PESA Act 1996 — Current Affairs 2026
Current Affairs Connections
Supreme Court Directs States to Implement PESA Provisions for Mining Projects
March 2024The Supreme Court issued comprehensive guidelines requiring all states with Scheduled Areas to ensure mandatory Gram Sabha consent before granting mining leases. This directive came after multiple petitions highlighted the systematic violation of PESA provisions by state governments and mining companies. The Court emphasized that PESA is not merely procedural but substantive, giving tribal communities real power to accept or reject development projects. The judgment also directed the Ministry of Tribal Affairs to create a monitoring mechanism to ensure compliance with PESA provisions across all sectors including mining, infrastructure, and industrial projects.
UPSC Angle: This development is likely to be tested in questions about judicial activism, tribal rights enforcement, and the balance between development and community rights. Expect questions on the role of judiciary in protecting constitutional provisions and the implementation challenges of PESA.
Ministry of Tribal Affairs Launches Digital Platform for PESA Implementation Monitoring
January 2024The Ministry of Tribal Affairs launched a comprehensive digital platform called 'PESA Tracker' to monitor the implementation of PESA provisions across all Scheduled Areas. The platform enables real-time tracking of Gram Sabha meetings, consent processes, and development project approvals. It also provides a grievance redressal mechanism for tribal communities to report violations of PESA provisions. The initiative aims to address the long-standing issue of poor implementation and lack of transparency in PESA compliance. The platform integrates with existing e-governance systems and provides dashboards for state governments, district collectors, and civil society organizations to monitor progress.
UPSC Angle: This technological intervention in tribal governance is relevant for questions about e-governance, digital India initiatives, and innovative approaches to policy implementation. It may appear in questions about transparency, accountability, and the use of technology in grassroots democracy.