THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, April 28: The Jharkhand government has announced plans to set up PESA Coordination Committees from the state to the block level to strengthen implementation of the PESA Rules across Scheduled Areas.
Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Deepika Pandey Singh said these committees will ensure regular monitoring of implementation and help resolve issues at different administrative levels.
She was speaking at a state-level round table conference on PESA Rules organised in Ranchi.
Focus on grassroots rollout
The minister said the PESA rules will not remain confined to documents but will be implemented on the ground at the village and panchayat levels with the involvement of all government departments.
She added that the initiative aims to empower Panchayati Raj institutions and strengthen self-governance in tribal areas.
Push for inclusive governance
Deepika Pandey Singh said the rules address long-standing demands of tribal communities and emphasised the need to ensure that benefits reach as many people as possible in Scheduled Areas.
She also highlighted steps such as prioritising women for the post of Assistant Secretary to enhance participation in Gram Sabhas.
Experts back Jharkhand model
Former National Advisory Council member K. Raju said Jharkhand’s PESA Rules are among the best in the country but stressed that effective implementation is key.
He supported the formation of coordination panels and called for the involvement of all departments, along with regular updates to the Tribal Advisory Council.
Awareness efforts underway
Rural Development Secretary Manoj Kumar said the rules are being translated into local languages, and awareness campaigns, training programmes and outreach initiatives are being conducted.
Panchayati Raj Director Rajeshwari B said public feedback was incorporated while framing the rules, and the department remains open to further suggestions.
The conference saw participation from officials, experts and civil society representatives.