Rajesh Dongre chosen as Maharashtra's master trainer for state-level PESA Act training

Rajesh Sukhdeo Dongre has been selected from Maharashtra for the state-level training programme for master trainers on the PESA Act. He has 20 years of experience in rural development. Since 2014, he has also spread awareness about the PESA Act and conducted training on it in Gadchiroli and Chandrapur districts. He has been selected in view of this work. His selection has brought happiness among rural development workers and those working for proper implementation of the PESA Act.

The selection, based on his long experience in rural development, his understanding of the PESA Act and his awareness work, is being seen as a recognition of Dongre's work. Colleagues in the rural development sector, experienced trainers, administrative officers and acquaintances are congratulating him.

According to a notice from the PESA and Panchayati Raj division of the Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj, the training is being held for the financial year 2026-27. The Andhra Pradesh State Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (APSIRD&PR) in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, has been made the main training institution. The training will take place from October 28 to 29, 2026. It will offer guidance on various aspects of minor forest produce under the PESA Act.

Each state concerned has been instructed to select five qualified and experienced participants. The Maharashtra government's Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department has also approved the nomination of experienced trainers for the state-level training. Dongre was selected under this process.

Since 2014, Dongre has made people aware of the PESA Act in tribal-majority districts such as Gadchiroli and Chandrapur. He has tried to take knowledge of the law to gram sabhas, local self-government institutions and villagers through training. Through training, he has sought to raise awareness on several subjects, including the rights of gram sabhas in Scheduled Areas, the role of local self-government institutions, implementation of the PESA Act and the development of tribal society.

Dongre is the founding president of Parivartan Gramin Vikas Bahuuddeshiya Sanstha. The organisation is based in Gojoli Makta, Gondpipri tehsil, Chandrapur district. For the past 20 years, he has been giving training on different aspects of rural development. He has studied social, educational and development-related questions in villages and has stressed capacity building at the local level. Drawing on his experience, he has also given guidance on subjects such as information on rural development schemes, the working of local self-government institutions and increasing people's participation in village development.

Alongside training, Dongre has also raised questions of rural areas through journalism. He used his pen to draw the administration's attention to villagers' problems, obstacles in development work and people's questions. His direct experience in rural development and the understanding of social questions gained from journalism are both important parts of his work.

Knowledge of the law alone is not enough to implement the PESA Act effectively. Field experience, an understanding of local conditions and the ability to train others are also needed. Dongre's work in rural development over many years and his contribution to PESA awareness were important in his selection. The state-level training in Vijayawada will offer an opportunity to gain more information and training on minor forest produce, implementation of the PESA Act and the development process in Scheduled Areas.