3.3. PESA and Gram Sabha

The act exclusively empowers Gram Sabha to

♤ safeguard and preserve the

a. traditions and customs of the people, and their cultural identity

b. community resources

c. customary mode of dispute resolution

♤ carry out executive functions to

a. approve plans, programmes and projects for social and economic development;

b. identify persons as beneficiaries under the poverty alleviation and other programmes

c. issue a certificate of utilisation of funds by the Panchayat for the plans; programmes and projects.

PESA Empowers Gram Sabha/Panchayat at appropriate level with:

♤ right to mandatory consultation in land acquisition, resettlement and rehabilitation of displaced persons

♤ panchayat at an appropriate level is entrusted with planning and management of minor water bodies

♤ mandatory recommendations by Gram Sabha or Panchayat at appropriate level for prospective licenses/lease for mines and concession for the exploitation of minor minerals

♤ regulate sale/consumption of intoxicants

♤ ownership of minor forest produce

♤ prevent land alienation and restore alienated land

♤ manage village markets

♤ control over money lending to STs

♤ control over institutions and functionaries in social sector, local plans including Tribal sub plans and resources .