The Provisions of the Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA) is crucial for empowering tribal communities in Scheduled V areas by giving them rights over land, resources, and self-governance. However, Jharkhand and Odisha are the only states yet to implement it. Recently, the Jharkhand government finalized the rules to enforce PESA after years of delay, but this has sparked fresh debate. Tribal rights activists are accusing the government of diluting the essence of the law by introducing rules that allegedly undermine the autonomy of gram sabhas. Critics claim that the rules favor bureaucratic control over tribal self-governance, which contradicts PESA's core principle of decentralization. Activists argue that provisions related to resource management and decision-making powers have been weakened. On the other hand, the government defends the rules, stating they are aimed at promoting development and protecting tribal interests. This controversy raises concerns over preserving tribal rights in the face of administrative overreach.