When was the Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act passed by Indian Parliament?

1. A

   1998

   (a) 1998. This option claims the Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas Act was passed in 1998. However, this is two years after the actual enactment and does not match the historical record of the legislation.

2. B

   1996

   (b) 1996. This option claims the Parliament passed the Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act in 1996. The Bhuria Committee recommendations led directly to the enactment of this legislation on 24 December 1996 to extend Part IX of the Constitution to scheduled areas. This is the correct historical year of passage.

3. C

   1995

   (c) 1995. This option states the Act was passed in 1995, which predates the final legislative consensus and the actual year of enactment. Therefore, this option is incorrect.

4. D

   1993

   (d) 1993. This option claims the law was passed in 1993, which is the year the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act came into force. PESA was enacted later specifically to address scheduled tribal areas.

Summary. Official key is (b) 1996. The Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act, popularly known as PESA, was enacted by the Indian Parliament in December 1996. Aspirants often confuse the 1992-1993 rollout of the 73rd Amendment with the specific 1996 enactment date of PESA. The Bhuria Committee submitted its report in 1995, paving the way for the law in the subsequent year. Therefore, option (b) is the correct choice, being the only one that cites the exact historical enactment year.