Congress Corners Odisha BJP Over Three Decades of PESA Non-Implementation in Tribal Areas
Congress raised PESA non-implementation in the Odisha Assembly despite the law being enacted three decades ago.
Members of the Indian National Congress on Monday raised concerns over the non-implementation of the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA), in Odisha during the Assembly proceedings. They urged the state government to take immediate steps to enforce the law meant to empower tribal communities. Congress legislators also requested the Speaker to intervene and allow a discussion on the issue. They said the delay in implementing the act has raised concerns among people living in scheduled areas of the state.
The issue was raised during Zero Hour in the Odisha Legislative Assembly by Congress Legislature Party leader Rama Chandra Kadam. Kadam criticised the state government for failing to operationalise the legislation even though it was enacted by the Centre nearly three decades ago. He said the continued delay has created uncertainty among tribal communities. According to him, the Act is meant to strengthen the role of local self-governance in tribal areas.
Kadam urged the government to bring a motion on the matter before the end of the ongoing budget session. He said the issue should be taken up for detailed discussion in the Assembly. The Congress leader stressed that tribal communities have long been waiting for the law to be implemented. He added that the Act would provide greater decision-making powers to Gram Sabhas in scheduled areas.
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The Congress leader also pointed out that Odisha currently has a tribal chief minister, but the government has not taken concrete steps to enforce the law. He alleged that the delay raises questions about the government’s commitment to tribal welfare. Kadam said the legislation is important for protecting the rights and interests of tribal populations. He urged the state government to act quickly and ensure the act is implemented.
He further alleged that nearly 20 months after the Bharatiya Janata Party came to power in the state, the provisions of PESA are yet to be implemented. Congress members demanded clarity from the government regarding the delay. They also sought the Speaker’s ruling on the matter. The party maintained that the issue should be addressed during the current assembly session.
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