Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act 1996: Voice and Power to India’s Scheduled Areas
The PESA Act, 1996, is legislation that attempts to raise tribal communities by promoting self-governance by means of Gram Sabhas and Panchayats in Schedule V districts. It is also referred to as "Constitution within the Constitution"; it seeks to blend tribal development while retaining their customary laws, culture, and traditional way of life.
