Bhubaneswar, March 9 -- Members of the Opposition Congress on Monday demanded the immediate implementation of the PESA Act in Odisha, stating that it is crucial for safeguarding the rights of tribal communities.
Raising the issue during the Zero Hour in the Odisha Assembly, Congress Legislature Party leader Ramachandra Kadam said the state government had earlier assured the House that the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 would be implemented.
However, despite the announcement made two years ago by the Chief Minister and the concerned minister, no concrete steps have been taken so far, he alleged.
Kadam claimed that tribal communities have rightful ownership over forests, water resources and minerals in their areas.
He...