India, Jan. 12 -- Jharkhand has implemented the PESA law 25 years after statehood, promising greater self-governance for tribal communities

The move has triggered debate over the powers of the Gram Sabha, customary law and administrative control

Tribal leaders and activists welcome the law but warn the new rules may dilute rights rather than strengthen autonomy

After 25 years of statehood, Jharkhand has finally implemented rules under the Panchayat (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, or PESA, a law that claims to give tribal communities greater control over governance in Fifth Schedule Areas.

The move has reignited debate at constitutional, political and social levels over the authority of the Gram Sabha, the role of the administratio...