UPSC Prelims 2013 Q25: Indian Polity – Local Government & Panchayati Raj
The Government enacted the Panchayat Extension to Scheduled Areas (PESA) Act in 1996.
Which one of the following is NOT identified as its objective?
- (a) To provide self - governance
- (b) To recognize traditional rights
- (c) To create autonomous regions in tribal areas
- (d) To free tribal people from exploitation
Answer: (c) To create autonomous regions in tribal areas
Explanation
PESA Act, 1996
The Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act extends Part IX of the Constitution to Fifth Schedule areas, with changes.
It followed the Dileep Singh Bhuria Committee report.
| Objective | Part of PESA? |
|---|---|
| (a) To provide self-governance | Yes |
| (b) To recognize traditional rights | Yes |
| (c) To create autonomous regions in tribal areas | No |
| (d) To free tribal people from exploitation | Yes |
Powers of the Gram Sabha under PESA:
| Power | Detail |
|---|---|
| Land | Must be consulted before acquisition; can prevent alienation of tribal land |
| Resources | Ownership of minor forest produce; say over minor minerals |
| Social control | Over money-lending, liquor and village markets |
Autonomous District and Regional Councils belong to the Sixth Schedule, not to PESA.
Answer: (c) To create autonomous regions in tribal areas.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Self-governance through the Gram Sabha is the core objective.
- (b) Incorrect. Recognising traditional rights over resources is an objective.
- (c) CORRECT. Creating autonomous regions is not an objective of PESA.
- (d) Incorrect. Freeing tribal people from exploitation is an objective.
Key point
PESA (1996): extends Panchayati Raj to Fifth Schedule areas; strong Gram Sabha; minor forest produce; Bhuria Committee. Autonomous councils are Sixth Schedule.
Remember
PESA gives self-rule, not autonomous regions.
Common mistakes
- Missing the word 'NOT' in the question.
- Confusing Fifth Schedule (PESA) with Sixth Schedule (autonomous councils).
- Forgetting the central role of the Gram Sabha.
Exam tip
PESA = Fifth Schedule + Gram Sabha. Autonomy = Sixth Schedule.
Sources
- Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996
- Ministry of Panchayati Raj — PESA