The two-day Leadership Development Workshop on “Organization, Participation and Empowerment,” held on 12–13 March 2026 at Hotel Tustya Inn, Godda, Jharkhand, was organized by PAIRVI to strengthen leadership capacities and democratic participation among the Paharia community, a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG). The workshop brought together youth leaders, women participants, traditional leaders, Panchayati Raj representatives, and civil society members from regions such as Pakur, Littipara, and Sundarpahari. In the inaugural session speakers highlighted the deep-rooted marginalization of the Paharia community and emphasized the need for building grassroots leadership and enhancing participation in governance structures. The first day focused on leadership, organization, and Panchayati Raj Institutions, with experts stressing the importance of collective action and community-led empowerment.
The workshop was facilitated by designated Master Trainers from the Panchayati Raj Department, Jharkhand, including Prabhat Kumar Singh and Krishna Jee, who served as the main resource persons. Through participatory methods and interactive tools, they explained the structure and functioning of Panchayati Raj Institutions, the role of Gram Sabhas, and practical aspects of decentralized governance. The sessions also covered key legal frameworks such as the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA) and Jharkhand PESA Rules, 2025, highlighting the enhanced powers of Gram Sabhas in tribal areas, including resource management and decision-making authority. Overall, the workshop created a strong platform for learning, dialogue, and reflection, significantly enhancing participants’ understanding of governance systems and their own role within them. It reinforced the importance of organization, participation, and leadership in ensuring inclusive development. Participants expressed greater confidence in engaging with Gram Sabhas and Panchayat institutions, and the workshop concluded with a clear call for sustained capacity-building, stronger community institutions, and continued efforts to enable the Paharia community to assert their rights and actively shape their development journey.