Raipur: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Thursday chaired the first meeting of the Apex Committee of the Task Force constituted for the effective implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 and the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA) at Mahanadi Bhawan in Raipur.
The meeting focused on strengthening coordination between the two landmark legislations, ensuring their effective implementation at the grassroots level, and accelerating inclusive and sustainable development in the state’s Scheduled Areas.
Government Prioritises Effective Implementation of FRA and PESA
During the meeting, Chief Minister Sai said the effective implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA) and PESA is essential for promoting good governance, empowered Gram Sabhas and inclusive development in tribal regions.
He directed officials to adopt an integrated and result-oriented approach to ensure both laws complement each other and that the benefits of government schemes reach the last eligible beneficiary.
The Chief Minister said the government’s objective is to develop a governance model where Gram Sabhas are empowered, community rights are protected and development reaches every section of society.
Focus on Strengthening Gram Sabha Governance
CM Sai instructed officials to ensure that PESA becomes an effective tool for:
- Strengthening Gram Sabha governance.
- Conserving natural resources.
- Increasing community participation in local decision-making.
- Boosting the rural economy.
- Promoting sustainable development.
He noted that nearly one-third of Chhattisgarh’s population belongs to tribal communities, making the effective implementation of PESA a key priority for the state government.
Integrated Approach to FRA and PESA
The Chief Minister emphasised that meaningful outcomes in Scheduled Areas can only be achieved through better coordination between the Forest Rights Act and PESA.
He directed departments to implement both legislations through a unified strategy to:
- Protect tribal and community rights.
- Improve governance in Scheduled Areas.
- Ensure efficient implementation of welfare programmes.
- Promote balanced and inclusive development.
He also instructed officials to launch public awareness campaigns so that people understand the provisions of the two laws and misinformation can be addressed through factual communication.
Implementation of PESA Rules and FRA Reviewed
The Apex Committee reviewed the current status of implementation of the Chhattisgarh Panchayat (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Rules, 2022.
The meeting also assessed progress under the Forest Rights Act, 2006, including:
- Individual forest rights claims received, approved and pending.
- Community forest rights claims.
- Recognition and management of Community Forest Resource Rights (CFRR).
- Conversion of forest villages into revenue villages.
- Progress of community-based forest governance.
Officials discussed measures to improve implementation and ensure faster disposal of pending claims.
State-Level Action Plan Committee to Be Formed
Chief Minister Sai announced that the state government will constitute a State-Level Action Plan Committee to improve coordination among departments implementing PESA.
The committee will:
- Harmonise departmental rules and procedures.
- Prepare a time-bound implementation roadmap.
- Monitor the execution of PESA-related initiatives.
- Ensure convergence of development programmes.
The committee will include ministers and senior secretaries from the concerned departments.
District-Level Monitoring Committees to Be Activated
The Chief Minister also directed officials to activate district-level PESA monitoring committees to strengthen implementation at the local level.
These committees will focus on:
- Effective implementation of PESA.
- Empowerment of Gram Sabhas.
- Coordination among government departments.
- Monitoring development initiatives in Scheduled Areas.
The government believes stronger district-level monitoring will improve governance and accelerate the delivery of benefits to tribal communities.
Senior Ministers and Officials Attend Meeting
The meeting was attended by:
- Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma.
- Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap.
- Tribal Development Minister Ramvichar Netam.
- MLA Neelkanth Netam.
- Subject experts from various social organisations.
Senior officials, including Chief Secretary Vikas Sheel, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Subodh Singh, Additional Chief Secretary (Forest & Climate Change) Manoj Pingua, Principal Secretary (Tribal Development) Sonmoni Bora, senior Revenue Department officials, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Arun Pandey, and Director of Panchayat & Rural Development Priyanka Richa Mahobia, also participated in the meeting.
Government Aims for Inclusive Tribal Development
The Chhattisgarh government said strengthening the implementation of the Forest Rights Act and PESA remains central to its vision of inclusive governance and tribal empowerment.
By improving coordination between the two laws, empowering Gram Sabhas and protecting community rights, the government aims to create a sustainable development model that ensures tribal communities actively participate in governance while benefiting from welfare schemes and natural resource management.
