Visakhapatnam: The two-day PESA Mahotsav concluded here on Wednesday, with Union Minister of State for Panchayati Raj S.P. Singh Baghel underscoring the constitutional protection of tribal rights and calling for stronger grassroots implementation of the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996, across the country’s Scheduled Areas.
Held at the Visakhapatnam Port Authority Stadium on December 23 and 24, the festival brought together panchayat representatives, sportspersons, artisans and cultural artists from tribal communities across all 10 PESA states, providing them a national platform to showcase their talents.
Addressing participants through a video message on PESA Day, Singh Baghel said the PESA Act offers strong constitutional backing for tribal rights over water, forests, land and natural resources. He stressed that participatory development plans prepared at the village level prioritise local needs and traditions, and that the progress of tribal society is crucial to achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Marking 29 years of the enactment of the PESA Act, MGNREGA workers in B. Velamalakot village under Rampachodavaram ITDA formed the word “PESA” through human formations, conveying their support for the landmark legislation.
Several key initiatives were launched during the Mahotsav, including the PESA Portal, PESA Indicators, training modules on PESA in tribal languages, and an e-book on Kinnaur district in Himachal Pradesh.
Vivek Bharadwaj, secretary to ministry of panchayati raj, announced that Jharkhand had approved draft PESA Rules, becoming the ninth of the 10 PESA states to move towards formal notification. He highlighted the central role of Gram Sabhas as the most direct form of democratic participation, enabling tribal communities to manage resources and guide their own development.
The Mahotsav featured vibrant cultural programmes showcasing India’s tribal and folk heritage, including Kuchipudi classical dance and state-wise performances such as Gussadi from Telangana, Gavari from Rajasthan and Dhemsa from Odisha. Exhibition stalls displayed tribal handicrafts, livelihoods and local cuisines throughout the event.
In a symbolic gesture marking the conclusion, the PESA Mahotsav baton was handed over to Chhattisgarh, which will host the next edition.
The event aimed to connect tribal youth, promote leadership skills, provide national recognition to tribal culture and strengthen the spirit of “Meri Parampara, Meri Pehchaan” (My Tradition, My Identity).
Parallel Gram Sabhas were conducted in PESA Gram Panchayats across ten thematic areas, reinforcing participatory governance and community-led decision-making.
Chief Ministers of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Odisha conveyed greetings through video messages, while Members of Parliament from both Houses lauded the initiative for deepening people’s participation and strengthening grassroots self-governance.
