"The extension act gives special powers to the Gram Sabha in the scheduled areas, which is different from the powers given to the Gram Sabha in normal areas. For example, the state act on Panchayats in Madhya Pradesh provides that a non–elected tribal member of Gram Sabha shall chair the meeting of Gram Sabha. Powers given to the Panchayats vis-à-vis governance in scheduled area include:
ð Power to manage natural resources
ð Power to conserve and protect customs and traditions
ð Power to manage community resources
ð Power to resolve dispute through customary method
ð Control over the business related to money lending
ð Control and management of Non-timber Forest Produce "