GRAM SABHA AND PARTICIPATION OF TRIBAL COMMUNITIES: A POLITICAL ANALYSIS OF JHARBANDH BLOCK, BARGARH DISTRICT IN ODISHA

Abstract

Participation of tribal people is unavoidable to safeguard development and advancement of the
vicinity-community, infrastructure and environment. The goals enshrined in the law of the
constitution that the land can be fruitful only when better participation is ensured among the
community. Tribal as such yet to realize the social justice because various factors. Since long
Tribal’s are remained far away from the mainstream society in spite of various programmes
meant for their development. People participation of in decision making process for development
it is power of people. 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act 1992 was effect of tribal participation
in Gram Sabha. In history of tribal they are not given much opportunity to rule the society. As
per democratic decentralization tribal are identified to take part in the grass root level through
Panchayat Raj. The Provision of Panchayats (Extension Scheduled Areas) Act 1996 is a
necessary provision at tribal areas to empower the people with the traditional Gram Sabha the
micro rural governance system to manage, regulate and control its own resources. This paper
examines the level of participation of tribal people in Gram Sabha activities and people
awareness about creating awareness sustainable Gram Sabha for their better participation. The
tribal’s since ages they were living within their environment and any disputes, disagreement was
decided and settled by themselves. The PESA Act stabilized and solidified the institution of the
Gram Sabha.