MP to receive award for excellent implementation of PESA Act

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will award Madhya Pradesh for excellent implementation of Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA) on Panchayati Raj Day, tomorrow.
State Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Minister, Gopal Bhargava will receive the first prize at the ceremony to be held in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand.
"Madhya Pradesh has been chosen for the award on the basis of study conducted by the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research because of various works done under the Act for conserving culture, customs and traditions of Baiga and Bharia tribes," Bhargava told PTI today.
"We have ensured their welfare by conserving their culture, customs and traditions by implementing PESA Act without disturbing their traditional lives," he said.

In Madhya Pradesh, 89 development blocks have been designated as tribal blocks. Special provisions have been made for development of these panchayats in scheduled areas under the Act, an official release said.