Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has announced that special Gram Sabhas will be organised today across all Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA) areas in the state on the occasion of the National PESA Mahotsav. In a video message shared on the social media handle of CMO, Mr Majhi extended warm greetings to the tribal communities of the Scheduled Areas in Odisha on the occasion of the National PESA Mahotsav, to be jointly organised by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.

In his message, Chief Minister said that PESA, which came into force on December 24, 1996, has played a crucial role in strengthening grassroots democracy in tribal regions. Mohan Charan Majhi noted that Odisha is a leading state in the country in conducting Panchayat elections in accordance with the provisions of the PESA Act, ensuring greater participation of tribal communities in democratic processes.