Sampark feels that by strengthening gram panchayats and gram sabhas, developmental processes in the village may be intensified. But because of prevailing ignorance about importance of panchayats and processes involved, panchayats are not able to function in a desired manner.

The organisation is continuously making efforts to make the people aware of powers of panchayats and their functioning. It has started its awareness programmes at two levels: One, information about panchayat system is being given to al the members of gram sabha and activities organised for building capacity of elected representatives. This intervention is being carried out in 26 villages of 15 panchayats. Special emphasis is being paid to capacity building and leadership development of women representatives.

Issue of women leadership and gender equity has been kept in focus through participation of women in panchayat processes. Apart from this, attention is being paid on development of political and administrative capacity of women.

A network of women panchayat representatives has been set up in the area and this network works in participation with Lok Jagriti Manch. Several workshops have been organised and a congregation of women panchayat representatives is being organised every year.

Women panchayat representatives have been taken on education tour to different parts of the country to develop their understanding on the issue of women leadership. Village level meetings of women representatives are organised every week and attention is paid on obstacles in their functioning.

Local Self Governance for Livelihood

Under the new panchayati raj system, responsibility of development and governance at local level has been given to elected panchayats. For any development, livelihood development is the first condition. Keeping this in mind, a programme is being run in 22 villages of Rama block of Jhabua district to provide livelihood options through local self-governance (Madhya Pradesh Rural Livelihood Project).

Under this, attempts are being made to provide means of livelihood like goat rearing, bullocks for agriculture, grocery shop, kavelu trading, distribution of improved seeds, flour unit, etc., to the people through gram sabha. In addition, facilities like toilets for women, platform for washing clothes, distribution of cleanliness kits, smokeless chulhas, delivery kits, etc., are also being made available through Gram Sabha. Water conservation structures have been constructed and pastures developed.

All these interventions have been carried out through gram sabhas. An attempt has been made that people may put panchayats to use for their development.