Sonam Targey Reaffirms Commitment to Tribal Empowerment at PESA Training Programmes in Himachal Pradesh.
Shimla:
Himachal Pradesh Tribal Advisory Council (TAC) Member and National Level Master Trainer on the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA), 1996, Sonam Targey, has expressed his gratitude for being associated with a series of two-day capacity-building programmes on the implementation of the PESA Act, 1996, organized for elected Panchayat Samiti Members from the tribal districts of Bharmour Block (Chamba) and Kinnaur.
The training programmes were conducted on July 28–29, 2026, at the Panchayati Raj Training Institute (PRTI), Baijnath, Kangra, and on July 31–August 1, 2026, at Mashobra, Shimla. The programmes were organized by the Department of Panchayati Raj, Government of Himachal Pradesh, in collaboration with the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Government of India.
Sonam Targey said the programmes provided an excellent platform for deliberations on the effective implementation of the PESA Act, the Forest Rights Act (FRA), and other constitutional provisions applicable to the Scheduled Areas. He noted that meaningful discussions were held on strengthening self-governance in tribal regions, safeguarding community rights over natural resources, and ensuring greater participation of Gram Sabhas in local governance.
Highlighting the significance of practical learning, Targey appreciated the presentation of successful case studies, particularly the experience of Gram Panchayat Kaza in Spiti, which demonstrated effective grassroots governance and community-led decision-making under the framework of PESA. He said such examples would inspire elected representatives from other tribal regions to adopt best practices for strengthening democratic institutions at the village level.
Expressing his appreciation, Targey said it was a privilege to interact with elected representatives from tribal areas and contribute to the programme as a National Level Master Trainer on PESA. He observed that the exchange of ideas and experiences among participants reaffirmed the collective commitment to strengthening grassroots democracy and empowering tribal communities through effective implementation of constitutional safeguards.
He also conveyed his sincere gratitude to the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Government of India, the Department of Panchayati Raj and Rural Development, Government of Himachal Pradesh, and the faculty of the State Institute of Rural Development (SIRD), Shimla, for successfully organizing the training programmes and for their continued efforts toward capacity building of elected representatives in Scheduled Areas.
Targey emphasized that protecting the constitutional and legal rights of Scheduled Tribes must remain a national priority. He reiterated that the Constitution of India has incorporated special provisions under the Fifth Schedule to safeguard the interests of Scheduled Tribes, particularly in matters relating to governance, land rights, and protection from the diversion and alienation of tribal land. He underlined the need for strict implementation of these constitutional safeguards to preserve the socio-cultural identity and traditional rights of tribal communities.
Concluding his remarks, Sonam Targey called for sustained collaboration among governments, institutions, and local self-governments to ensure that the objectives of the PESA Act and other protective legislations translate into tangible benefits for tribal communities.
