How is PESA Act empowering local self-governance and impacting women’s political participation?

(15 Marks) Anthropology Optional Paper CSE 2024

Introduction

The Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA) was introduced to extend provisions of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act to India’s Scheduled Areas. The aim of the PESA Act is to promote local self-governance in tribal regions by empowering Gram Sabhas (village assemblies) to manage resources, resolve conflicts, and participate in decision-making processes, while respecting tribal customs and traditions. The Act has also positively impacted women’s political participation, particularly in traditionally patriarchal and marginalized tribal communities.

Main Body

PESA and Local Self-Governance:

Empowerment of Gram Sabhas: The PESA Act empowers Gram Sabhas in Scheduled Areas to make decisions related to the management of natural resources, such as land, water, and forests. Gram Sabhas have the authority to approve plans, manage minor forest produce, regulate the sale of intoxicants, and resolve local disputes.

Customary Laws and Traditions: PESA acknowledges the cultural and social distinctiveness of tribal communities by allowing them to follow customary laws and practices in local governance. This has given tribes greater control over their local affairs, reinforcing traditional systems of governance while integrating modern principles of democracy.

Land Acquisition and Resource Management: The Act provides for the consultation of Gram Sabhas in matters related to land acquisition and the resettlement of displaced persons, ensuring that tribal communities have a say in projects affecting their resources and livelihoods.

Decentralization of Power: PESA facilitates the decentralization of power, allowing tribal communities to have autonomy over their development processes and reducing the influence of external bureaucracies on local governance.

Impact on Women’s Political Participation:

Reservation for Women: PESA, aligned with the 73rd Amendment, mandates one-third reservation for women in local governance institutions, including Gram Panchayats and Gram Sabhas. This has opened up political spaces for tribal women, enabling them to participate in decision-making processes that affect their communities.

Increased Leadership Roles: With the mandatory reservation, many tribal women have taken up leadership roles as Sarpanches (village heads) and members of Panchayats, thereby challenging patriarchal norms and traditional male dominance in decision-making bodies. Their participation in these roles is gradually leading to greater gender equality in political representation at the local level.

Participation in Resource Management: Women's participation in Gram Sabhas has allowed them to actively engage in discussions about natural resource management, particularly those related to forest produce and land rights, which are central to tribal livelihoods. This has given tribal women a voice in issues that directly impact their socio-economic well-being.

Challenges: Despite the legal provisions, patriarchal attitudes and social norms often hinder women’s full participation. Women Sarpanches in some areas are proxy leaders, where male family members exercise real control. There are also educational and economic barriers that limit women’s effective engagement in governance.

Overall Empowerment through PESA:

Increased Accountability: By giving decision-making power to Gram Sabhas, PESA has improved accountability and transparency in the governance of tribal areas. This local governance model allows communities to prioritize their development needs and address grievances more effectively.
Cultural Preservation and Political Autonomy: PESA ensures that local governance is not imposed from the outside but rather aligns with the cultural norms and practices of tribal communities, giving them greater autonomy and helping preserve their identity.
Integration of Women in Governance: By mandating women’s political participation, PESA has helped integrate women into governance structures, giving them greater visibility and a platform to express their views on important matters. Over time, this can contribute to greater social and economic empowerment of tribal women.

Conclusion

The PESA Act is a landmark law that strengthens local self-governance in tribal areas by empowering Gram Sabhas to manage local resources and make decisions. It has had a profound impact on women’s political participation by providing reservations for women in local bodies, enabling them to hold leadership roles and participate in governance processes. However, despite its successes, challenges such as patriarchal resistance and limited access to resources remain, necessitating continued efforts to ensure that women’s participation in governance is meaningful and effective. Overall, PESA has laid the foundation for inclusive, participatory governance in India’s tribal areas, contributing to both local autonomy and gender empowerment.

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