Wed Dec 24 16:00:49 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the text, focusing on the main points:

News Article:

PESA Mahotsav Highlights Tribal Rights, Effective Implementation Urged

Visakhapatnam, India – December 24, 2025 – The Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas (PESA) Mahotsav concluded today with a strong call for the effective implementation of the PESA Act of 1996 to protect tribal rights over vital resources. The two-day event, observed annually on December 24th, brought together Panchayat representatives, athletes, artists, and cultural performers from tribal communities across all ten PESA states.

Union Minister of State for Panchayati Raj S. P. Singh Baghel, addressing participants via video message, emphasized the constitutional backing the PESA Act provides for tribal rights related to water, forests, land, and natural resources. He highlighted the Ministry’s initiatives, including structured training programs for elected officials in PESA areas and the documentation of best practices for replication. The Mahotsav aimed to connect tribal youth, promote leadership, and celebrate tribal culture.

Vivek Bharadwaj, Secretary of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, underscored the importance of the PESA Act in strengthening grassroots governance and protecting resources in Scheduled Areas. He announced that Jharkhand has approved draft PESA Rules, bringing it closer to becoming the ninth PESA state to notify the rules.

Shashi Bhushan Kumar, Principal Secretary of Panchayat Raj and Rural Development for Andhra Pradesh, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to empowering citizens through Panchayati Raj Institutions, particularly in PESA districts.

During the event, several initiatives were launched, including the PESA Portal, PESA Indicators, training modules in tribal languages, and an e-book on Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh. The valedictory session included awards for sports events, and the PESA Mahotsav baton was passed to Chhattisgarh, the next host state.

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