The Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA) empowers tribal communities in India through several key provisions:

1. Autonomy: Grants local self-governments in Scheduled Areas the authority to make decisions on regional development and welfare issues, promoting self-governance.

2. Traditional Rights: Recognizes and respects the customs and traditional practices of tribal communities, allowing them to manage their resources and resolve disputes according to their customs.

3. Resource Control: Ensures that local bodies control natural resources like land and forests, enhancing local management and sustainable use.

4. Development Planning: Empower Gram Panchayats, Panchayat Samitis, and Zila Parishads to participate in the planning and implementation of development projects, ensuring that these initiatives align with local needs and priorities.

5. Consultation: Mandates that the state government consults local bodies on matters affecting their areas, reinforcing their role in decision-making processes.

These provisions collectively enhance the governance and autonomy of tribal areas, ensuring that development is more inclusive and aligned with local traditions.