SWARAJ Forum was initiated in November 1996 by Peaceful Society and like-minded groups and individuals to work towards a Society based on Gandhian principles. The manifestation of globalisation and fundamentalisation led to emergence of such formation.

The formation phase of SWARAJ is from December 1996 to June 1997. A three-day consultation on growing fundamentalism and the adverse impact of globalisation was organised by Peaceful Society and INSAF (a social action group based in Mumbai) in November 1996. The aim was to bring solidarity and provide a common platform for like- minded individuals, voluntary organisations, social action groups and people’s movements who have deep convictions in Gandhian philosophy. 22 Gandhian groups from the states of Bihar, Orissa, Maharashtra, Kerala, Goa, Andhra Pradesh, and Gujarat took part in the consultation. The consultation finally culminated in the birth of a new process of bringing Gandhian forces together in the name of Swaraj with the sole aim to explore and evolve new alternatives to the challenges faced by the country.

The word Swaraj is a sacred word, a vedic word, meaning self-restraint and self-rule and freedom from all restraints.

The national consultation urged the holding of similar processes in Bihar, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Kerala, Maharashtra, Orissa, and Tamil Nadu. During the 2-½ year period (from November 1996 to mid-1999) seven state chapters of Swaraj were formed. After a process of dialogue, discussions and orientation, 223 voluntary organisations, people’s movements and social action groups became associates of Swaraj in seven states, which included in them NGOs, social action groups, voluntary organisations and peoples’ movements. Peaceful Society conceived this process as its national programme.

Following issues surfaced from the various consultations, which were organised during the formation phase;

