Implement PESA more effectively, says Joshi

Udaipur, Jan 8(ANI): Union Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Dr. C.P. Joshi has urged State Governments and Union Territory Administrations to implement the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA) in more effective manner to reach out to the tribal and rural population across the country.

Joshi said that the disparities still exist in terms of the provisions of the act, and its proper implementation and the need of the hour is to bridge that divide.

The Minister was presiding over a workshop at Mohanlal Sukhadia University in Udaipur on Friday on the "Challenges and Opportunities in the implementation of PESA".

The workshop is aimed at chalking out the future agenda for the implementation of PESA in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Himachal Pradesh.

Joshi highlighted that in spite of the critical importance of implementing PESA in the Schedule V areas, there has been a lot of difficulties in the implementation

He urged the states to ensure that while implementing development projects in PESA areas the culture and life style of forest dwellers must be kept in mind so that it is not t affected adversely.

He also advised the states to develop model to protect the land ownership rights of the tribal people so that they do not get a feeling of being alienated. (ANI)