Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act 1996

Choose the Correct Answer

Correct Answer : Option a

Explanation
The provisions of Part IX of the constitution relating to the Panchayats are not applicable to the Fifth Schedule areas. However, the Parliament may extend these provisions to such areas, subject to such exceptions and modifications as it may specify. Under this provision, Parliament enacted the “Provisions of the Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act”, 1996. The objectives of the PESA Act are as follows:
• To extend the provisions of Part IX of the Constitution relating to the panchayats to the scheduled areas with certain modifications. •To provide self-rule for the bulk of the tribal population. Hence statement 2 is correct.
• To have village governance with participatory democracy and to make the gram Sabha and not districts a nucleus of all activities.
• To evolve a suitable administrative framework consistent with traditional practices.
• To safeguard and to preserve the traditions and customs of tribal communities. Hence statement 1 is correct.
• To empower panchayats at the appropriate levels and not only gram Sabha with specific powers conducive to tribal requirements. Hence statement 3 is incorrect.