SOCIAL

1.       Caste conflicts

2.       Child Labour

3.       Communalism.

4.       Deterioration of moral values.

5.       Exploitation in tribal belt

6.       Fundamentalism (religious)

7.       Grabbing of land belonging to tribal.

8.       People’s rights over Land, Water & forest resources

9.       Problems of Nomad tribes and their rehabilitation and legal rights,

10.   Problems related to fisher folk

11.   Prostitution

12.   Protection and rehabilitation of sex workers.

13.   Shelter

14.   Social justice and human rights

15.   Social relations are completely at halt in the Sone region.

16.   Socio-economic and health problems of migrated men labourers

17.   Violence

18.   Widespread violence and dehumanisation.

GENDER & WOMEN

19.   Communal riots affected children and widows.

20.   Divorced women (mostly in Muslim community)

21.   Gender inequalities

22.   Killing of girl child

23.   Lack of sanitation especially for women

24.   Socio-economic problems of women

ECONOMICAL

25.   Destruction of cottage industries

26.   Destruction of traditional agricultural practices

27.   Deteriorating condition of weavers (most of them are Muslim)

28.   Heavy debt of the banks on marginal farmers,

29.   Lack of adequate wages

30.   Mass poverty and starvation

31.   Migration of labour plight to urban

32.   Poverty.

33.   Unemployment

AGRICULTURAL

34.   Indigenous seeds

35.   Lack of irrigation

36.   Poor farming and problem of livelihood.

EDUCATIONAL

37.   Illiteracy especially among the women

38.   Lack of educational facility

HEALTH

39.   Alcoholism and addictions

40.   Collapse of public health care system

41.   Health problems

42.   Infanticides

43.   Infertility

44.   Mal- nutrition

45.   New diseases such as black fever

CULTURAL

46.   Cultural and resource crisis because of promotion of tourism.

47.   Loss of traditional practices and livelihood.

LOCAL SELF GOVERNANCE

48.   Non-implementation of Land Reform Act

49.   Non-implementation of the Panchayat Raj Act.

50.   Panchayat Raj

51.   Political instability.

52.   Tribal Self Government

ANTI – PEOPLE DEVELOPMENTAL PROGRAMME

53.   Big dams and its impact on environment

54.   Damning of rivers.

55.   Destruction of Gir forest for tourism.

56.   Displacement

57.   Floods

58.   Rise in river’s bed,

59.   Rise of desert areas

ENVIRONMENTAL

60.   Deforestation

61.   Deforestation due to increase in the consumption of forest product

62.   Depletion of biodiversity and lives stock

63.   Destruction of common land – grazing land.

64.   Destruction of horticulture

65.   Destruction of natural forest.

66.   Destruction of vegetation

67.   Destruction water management

68.   Drought

69.   Drought prone area increasing

70.   Drying up of water resources.

71.   In discriminatory mining even in so-called protected areas such as wild life sanctuary.

72.   Increase in poisonous grass

73.   Landslides and soil erosion.

74.   Mining

75.   Non-timber forest produce

76.   Polluted and contaminated drinking water

77.   Pollution,

78.   Population of Mahadeo tribes is decreasing at alarming rate.

79.   River pollution

80.   Rivers pollution due to industrialization and rampant development.

81.   Starvation

82.   Widespread pollution due to industrialization

GLOBAL & ECONOMIC FORCES

83.   Conversion of agricultural land to cater the demands of urbanisation and industrialization.

84.      Destroyed hills due to urbanisation and new developmental projects such as Konkan Rly etc.,

85.   Grabbing land by big companies, especially of common lands.

86.   Grabbing Land specially belonging to tribal and poor communities by the private companies, multinationals, NRIs.

87.   Market economy affecting life style and rural economy.

88.   World Bank and its policy

89.   Globalisation and its impacts in rural economy

90.   Multinational Companies and their trade network

91.   Promotion of tourism under new economic policy.

92.   Salt issue – banning sale of traditional salt and imposition of iodised salt.

93.   Village & Cottage industries are affected due to Globalisation

STRATEGIC FOCUS

The training on PSP process and the actual implementation of PSP at the village/ community level took more than two years. It is an ongoing process. The structure Swaraj and the vision, mission, role, strategy and programme (VMRSP) were evolved based on the outcome of the PSP. The states and the consortiums developed their VMRSP after compiling and consolidating the PSP outcomes from their regions. The data on PSP from various state units were collected and copiled. The national Strategic plan (NSP) was evolved out of the state and campaigns. Thus the entire process has been a truly participatory and bottom up approach.  Four main strategic thrust areas common to all the regions emerged during the first national workshop (July 1999). Programmes and activities are planned by the states keeping the local context in view.

–        Work towards establishing self- rule (gram swaraj) to re-establish the rights of adivasis, dalits, women and other marginalized sections of the community on common property resources; sustainable development through gram sabha.

–        Bring in social transformation by striving for gender equality, restoring cultural heritage and working against fundamentalism, alcoholism.

–         Support and strengthen people’s movements (sangthan) to face the challenges of new economic policy, World Bank, IMF, WTO, TNCs etc.

–        Capacity building of fellows, facilitators and associates of Swaraj.

Within a short period of 30 – 32 months, Swaraj has been able to carve an identity and create impacts. The present internal evaluation focuses on the achievements, concerns and future strategies.

DEVELOPMENT CONTEXT

Participatory Strategic Planning (PSP)

BACKGROUND

Soon after its inception, Swaraj was in need of an alternative process, which could help in an effective realisation of peoples’ aspirations through self-rule. It was also felt that grassroots organisations and the communities should become aware of the linkages between the policies laws etc. formulated at the international, national, state level and their impact on the lives of the community at the local level (macro and micro contexts). Swaraj forum was in need of a process that would be inclusive and ensure collective, co-operative and participatory efforts in decision-making processes, in planning, monitoring and formulation of the action programmes to achieve the objectives.

In the wake of the above situation, Dr. Badal Sen Gupta a noted social scientist and South Asia consultant to EED gave an introduction to Participatory Strategic Planning (PSP) that had characteristics which could ensure peoples’ participation and their empowerment too.

PSP is a capacity building process, both at the organisational level and the community level for peoples’ empowerment. Swaraj decided to adopt PSP both at organisational level and peoples’ level. PSP has now become a part and parcel of Swaraj’s endeavour. A series of programmes on PSP between August 1997 to July 1999 at the national level, the state levels, organisational levels and the actual implementation of PSP at village/community levels has enabled Swaraj to evolve common vision and mission and chalk out a strategic plan for Swaraj.

A total of 1624 villages were covered under the concept of Swaraj and Participatory Strategic Planning (PSP). The documentation of PSP process was also completed and approved in the state conventions of Swaraj in five states. This process has identified some strategic thrusts and programmes to be undertaken with specific strategies and methodology emerging from the process. It has been successful in setting-up networks onPanchayati Raj (village self-governance) and strengthening of people’s movement in river valleys/basins, through the establishment of Indian Rivers Network.

These were compiled at the national level by the state coordinators and other important activists. The following are the thrust areas in order of priority based on the PSP.

