**Executive Summary**
The PESA Mahotsav, a two-day event (23-24 December 2025), began in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, with a PESA Run to celebrate the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA). The event includes tribal sports, cultural activities, grassroots engagements, technical sessions, and valedictory sessions on December 24. The goal of the event is to empower Gram Sabhas and strengthen grassroots democracy in Scheduled Areas.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **PESA Mahotsav Commencement:**
* The two-day PESA Mahotsav started on December 23, 2025, in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
* It celebrates the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA).
* **PESA Run:**
* The event began with a PESA Run along Ramakrishna (R.K.) Beach.
* It had enthusiastic participation from people of all age groups, especially tribal youth.
* The run was flagged off by Arjuna Awardee Jyothi Surekha Vennam, along with senior officials.
* **Inauguration and Activities:**
* The PESA Mahotsav was formally inaugurated by Smt. Mukta Shekhar and other officials.
* A series of activities were organized, including exhibition stalls with tribal handicrafts and local cuisines.
* Competitive events in Kabaddi and Archery were conducted.
* **Gram Sabhas:**
* Gram Sabhas were conducted in ten PESA Gram Panchayats under Alluri Sitharama Raju District.
* Discussions included strengthening Gram Sabhas, prevention of land alienation, ownership of minor forest produce, control over minor minerals, management of community resources and minor water bodies, control over intoxicants and money lending, and preservation of customs, traditions and cultural identity.
* **Additional Events:**
* The event will continue tomorrow with technical sessions, landmark initiatives, cultural events, and a prize distribution ceremony.
**Impact Analysis**
**Stakeholder: Tribal Communities in Scheduled Areas**
* **Impact:** The Mahotsav aims to empower Gram Sabhas and safeguard their rights, community resources, and cultural identity.
* **Action Required:** Active participation in events and discussions to contribute to the strengthening of PESA and its implementation.
**Stakeholder: Government Officials (Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Andhra Pradesh Government)**
* **Impact:** Responsible for organizing, managing, and overseeing the successful execution of the PESA Mahotsav.
* **Action Required:** Continue implementing the planned activities, monitor progress, and ensure effective communication and coordination.
Key Entities Referenced
Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA): A law extending the provisions of Part IX of the Constitution to Scheduled Areas with certain modifications.
PESA Mahotsav: A celebration centered on PESA, aimed at promoting awareness and cultural engagement.
Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh: The location where the PESA Mahotsav was held.
Ministry of Panchayati Raj: The ministry responsible for overseeing the implementation of PESA and associated programs.
Gram Sabhas: Village assemblies in Scheduled Areas that are empowered by PESA to manage resources and safeguard rights.
Ministry of Panchayati Raj
PESA Mahotsav begins in Visakhapatnam with
energetic PESA Run and day-long tribal sports,
cultural and grassroots engagements
प्रव तथ: 23 DEC 2025 4:47PM by PIB Hyderabad
Visakhapatnam, 23rd December 2025
The two-day PESA Mahotsav (23–24 December 2025) commenced today in Visakhapatnam, Andhra
Pradesh, with the PESA Run along the iconic Ramakrishna (R.K.) Beach, marking a vibrant start to the
celebrations around the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA).
The early-morning PESA Run witnessed enthusiastic participation from people across all age groups,
especially the tribal youth. The run was flagged off by Arjuna Awardee and renowned Indian archer Ms.
Jyothi Surekha Vennam in the presence of Smt. Mukta Shekhar, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati
Raj; Shri Mutyalaraju Revu, Commissioner, APSIRD≺ Shri V. R. Krishna Teja Mylavarapu,
Commissioner & Director (Panchayat Raj & Rural Development); Dr. M. Sudhakar Rao, Additional
Commissioner (PR); and other senior officials, who also addressed the participants. The speakers
highlighted the spirit of PESA and its role in empowering Gram Sabhas and safeguarding the rights,
community resources and cultural identity of tribal communities in Scheduled Areas.Following the PESA Run, the PESA Mahotsav was formally inaugurated by Smt. Mukta Shekhar, Joint
Secretary, MoPR, Dr. Bijaya Kumar Behera, Economic Adviser, MoPR and Shri V. R. Krishna Teja
Mylavarapu, Commissioner & Director (Panchayat Raj & Rural Development), Government of Andhra
Pradesh, and a series of activities were organised throughout the day. Exhibition stalls, including a Craft
Bazaar and Food Festival, showcased tribal handicrafts and local cuisines. Competitive events in Kabaddi
and Archery were conducted, with Kabaddi semi-final matches held during the day and archery
competitions progressing through qualifying, elimination and medal rounds.The 2nd half of the 1st day event featured vibrant Tribal Demo Games by teams from several PESA States,
presenting traditional indigenous games such as Cholo, Yedu Penkulata, Gedi Doud, Rasa Kashi, Uppanna
Barelu, Pithool, Sikor, Mallakhamba and Chakki Khel, reflecting the rich sporting heritage of tribal
communities.
In parallel, Gram Sabhas were conducted in ten PESA Gram Panchayats under Alluri Sitharama Raju
District with discussions on thematic areas, including strengthening of Gram Sabhas, prevention of land
alienation, ownership of minor forest produce, control over minor minerals, management of community
resources and minor water bodies, control over intoxicants and money lending, and preservation of
customs, traditions and cultural identity.The PESA Mahotsav continues tomorrow with technical sessions, launch of landmark initiatives, cultural
events, prize distribution ceremony and valedictory sessions to mark the celebrations of PESA Day,
reinforcing the message of participatory governance and strengthening grassroots democracy in Scheduled
Areas.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/live/X6EGU9lBmmg?si=UZYMQZaYaXU114nt
Facebook: https://fb.watch/E9QNp8k3Pm/
Twitter: https://x.com/mopr_goi/status/2003320353259733118?s=20
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GSK/YUP
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