Will Odisha Celebrate Special Gram Sabhas Across PESA Areas Tomorrow?
Synopsis
Odisha's Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has announced the organization of special Gram Sabhas across PESA areas on December 24, coinciding with the National PESA Mahotsav. This event aims to strengthen grassroots democracy and celebrate tribal culture, inviting community participation from various tribal groups.
Key Takeaways
Special Gram Sabhas will be held on December 24 in PESA areas.
The event coincides with the National PESA Mahotsav .
It aims to empower tribal communities and enhance grassroots democracy .
Participants will showcase their cultural heritage during the festival.
Community involvement is crucial for strengthening local governance.
Bhubaneswar, Dec 23 (NationPress) Odisha's Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced on Tuesday that special Gram Sabhas are set to take place on December 24 in all PESA regions throughout the state, coinciding with the National PESA Mahotsav.
In a video message shared via the official X handle of the CMO, CM Majhi extended heartfelt greetings to the tribal communities residing in the Scheduled Areas of Odisha for the National PESA Mahotsav, which is being jointly organized by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
The Chief Minister emphasized that the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA), enacted on December 24, 1996, has significantly contributed to enhancing grassroots democracy within tribal regions.
Majhi noted that Odisha stands out as a leading state in conducting Panchayat elections aligned with the provisions of the PESA Act, facilitating greater involvement of tribal communities in democratic processes.
Importantly, in 1997, Odisha revised its core Panchayat Acts—the Odisha Gram Panchayat Act, 1964, the Odisha Panchayat Samiti Act, 1959, and the Odisha Zilla Parishad Act, 1961—to integrate the provisions of the PESA Act, thereby bolstering local self-governance in Scheduled Areas.
Highlighting the importance of the National PESA Mahotsav, the Chief Minister noted that the event will attract participants from the Scheduled Areas of 10 PESA states, including Odisha. Representatives from Panchayats, along with women and youth from various tribal backgrounds, will present traditional sports, dances, music, and their vibrant cultural heritage during the two-day celebration.
The Chief Minister reiterated that special Gram Sabhas will take place on December 24 across all PESA areas.
He encouraged the residents of the Scheduled Areas to take part in the Gram Sabhas in large numbers to fortify democracy at the grassroots level.
Point of View
I recognize the significance of Odisha's initiative to hold special Gram Sabhas in PESA areas. This event not only fosters grassroots democracy but also emphasizes the importance of tribal participation in governance. It highlights Odisha's commitment to empowering its tribal communities and preserving their cultural heritage, which is essential for the country’s democratic fabric.
NationPress
11 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the special Gram Sabhas?
The special Gram Sabhas aim to strengthen grassroots democracy and encourage participation from tribal communities in Odisha.
When will the Gram Sabhas be held?
The Gram Sabhas will take place on December 24, coinciding with the National PESA Mahotsav.
Who is organizing the National PESA Mahotsav?
The National PESA Mahotsav is being jointly organized by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