Ø      Advocacy – human rights, environment protection

Ø      Capacitation

Ø      Gender equality and empowerment

Ø      Solving unemployment (in the context of Globalisation)

Ø      Literacy

HIGHLIGHTS AND IMPACT

It is quite evident that PSP has been an enabling process at all levels and has had a major impact on the work culture of Swaraj. All of them were appreciative and spoke highly about the process. Within the Swaraj team, many have had exposure to other participatory processes such as PRA but they felt that PSP was a unique process that has relevance both at the personal and organisational level. The following are some of the remarks/ statements made by fellows and associates based on their experience with the process.

–        PSP has brought in lot of clarity and has helped in planning and addressing issues in any field be it relief or development work.

–        It enables all concerned in in-depth and critical analysis of issues. Helps in identifying the root cause of any issue or problem.

–        It helps in determining and redefining values.

–        ‘We have used the PSP process to rework on our vision and mission. It is now more oriented to the present development context and people- centric’ remarked a state coordinator referring to his own organisation.

–        It has helped in building a strong bond between the community and Swaraj.

–        It is an ongoing and continuous process.  It is easily adaptable to the local/ rural situation. ‘We use the popular local media such as songs, plays, theatre to explain the process’. Most of us have also translated and prepared PSP document in our own language.

–        It is an empowering tool. People in the villages have been able to identify issues, prioritise them, and plan interventions and strategies.

–        ‘It is a very flexible approach and has enabled us to identify emerging issues/ challenges and include them in our planning process. In Jharkhand for instance ethnic conflict (among various adivasi sects) was unheard of till recently. However, this has emerged as a serious issue in recent times. We have incorporated this as one of our thrust areas’.

–        It is an inclusive process and is particularly suited for the voices of the most oppressed to emerge; be it dalits, adivasis or women.

–        In this process, women have readily come forward and participated. It provides space for women.

–        It gives power to the people in planning, monitoring and decision-making.

–        It is an ideal tool for self-analysis.

–        It is a holistic approach, helps in reflecting on the past, understand the present and plan for future.

–        Helps in reducing ‘gaps’ and provides scope for the community and organisation to work together.

–        Provides clarity on individual’s role.

–        ‘PSP is the backbone of Swaraj’.

–        PSP fits in perfectly with the value based Gandhian ideology of Swaraj.

ISSUES

There were a few who felt that at times some of the complicated jargon was difficult to translate and adapt to local situation and dialect. They felt that some of these need to be simplified. While a large number of women and men from the community have been trained as facilitators in the process, due to paucity of funds refresher courses have not taken place as expected. The implementation of actual PSP in many villages and follow up is yet to happen. These are areas of concern that need immediate attention.

People Empowerment & Sustainable Development (PE & SD) Phase:

The 23 months long and rigorous PS phase provided common documents to work unitedly. The mandate of the document was for 10 years. The PSP created a beginning for the formation of a forum and ‘workology’ (working relation in between organisational structure, vision and people) from bottom to top and vice versa. An inspiring emergence was witnessed at district level consultations, consortiums and state level conferences and also at national conference organised at Gram Vikas, Berhampur. A sun of change was seen rising. The fragrance of hope for better / humane society was smelled there. The culture of participation and partnership was at rise. The PSP phase build the basis for possible and desirable change in the society and therefore defined the role of the change actors.

The PE & SD phase-I, which is also known as post PSP phase I begin with enthusiasm at one side and suffocation about role and partnership at the other side. It seems that neither the executor of PSP process or its introducer were clear about overall emergence and their role thereafter. This resulted into suffocation about better role to reap the better yield. The insufficient funds for post PSP phase and lack of ability to forecast about such insufficiency had adverse effect on post PSP performance. The Forum’s dependence   on one organisation and one person resulted in squeezing the possibility of post PSP harvesting. Nevertheless, the leadership from top to bottom did not bow down before sudden severe insufficiency of funds and faced the post PSP scenario with right spirit. They showed tremendous courage to carry the mandate of Berhampur conference.

