Introduction
The empowerment of India’s tribal communities has reached a landmark milestone with the official release of the PESA State Rankings 2024-25 or PESA Ratings . Announced in January 2026, these ratings provide a comprehensive look at how effectively the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act of 1996 is being implemented across the country. As we move toward the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, these rankings serve as a proven roadmap for ensuring that the “last mile” of democracy—the Gram Sabhas in Scheduled Areas—are truly self-reliant and legally protected.
What are the PESA Ratings 2025?
PESA (Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas) is often called a “Constitution within the Constitution.” The PESA Ratings 2025 are the first objective, evidence-based metrics released by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj to measure State performance across 10 key domains. These indicators assess how well states have aligned their local laws with the central PESA Act to protect tribal land, water, and forest resources.
The 2025 Leaderboard: Top Performing States
The recent rankings have revealed a breakthrough in rural governance. Here is how the states performed:
- 1st Rank: Maharashtra – Crowned as the top performer for its robust legal framework and digital tracking of Gram Sabha decisions.
- 2nd Rank: Madhya Pradesh – A close second, recognized for its “PESA Mitra” initiative and grassroots training.
- 3rd Rank: Himachal Pradesh – Awarded for excellence in implementing PESA in mountainous tribal terrains like Kinnaur.
Other states like Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana were categorized as “Front Runners,” while Jharkhand recently made headlines by notifying its official PESA Rules in late 2025, joining the nine other states with active frameworks.
The 10 Indicators of Excellence
To understand why these ratings are essential, we must look at the 100-point indicator framework used by the Ministry:
- Legal Alignment: Whether State Acts match PESA provisions (12 Marks).
- Rule Notification: Status of notified State PESA Rules (10 Marks).
- Gram Sabha Authority: Power over land acquisition and restoration.
- Natural Resource Management: Control over minor forest produce and minerals.
- Financial Devolution: Direct fund flow to PESA Gram Sabhas.
- Social Audit: Community-led monitoring of development works.
- Dispute Resolution: Recognition of traditional tribal justice systems.
- Digital Governance: Use of the PESA-GPDP Portal for planning.
- Capacity Building: Training for tribal leaders in local languages.
- Institutional Support: Establishment of dedicated PESA Cells.
Social Impact: Reclaiming Tribal Rights
The PESA Ratings address a major social issue: the historical alienation of tribal communities from their ancestral lands. By incentivizing states to strengthen Gram Sabhas, the scheme ensures:
- Economic Self-Reliance: Communities now manage local markets and minor minerals, keeping the revenue within the village.
- Cultural Preservation: Traditional customs and religious practices are legally protected from bureaucratic interference.
- Inclusion: At least 50% of seats and 100% of Chairperson posts in these areas are reserved for Scheduled Tribes, empowering local leadership.
Innovations in 2026: Digital PESA
The 2026 update introduced PANCHAM, an AI-powered chatbot developed with UNICEF, to help Panchayat leaders navigate complex PESA laws. Additionally, the SabhaSaar tool is now being used to automate Gram Sabha minutes, ensuring verified transparency in every village-level decision.
Conclusion: A Secure Path Forward
The PESA Ratings 2025 are a life-changing tool for tribal governance. By creating a competitive spirit among states, the government is ensuring that tribal rights are no longer just on paper but are actively practiced in every hamlet. Whether you are a student of social issues or a policy enthusiast, following these ratings is critical to understanding the future of Indian democracy.
What do you think about the progress of tribal rights in your state? Let us know in the comments below!
For More details log on to: https://panchayat.gov.in/en/pesa/
For more government schemes and initiatives: Govt. Schemes for UPSC; #MODIGovt3.0
