On 5th and 6th March2026, a two-day Capacity Building Workshop of the Gram Sabha Federation was successfully held at Vairagad, Block Armori, District Gadchiroli. Mr. Dilip Gode, Mr. Amit Kalaskar, Mr. Arun Srivastava, and Mr. Narayan Salame were present as resource persons and provided valuable guidance during the workshop.
During the workshop, detailed guidance was provided on developing understanding and a positive mindset among Gram Sabha members to initiate Minor Forest Produce (MFP)-based enterprises, the role and responsibilities of the Gram Sabha Federation, the process of preparing proposals for revolving funds, and ensuring transparency in operations. Participants were also guided on the scientific methods of bamboo cultivation, management, and harvesting, as well as on community forest management practices and strengthening Gram Sabhas by building their capacities in sustainable harvesting, value addition, and marketing of forest produce.
The participating Gram Sabha representatives actively engaged in group discussions, experience sharing, and action plan preparation activities, which encouraged practical learning and collective participation. As a result of the workshop, Gram Sabhas gained greater clarity and confidence in promoting Minor Forest Produce–based enterprises, financial management, community forest management, and collective decision-making processes.
Meanwhile, the State Government has recently taken two important policy decisions to strengthen Gram Sabhas. These include empowering Gram Sabhas to effectively implement the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) and granting Gram Sabhas the authority to issue Transportation Permits (TP) for Minor Forest Produce. These decisions will significantly strengthen the role of Gram Sabhas in managing forest resources and promoting sustainable livelihoods for local communities.
Mr. Dilip Gode has played a very significant role in continuously following up on the process of these government decisions and facilitating their implementation at the government level. In recognition of his dedicated efforts in strengthening Gram Sabhas and promoting community-based forest management, he was felicitated by the Gram Sabha Federation with a shawl and a Shriphal.