The first phase of PE & SD project from November 1999 to October 2003 not only succeeded in maintaining its existence in 7 states, but also developed visible roots in 340 villages through fellowship programme. Ms. Hemalata Subramanyam who was entrusted by the EED / EZE and Peaceful Society to evaluate, found following progress;

q       EED has been supporting the Swaraj initiative since its inception. Besides extending financial support, the most noteworthy contribution of EED has been the introduction of Participatory Strategic Planning (PSP) through its former Head of Consultancy Desk, Dr. Badal Sen Gupta.

q       A short-term project proposal was submitted to EED (EZE), Bonn in December 1996 to strengthen the newly born Swaraj initiative. During the second phase July 1997- October 1999, the PSP process was introduced at various levels. Phase III proposal was submitted as ‘People’s Empowerment and Sustainable Development’ (PE&SD) project to EED, based on the outcome of the PSP processes. The proposal began from 1^st Nov. 1999 for 3 years.

q        The training on PSP process and the actual implementation of PSP at the village/ community level took more than two years. It is an ongoing process. The structure of Swaraj and the vision, mission, role, strategy and programme (VMRSP) were evolved based on the outcome of the PSP. The states and the consortiums developed their VMRSP after compiling and consolidating the PSP outcomes from their regions. The national Strategic plan (NSP) was evolved out of the state and campaigns. The entire process has been a truly participatory and bottom up approach.

q       The constituency of Swaraj includes eight states (Goa in a small way) and eight campaigns including the Western India Forum for Panchayat Raj (WIFPR) and the various consortiums under the Indian River Network (IRN). The work is spread over 17 districts and covers a population of about 10 million.

q       All the members who work in Swaraj are referred to as Fellows or Karyakartas.   A total of 72 fellows are associated with Swaraj programmes at the national, states and various campaigns.

q       Although Swaraj has as yet no stated policy on gender, the gender profile of the fellows reveals the presence of a large number of women. At present there are 32 women fellows (44%). At the community level, Swaraj has already ensured 50% representation of women in various committees and at the level of volunteers in most places. However, the recruitment and retention of women is a challenge.

q       Women’s involvement and participation is quite high in the programmes. The members of the SHG groups that have been promoted in almost all the Swaraj villages are articulate and are proactive in addressing village issues. Many SHGs are actively campaigning against alcoholism, taking action against teachers who are irregular, motivating parents to send their children to school etc. In many places they are also active members of forest protection committees. Many of them are also taking part in PRIs and some of them have even become panchayat members. Women have become more mobile and visit banks, district government offices on their own. At many places, besides savings, small income generation programmes have been initiated.

q       In the river basins, the community has developed a sense of ownership on the rivers, natural resources etc. The need to conserve and protect natural resources- be it water, forests has motivated them to come together and form people’s movements.

q       The contribution from the community in the form of time, labour, food, money etc. in all Swaraj activities and programmes is a strong indicator of the trust and faith in the concept of Swaraj. The contribution from the community averages at around 60% and in many village level programmes 100%.

q       A unique feature of Swaraj is the thrust given to promote volunteers at the community level. Besides on male and one female volunteer at the village level, the various committee members are also volunteers.

q       Swaraj has established an identity in the community and partners within this short period. The networking strategy has helped in bringing together a large number of NGOs, social action groups, and people’s movements on a common platform to address issues.

q       Swaraj has promoted a culture that is humane, non-hierarchical and equitous. It has provided opportunities for women as well as for people from all religions, castes and communities to be part of the process. This is reflected both within the organisation and in the villages.

q       The constituency of Swaraj is quite large and requires substantial resources (both human and financial). Swaraj is working under tremendous resource crunch. The number of fellows is grossly inadequate to meet the programme needs. This has major implications for the future.

THE PE & SD PHASE II:

PE & SD Phase II was an extension of first phase. The EED did exhibit participatory culture while processing and finalising the proposal for this II phase. They not only agreed about the insufficiency of funds allotted for earlier phase I, but enhanced the funds for phase II and showed readiness to develop a consortium of supporting organisations in Europe so that needed resources could be channelised. Besides the enhancement of funds, the head of South & Middle Asia Desk and its head of monitoring dept. spent 3 days with the main team of SWARAJ and executive committee of Peaceful Society.

The phase II started on Nov. 1^st, 2002 as continuation of earlier phase for 3 years. It began with selection of fellows, their 10 days training and training of state and consortium level coordinators. Old and new fellow continued their work in respective 5 villages and strengthening various structures of SWARAJ in their area. The capacity building programme (CBP), which was neither part of formal project of, phase-I or II was also taken up again with the sole view to enhance the ideological and analytical base of its constituents. However, continuation of CBP becomes a financial suffocation due to which it was not multiplied at various level.

