<h1>Jharkhand approves PESA rules to empower gram sabhas in scheduled areas, strengthening tribal control over land and resources.</h1> Approval of rules under the Panchayat Extension of Scheduled Areas (PESA) Act empowers gram sabhas in scheduled areas to take independent decisions over land, water, forests and cultural practices, applying to a substantial portion of the state's districts, villages and panchayats to strengthen tribal self-governance and protect customary resource rights.