New Delhi, Dec 23 (NationPress) The primary focus of the upcoming National Workshop on the PESA Act in Ranchi, scheduled for Tuesday, will be empowering local governance and protecting the rights of tribal communities in Scheduled Areas, along with the management of natural resources, as stated by an official.

This workshop, lasting a full day, aims to produce actionable results that will benefit the intended communities.

The initiative is set to make significant strides in improving the quality of life for these communities and fostering an environment conducive to their development and well-being, in line with the vision articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to a statement.

Alok Prem Nagar, the Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, will be among the participants in the workshop, which is organized by the Department of Panchayati Raj, Government of Jharkhand. The event aims to raise awareness about the Act as Jharkhand prepares to finalize its PESA Rules in accordance with the PESA Act.

This gathering will also mark the anniversary of the PESA Act's enactment on December 24, 1996, a pivotal legislation that empowers Gram Sabhas in Scheduled Areas to practice self-governance and manage natural resources.

The agenda includes detailed discussions about PESA's role in enhancing governance in Scheduled Areas, complemented by a short film and song that highlight the significance and effects of the PESA Act. The keynote address will be delivered by Deepika Pandey Singh, the Minister of Panchayati Raj, Rural Development, and Rural Works for Jharkhand.

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj has urged the ten PESA States—Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, and Telangana—to implement awareness and capacity-building initiatives throughout their regions, as per the statement.

These efforts aim to involve key stakeholders actively, including elected representatives from Panchayati Raj Institutions, members of the Gram Sabha, and officials from various departments such as Forest, Revenue, Rural Development, Tribal Welfare, and Social Justice.