DAMODAR CONSORTIUM

Damodar is one of the major rivers in the State of Jharkhand. The Damodar Valley Corporation is one of the largest and oldest thermal power stations in the country had lead to large-scale displacement of the local population affecting their livelihoods. A number of coal mining units, thermal power plants, cement and tin factories located on the riverside release the effluents into the river thereby causing massive pollution and contaminating the water bodies. This has had an adverse effect on the drinking water sources and the health of the communities living in the vicinity of the river basin.

The problems faced by the local communities of the Damodar river basin were undertaken as part of the PSP process of Swaraj. After due analysis of the problems, certain core issues were identified and accordingly activities were framed. Damodar Bachao Abhiyan (Save Damodar Campaign) was launched to create awareness and plan interventions. The objective of the programme is to save Damodar river from industrial pollution and to prevent destitution of local people owing to deforestation, mining and industrial expansion and displacement caused by dam.

The operational area of the consortium covers 15 villages in the districts of Bokaro and Kodarma. Three fellows are associated with the consortium (2 working on Damodar and 1 as part of IRN- Jharkhand). The core issues identified are

SJ-Jharkhand activists and local people taking an oath to save the Damodar River from pollution during Damodar Mela held in Jharkhand.

Ø      Displacement

Ø      Pollution

Ø      Non availability of safe drinking water

Ø      Deforestation

Ø      Health issues

Ø      Alcoholism

Ø      Migration

Ø      Illiteracy and child labour

Ø      Women’s issues

STRATEGIC THRUST

1.       Establishment of Self-Rule for control over natural resources like Jal, Jungle, Jamin for sustainable development;

2.       Campaign for economic literacy and alternative education model;

3.       Understanding Human Rights;

4.       Encourage Gender Equality;

5.       Campaign against Addiction;

6.       Struggle against communalism and

7.       Struggle against Casteism.

AREA OF OPERATION

DISTRICTS	FELLOWS	GRAM PANCHAYAT	VILLAGES UNDER FIVE-VILLAGE CONCEPT	CONTACT VILLAGE	TOTAL VILLAGES
2	2	7	10	15	25

 

INTERVENTIONS IMPACT AND ISSUES

–        Increased awareness and interest among the local community with regard to Save Damodar campaign.

–        Mounting pressure on the state government to address the issue of pollution affecting the area.

–        The first thermal power unit of Damodar valley corporation forced to shut down due to alarming increase in pollution levels.

–        Increased awareness among the community about government programmes/ schemes and taking initiatives to visit block and district offices to seek information.

–        Increase in women’s participation; initiatives to acquire leadership qualities.

–        8 women SHGs and 2 men SHGs are formed.

–        Forest protection committees constituted in 6 villages.

–        People more conscious of protecting trees and forests; decrease in felling of trees.

–        Community based education committees in 5 villages.

–        Village committees formed in 8 villages; equal participation of women and men in the committees.

–        There is a gradual increase in the enrolment and attendance of children in schools; teachers attending schools more regularly.

–        Construction of a high school in Bagda village.

–        Renovation of a middle school premises with community support.

–        Increased awareness and participation of women, dalits and other backward communities in the panchayat elections.

–        Increased opportunities for like-minded organisations to come together on a common platform and address issues.

–        Alcoholism is a growing concern in the region.

–        Influence of local party politics disrupts the process.

–        Caste and ethnic conflicts on the rise.

KOSHI CONSORTIUM

Save Koshi Padyatra: The Activists and people of Koshi starting 126 KM long Padayatra.

The Koshi River, a tributary of the Ganga, emerges from the Central Himalayas, and after a turbulent fall from the heights of the mighty mountain ranges through Nepal, continues its turbulence before meeting the Ganga in the Terai and plains.

Many a gigantic projects on the Koshi in the last century have failed to control the river, which changes its course often depending on the shift of the natural drainages. In their wake these projects have failed to control floods. Nor have they provided better irrigation facilities and produced more energy for the people the valleys of this and other tributaries of the Ganga. Additionally the bunds erected on either sides of the river have done anything but distribute the floodwaters in more and more areas. These have only managed to enhance the wetlands and destroy crops of the poor peasantry living in its valley and within the bund area.

The situation seemed to be worsening and in 1993, a total of 192 NGOs, POs and individuals got together and formed the Koshi Consortium. In 1996, the seeds of Swaraj Forum were sown here and the Consortium was among the first to join the Forum when it was formally formed in 1997.

The Consortium then took up the Participatory Strategic Planning process in the villages that its activists worked in collaboration with 50 like-minded organisations, in 226 villages. This was undertaken between November 1999 and October 2002 in these villages, which fell in eight districts  – Saharsa, Supoul, Madhepura, Araria, Purnia, Katihar, Madhubani and Naugachhiya (Bhagalpur).

