across various sectors. Several other important approvals were granted, including:
- The restructuring of posts at Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee University, leading to the creation of 38 new academic and non-academic positions.
- Sanction of Rs 31.87 crore for the strengthening, widening, and reconstruction of the road connecting Chamrabahiyar to Bardaninath Temple (4.6 km) and the Bamandiha link (2.9 km) in Dumka.
- Approval of operational guidelines for Child Welfare and Protection Committees functioning under the Mission Vatsalya scheme.
- Nod for the construction of hostels in 21 Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas at a total cost of Rs 51.16 crore.
- Amendments to the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission Examination (Matriculation and Intermediate Level) Conduct Rules, 2015.
- Creation of 21 new posts for motor vehicle inspectors under the state transport directorate.
The approval of the PESA rules marks a pivotal moment in Jharkhand's governance narrative, shifting substantial administrative and developmental decision-making power to the grassroots level in its tribal heartlands.
