Prompt action to implement PESA Act must: Chief Minister Shri Chouhan

Review of activities under PESA Act and their time limit

BHOPAL 23 February . Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that the PESA Act will be simplified and implemented in a phased manner in the state. Implementation of the Act will enable Gram Sabhas to take various decisions. Panchayati Raj system will be strengthened by expanding the jurisdiction of Gram Sabhas. Chief Minister Shri Chouhan was reviewing the activities under the PESA Act and their time limits in Mantralaya. Chief Secretary Shri Iqbal Singh Bains, Additional Chief Secretary Health Shri Mohammad Suleman, Principal Secretary Panchayat and Rural Development Shri Umakant Umrao and Principal Secretaries of various departments were present.

Chief Minister Shri Chouhan said that necessary and prompt action must be taken to implement the PESA Act. The provisions of the Act should be discussed through various means. Rules must be proposed in the language of the common man, so that the general public can understand it easily. Simple words should be used in place of difficult words.

Chief Minister Shri Chouhan said that upliftment of tribal society is the priority of the state government. Therefore, provisions made for the tribes in the PESA Act must be carefully considered and discrepancies should be removed. Chief Minister Shri Chouhan discussed various topics including planning and management of water resources, mining and minerals, drug control, minor forest produce, control of markets and fairs. Chief Minister Shri Chouhan said that development works in the state will not be allowed to stop under any circumstances. Empowerment of tribes is our basic objective. He said that work will be done as per the spirit of the Act. He also discussed the control over the moneylenders and institutions of social sectors. He said that it is necessary to launch a massive campaign for public awareness and education.

Chief Minister Shri Chouhan said that practical difficulties that come in the implementation of the Act should be removed. A committee of experts should be consulted to implement the Act. The time limit for finalizing the Act should also be kept in mind.

Principal Secretary Panchayat and Rural Development Shri Umrao gave information regarding the provisions of PESA Act. He told that this is a Central Act, in which there is a provision for the work of various departments. Gram Sabhas will be able to send necessary decisions and proposals on these.

hindusthan samvad