Abstract

The Panchayat Extension to Scheduled Areas Act, 1996 (PESA) and the economic development of tribal communities are interdependent and complementary aspects. The PESA Act, 1996, is a highly significant law enacted by the Central Government. It incorporates important constitutional provisions for the development of tribal communities as well as measures required for the effective implementation of the PESA Act. The Act has considerable potential to preserve the self-respect of tribal communities and make them self-reliant and economically independent. Consequently, it is expected to bring about meaningful transformation in the lives of tribal communities. The primary objective of the PESA Act is to protect tribal people residing in villages within Scheduled Areas and provide them with various facilities. This research paper examines the government’s policies for tribal communities in Scheduled Areas, the reasons behind the enactment of the PESA Act, its background, its necessity, the 5% untied fund, and the impact that proper implementation of the PESA Act can have on the economic advancement of tribal communities.