The Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) celebrated the “2025 PESA Mahotsav: Utsav Lok Sanskriti Ka” from December 23 to 24, 2025, at the Visakhapatnam Port Authority Stadium in Andhra Pradesh. This two-day festival commemorated the enactment of the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) PESA Act, 1996, with PESA Day observed on December 24 each year to mark its anniversary.
The Mahotsav was inaugurated by Mukta Shekhar, Joint Secretary, MoPR, along with Krishna Teja, Commissioner of Panchayati Raj and Rural Development, and renowned archer Jyothi Surekha Vennam. The event was attended by various senior officials from central and state governments, including Konidala Pawan Kalyan, Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh.
The festivities commenced with the PESA Run along the iconic Ramakrishna Beach, flagged off by Jyothi Surekha. The run attracted participants of all age groups, with winners from different states recognized for their achievements. The event also showcased traditional indigenous games like Cholo and Mallakhamba, highlighting the rich cultural heritage of tribal communities across India.
On the final day, several initiatives were launched to enhance the understanding and implementation of the PESA Act. The PESA Portal will facilitate information dissemination and monitor the implementation of PESA. Training modules in tribal languages aim to build grassroots capacity, and an E-book on Kinnaur will document the region's cultural heritage.
Special Gram Sabhas were organized featuring elected representatives from the participating states. This inclusive approach fosters community engagement and ensures that local voices are heard in governance.
The PESA Act extends the provisions of the Panchayati Raj system to Scheduled Areas, empowering tribal communities. It mandates adherence to tribal laws, ensuring that local customs and traditions are respected in governance. Reserved seats for Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Scheduled Castes (SCs) in Panchayati Raj institutions are proportional to their population, ensuring equitable representation.
Q1. What is the significance of PESA Mahotsav?
Answer: PESA Mahotsav celebrates the enactment of the PESA Act, empowering tribal communities and promoting their cultural heritage through various initiatives and events.
Q2. When is PESA Day celebrated?
Answer: PESA Day is observed on December 24 each year to commemorate the enactment of the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996.
Q3. What key initiatives were launched during the Mahotsav?
Answer: Key initiatives included the PESA Portal for information dissemination, training modules in tribal languages, and an E-book documenting Kinnaur's cultural heritage.
Q4. Who inaugurated the PESA Mahotsav 2025?
Answer: The Mahotsav was inaugurated by Mukta Shekhar, Joint Secretary of MoPR, alongside other dignitaries including Jyothi Surekha Vennam.
Q5. What traditional games were showcased at the Mahotsav?
Answer: Traditional games like Cholo, Gedi Doud, and Mallakhamba were showcased, representing the rich sporting heritage of India's tribal communities.
Question 1: What does the PESA Act primarily aim to achieve?
A) Empower tribal communities
B) Increase urbanization
C) Enhance industrial growth
D) Promote tourism
Correct Answer: A
Question 2: Which state will host the PESA Mahotsav in 2026?
A) Andhra Pradesh
B) Chhattisgarh
C) Rajasthan
D) Gujarat
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: What is the official mascot of PESA Mahotsav 2025?
A) Rani Jhaka
B) Krishna Jinka
C) Arjuna
D) Pawan Kalyan
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: When was the PESA Act enacted?
A) 1992
B) 1996
C) 2000
D) 2005
Correct Answer: B
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