⚖️ Polity & GovernanceUPSC 2013Salient Features of RPA

The Government enacted the Panchayat Extension to Scheduled Areas (PESA) Act in 1996.Which one of the following is not identified as its objective?

aTo provide self-governance
bTo recognize traditional rights
cTo create autonomous regions in tribal areas
dTo free tribal people from exploitation
✓ Correct answer: c) To create autonomous regions in tribal areas
ExplanationThe Panchayat (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA Act) was enacted to extend the provisions of Part IX of the Constitution (related to Panchayati Raj) to the Scheduled Areas listed under Schedule V of the Constitution.Its primary objectives include:1. To provide self-governance in tribal areas through Gram Sabhas.2. To recognize traditional rights of tribal communities, particularly regarding community resources.3. To free tribal people from exploitation by empowering Gram Sabhas to regulate and control resources, markets, and institutions in Scheduled Areas.The creation of autonomous regions is not an objective of the PESA Act.Autonomous regions are primarily a feature of Schedule VI of the Constitution, applicable to certain tribal areas in the northeastern states, not the Schedule V areas targeted by PESA.265

Practice more Polity PYQs

Attempt a free 10-question quiz or browse the full Polity & Governance previous-year-question bank with instant answers and explanations.

⚖️ Polity PYQs →