In which year was the Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA act) passed in India?

Correct option is A

The Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA) was passed in India on December 24, 1996. 

The PESA Act was enacted to: 

• Establish a Panchayati Raj System in the Fifth Schedule Areas of the Constitution of India
• Enable tribal self-rule in the scheduled areas
• Safeguard and preserve the traditions, customs, and cultural identity of the people
• Preserve community resources
• Preserve the customary mode of dispute resolution

The PESA Act extended the provisions of Part IX of the Constitution to the scheduled areas, subject to certain modifications and exceptions.