Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh is setting a national benchmark in the implementation of the Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA) under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav. Enacted in 88 tribal blocks across 20 districts, the PESA Act has empowered tribal communities to resolve disputes through traditional mechanisms such as Chaupals, bypassing the need for police intervention.
The act is becoming a transformative tool for tribal self-governance and socio-cultural preservation in the state, with more than 8,000 cases of local disputes—primarily related to land and family matters—peacefully settled within the community.
Chaupals Revive Traditional Justice System
One of the core features of the PESA Act implementation in Madhya Pradesh is the revival of Chaupals—community gatherings where disputes are resolved through dialogue and mutual agreement. These grassroots forums have become effective alternatives to formal legal processes for minor issues.
“The PESA Act is a boon for tribal society. It allows them to uphold their customs, avoid prolonged legal processes, and strengthen community harmony,” said an official from the Department of Tribal Affairs.
Robust Institutional Framework: Over 44,000 Committees Formed
The state has established a three-tiered committee structure under the Act to ensure proper implementation and coverage:
- 11,639 Peace and Dispute Resolution Committees
- 11,331 Forest Resource Planning and Control Committees
- 21,887 Sahayogi Matri Samitis (Supportive Mother Committees)
These committees not only handle disputes but also engage in planning, forest resource management, and socio-cultural empowerment of the tribal populace.
PESA in Numbers: A Pan-State Movement
- Implemented in: 11,596 villages
- Across: 5,133 Gram Panchayats
- Mobilizers deployed: 4,850
- Financial management accounts opened: 11,538
Madhya Pradesh’s structured and widespread rollout of the Act showcases a replicable model for other tribal-dominated states.
National Recognition and Success Stories
The Government of India’s Ministry of Panchayati Raj has acknowledged Madhya Pradesh’s achievements by featuring two success stories from the state in a recently published national booklet. This recognition cements the state’s position as a front-runner among the 10 Indian states currently implementing the PESA Act.
