Bhubaneswar: Governor Dr Hari Babu Kambhampati here on Friday expressed displeasure over inordinate delay by the Odisha government in framing of rules to the Panchayat (Extension to Scheduled Areas) (PESA) Act, 1996, and hoped that it be done soon.
“After I assumed charge (on January 3, 2025), I had reviewed the PESA Act and came to know that the rules to the Act had not been notified yet. I don’t know why it has taken so much time,” the Governor said, replying to a question during a media interaction programme organised at Raj Bhavan. “I am made to understand that draft rules have been framed. Hopefully it will be notified soon.”
Though the state government, after dithering for long, notified the draft rules inviting suggestions/ objections from different stakeholders in November 2023, it has still not put in place the final rules. In September 2024, state Panchayati Raj Minister Rabi Naik had told the assembly that it would be notified soon.
The Governor had earlier shown his concern over the issue. In May 2025 he had even advised the state government to set up a task force to oversee effective implementation of important laws and expedite the process for framing of rules to the PESA Act. The rules provide the procedural specifics to implement the Act.
Notably, the Governor enjoys significant executive and legislative powers under the Fifth Schedule of the Indian Constitution with regard to the scheduled areas.
Regarding allegations of violations to PESA Act during conduct of gram sabhas seeking consent for land acquisition/ mining for various industrial and infrastructure projects, Dr Kambhampati said: “Whenever Raj Bhavan receives any complaint from scheduled areas we advise the district administration to provide alternatives to those affected.”
Dr Kambhampati, who is also the chancellor of universities, further informed that efforts are being made to post full-time vice chancellors (VCs) with two to three months in 13 state public universities, which currently have in-charges VCs. He also said the government will also fill up vacant faculty positions in the varsities.
He also exuded confidence that Odisha would achieve the ‘Vikshit Odisha’ goals by 2036 as it is endowed with maximum mineral resources and is financially healthy. Huge infrastructure and industrial investments are lined up in the state and those greatly improve connectivity and opportunities for the people, he added.
