Odisha governor voices concern over PESA Delay, recommends high-level task force
By Sukant Mohanty
Bhubaneswar, May 3: Odisha Governor Dr Hari Babu Kambhampati has expressed serious concern over the prolonged delay in framing rules for the effective implementation of the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA) in the state. He urged the state government to constitute a high-level task force to accelerate the process and ensure the proper execution of key legislations impacting tribal communities.
The Governor on Friday made the recommendation while chairing a comprehensive review meeting of the ST and SC development, minorities and backward classes welfare department.
Highlighting the involvement of multiple departments in the implementation of PESA and the Forest Rights Act (FRA), the Governor proposed that a dedicated task force, headed by the Chief Minister, could significantly improve inter-departmental coordination, facilitate joint planning, and resolve persistent administrative challenges.
Reiterating his concern over the delay, the Governor instructed officials to expedite the formulation of the PESA rules without further delay. He further emphasised the constitutional mandate of holding meetings of the Tribal Advisory Council at least twice a year, underscoring its importance in safeguarding the interests of tribal communities.
Stressing the need for efficient financial management, Dr Kambhampati advocated for ambitious fund utilisation targets. “If we aim for 120 per cent utilisation, achieving at least 100 per cent becomes a realistic goal,” he remarked.
Drawing attention to infrastructural gaps in tribal-dominated areas, the governor highlighted the logistical challenges in deploying equipment for mobile connectivity and called for focused, region-specific development initiatives.
In a bid to better gauge the situation at the grassroots level, he announced plans to directly interact with project administrators to review progress and understand the obstacles confronting tribal development projects.
