Centre To Host Two-day PESA Mahotsav In Visakhapatnam

Visakhapatnam: The ministry of panchayati raj would hold a two-day PESA Mahotsav here on December 23-24 to mark the enactment of the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996.

Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan is expected to attend the event.

The festival, titled "Utsav Lok Sanskriti Ka," showcases the nation’s tribal heritage through traditional sports, cultural performances and indigenous cuisine.

Principal secretary Shashi Bhushan would deliver the inaugural address and SP Singh Bagel, Union minister of state for Panchayati Raj a special address.

The festival would celebrate tribal diversity through traditional sports competitions, including Chakki Khel, Uppanna Barelu, Cholo and Puli Meka, Mallakhamba, Pithool, Gedi Doud, and Sikor.

Additional attractions are state-wise cultural performances, tribal demonstration games, a craft bazaar and a food festival.

The mahotsav would witness the launch of the PESA Portal. Additionally, PESA indicators will be introduced as assessment tools to evaluate the status of implementation in different states.

Training modules on PESA in tribal languages will be released. An e-book on the Kinnaur district will also be unveiled, documenting the Himachal Pradesh region's traditional knowledge, culture and heritage.

As part of the celebrations, special Gram Sabhas will be organised in PESA Gram Panchayats across Andhra Pradesh.

The primary venue for the mahotsav would be the Visakhapatnam Port Authority Campus, with activities spread across multiple locations in the city, including Ramakrishna beach, the indoor stadium, the cricket stadium and the Kalavani auditorium.