Raipur, August 05, 2026: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai today chaired the first meeting of the apex committee of the task force, constituted to ensure the effective implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA) and the Provisions of the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA).
The meeting, held at the Secretariat, featured detailed discussions on strategies for better coordination between the PESA Act and the Forest Rights Act within the state, their effective implementation at the grassroots level, and the holistic and sustainable development of scheduled areas.
Chief Minister Sai directed officials to ensure that the implementation of the PESA Act serves as an effective means to empower village self-governance, conserve natural resources, enhance local participation, and strengthen the rural economy.
He noted that approximately one-third of Chhattisgarh’s population belongs to tribal communities. Therefore, developing an effective and ideal model for the PESA Act, while keeping their traditions, rights, and development in mind, is a priority for the state government.
Sai stated that the PESA Act safeguards the interests of citizens residing in scheduled areas. It will facilitate better management of local resources, strengthen the role of Gram Sabhas, expand employment opportunities, and accelerate balanced and sustainable development. He added that the government aims to create a model where development and public participation progress hand in hand.
He emphasised that effective results in scheduled areas can only be achieved by establishing better coordination between the Forest Rights Act (FRA) and the PESA Act. He instructed officials to implement the provisions of both acts through an integrated approach and ensure that the benefits of schemes reach the last person in the queue.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister reiterated that the objective of the PESA Act is to strengthen village self-governance, increase community participation regarding local resources, and ensure inclusive development. He directed officials to conduct public awareness campaigns to disseminate accurate information and factually address any misconceptions.
The meeting reviewed the current status of the implementation of PESA provisions under the Chhattisgarh Panchayat Provisions (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Rules, 2022. Additionally, a detailed review was conducted regarding the status of individual and community claims received, resolved, and pending under the Forest Rights Act, 2006; the progress in the recognition, conservation, and management of Community Forest Resource Rights (CFRR); and the process of converting forest villages into revenue villages.
State-level action plan committee to coordinate: The Chief Minister stated that a state-level action plan committee would be constituted to coordinate the various rules and procedures formulated by different departments concerning the PESA Act. This committee will ensure coordination and convergence among the departmental rules. Ministers and secretaries of the concerned departments will be members of this committee, which will prepare a time-bound action plan and monitor its effective implementation.
He also directed that the existing district-level PESA monitoring committees be activated to ensure the effective implementation of the PESA Act, the empowerment of Gram Sabhas, and coordination among various departments at the district level.
Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap, Tribal Development Minister Ramvichar Netam, MLA Neelkanth Netam, and subject matter experts associated with various social organizations were present at the meeting.
Senior officials from the concerned departments attended the meeting, including Chief Secretary Vikas Sheel, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Subodh Kumar Singh, Additional Chief Secretary Forest and Climate Change Manoj Kumar Pingua, Principal Secretary Tribal Development Department Sonmoni Borah, Secretary Revenue and Disaster Management Department Shammi Abidi, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force (PCCF) Arun Pandey, and Director Panchayat and Rural Development Department Priyanka Richa Mahobia.
