The Government enacted the Panchayat Extension to Scheduled Areas (PESA) Act in 1996. Which one of the following is not identified as its objective?

The correct answer is C) To create autonomous regions in tribal areas. The PESA Act, 1996, aims to empower Panchayats at the appropriate level, especially in Scheduled Areas, to enable them to function as institutions of self-governance. It does not aim to create fully autonomous regions. A) To provide self-governance: This is a core objective of PESA. It aims to promote self-rule through Gram Sabhas and Panchayats. B) To recognize traditional rights: PESA explicitly recognizes and protects the traditional rights of tribal communities, including their customary laws and practices. D) To free tribal people from exploitation: By empowering tribal communities and giving them control over their resources, PESA aims to reduce exploitation and promote their socio-economic development. PESA focuses on strengthening existing governance structures within the framework of the Constitution, rather than creating separate autonomous entities. The Act is about devolution of powers *to* Panchayats, not creating separate regions *from* the existing state structure.