Implementing PESA in Jharkhand – From Perspectives to Action December 2026 Batch

Jharkhand government’s notification of PESA rules on the 2 January 2026, marks a new beginning for the adivasis of Jharkhand towards its self-governance. This rule recognises the traditional Gram Sabha as the self-governing institution and provides ample scope for the Gram Sabha to act as a responsible local governance unit to ensure optimal use of local resources like minor minerals, minor forest produce, managing local markets along with preventing unauthorised money lending and production of intoxicating materials and thus exploitation of the adivasi people. Rendering these responsibilities systematically by Gram Sabha can ensure tangible benefits into the lives and livelihoods for the people. Being a State where 50 percent Gram Panchayats along with Blocks and Districts of Jharkhand come under PESA area the relevance and significance of the rule become extremely important.

Fortunately, Jharkhand has a significant CSO presence in PESA areas, and they already have been working for the development of that area through various thematic means. Hence developing an understanding of the PESA Act and the corresponding rules will be extremely beneficial for them to design their interventions accordingly. This will not only build synergy between the efforts of CSOs and Gram Sabha but also make the process more robust and sustainable. The rule being new in the State this is the opportune time for the CSOs to equip themselves to facilitate Gram Sabhas to reap its maximum benefits.

What does the course offer?

The course will help the participants to develop a detailed and nuanced understanding of the various provisions articulated in the rule and its implications for a Gram Sabha to render their responsibilities. The course will have a significant focus to understand the operational framework of various provisions like managing minor minerals, minor forest produces, etc., by Gram Sabhas. The participants will learn various good practices of PESA while listening directly from promoting organisation or Gram Pradhan of the respective Gram Sabha. To develop perspective around PESA, the course will also deal with the historical background behind the genesis of PESA while linking it with the Adivasi world view. 

Structure of the course 

The course will be in the face-to-face mode.  The whole course has been divided into four aspects where participants will learn about the historicity of the act, various provisions of the rule, familiarisation with good practices and the ways to implement it in the ground. Participatory based interactive methods will be adopted to ensure learning.

Who should attend? 

People who have 5 – 6 years of experience in grassroot development and have been working in the domain of PESA along with the themes like Health, Education, Livelihoods, Welfare & Entitlements, etc. All the participants will be from CSOs having operations in Jharkhand. The participants should be comfortable in conversation in Hindi. Working knowledge of English will be an added advantage.

Eligibility and selection 

All applicants are expected to represent their organization. A minimum of two participants from each organisation should participate. All applicants must possess a working knowledge of Hindi and English. Applicants will be shortlisted based on their applications and telephonic interviews. The selected candidates will be informed about the payment process. The decision of the evaluation committee will be final. 

Pedagogy 

• The course will be transacted in Hindi. It shall utilise published texts, videos and class presentations followed by interactive classroom sessions to explore the issues that will be discussed.
• The course will be conducted in person.
• Course materials will be available in Hindi and English.

Course faculty 

The course will be facilitated by Ashok Kumar Sircar, Rajan Singh, Gurjeet Singh, Sujit Kumar, Debmalya Nandi and Sukanta Sarkar – the faculty members of the Azim Premji University and a pool of resource persons from around the country.

Certificate of participation 

The participants will be awarded a Certificate of Participation after successfully attending all the days and submitting assignments. 

Contact us

For any questions, please write to us at: localdemocracy.​development@​apu.​edu.​in