The PSP approach has helped both the consortium members and the village communities to analyse the issues facing the region and take collective action to find solutions. The Koshi consortium convener feels that ‘PSP has not only brought more clarity on the issues due to in-depth analysis but more importantly it has helped women to be actively associated with the struggle. One can also find a gradual change in men’s attitude towards women’. A total of 226 villages were part of the PSP process. About 697 people have been trained in the PSP methodology in the region. While intensive work of the consortium is in 8 districts there has been a lot of awareness and interest in the remaining three districts also. There are six fellows (3 men and 3 women) in the consortium working intensively in 30 villages. Besides these 30 villages, another 37 villages in the neighbourhood are also motivated and take active part in the programme.

 

Five Fellows took up the responsibility and finished the work, which enabled the Koshi Consortium to carry out its post PSP activities.

 

STRATEGIC THRUST

1.   Restoration of Basic and primary education;

2.   Right to work and equal wages;

3.   People’s Empowerment and self reliance;

4.   Protection and Conservation of Natural Resources for environmental balance;

5.   Protection of Cultural Heritage and

6.   Gender equality with focus on women’s participation in decision making at every level.

 

AREA OF OPERATION

 

DISTRICTS		FELLOWS	VILLAGES		TOTAL
INTENSIVE WORK	CONTACTS		INTENSIVE WORK	CONTACT
6	2	3	30	37	67

 

Interventions, Impact and Issues

–        Gram samiti in 67 villages, zilla samitis are formed in all the 8 districts and there is a kendriya samiti.

–        Equal opportunity and space given to women and men in all the programmes and samitis.

–        As part of IRN, there is a broad based people’s movement being built against construction of large dams.

–        Coordinated efforts and support at all levels among the three consortiums in the State i.e. Koshi, Gandak and Ganga.

–        People in the 67 villages are organised and grassroots advocacy work is well established in the region.

–        Anti liquor campaign being taken up actively by women.

–        50 women SHGs formed.

–        Wall writing, padyatras, rallies organised regularly to highlight issues.

–        Nursery raising and tree plantation taken up extensively to check soil erosion. So far 1500 trees have been planted.

–        The village communities in three villages run three schools and one basic education school.

–        100 meters road laid by villagers of Babuan through shramdan.

–        Periodical publication of posters, pamphlets etc. highlighting the issues of the region.

–        Regular contribution to the SJ- Bihar newsletter Swaraj patra.

–        Participation in government programmes like pulse polio.

–        Periodical training programmes organised for fellows, volunteers and various samiti members on PSP and other relevant topics.

–        Panchayats and gram sabhas are the focal areas for development. Awareness building on the rights and responsibilities of the gram sabha, educating the people on electing the right candidates in panchayat elections, motivating women to contest elections etc.

–        Self- analysis is taken up annually with the active involvement and participation of all stakeholders- villagers, fellows, representatives of organisations etc.

–        There is a need to identify, establish contact and network with similar groups in Nepal.

GANGA CONSORTIUM

Swaraj National Convenor Mr. Kumar Kalanand Mani deliberating his views in 4th annual convention of Ganga Consortium in Bihar.

Ganga Consortium working for environmental balance and retention of natural resources in hands of the village community through the gram sabha is active in Bhagalpur and Banka Districts of Bihar on the banks of the river. Till the end of the II-phase, the issues in the Ganga region were being addressed through programmes within the framework of Swaraj Bihar. But taking into consideration the nature of the work and the activeness of the colleagues there, it was decided to give it an independent status. Therefore, in the III-phase the Ganga region was recognised as a separate programme area. Provisions were made for additional fellows to work in this area. The Ganga Consortium was formally constituted in January 2000.

The PSP process was carried out in the Ganga region as part of the Bihar state unit. It was undertaken in 160 villages located in 17 clusters. 11 organisations, institutions and fellows assisted in the PSP process. However, many of the organisations and individuals actively involved with the issues in the region since its inception left the consortium for various reasons.  Therefore the entire process in the region had to be reactivated. Village and cluster committees had to be strengthened and reconstituted in some places. It was decided to hold regular meetings and workshops at the cluster and village level and evolve working plans based on the VMRSP.

At present 6 fellows are working in the consortium. The work is confined to 7 clusters. Out of the total 60 villages being covered in the region, intensive work is carried out in 30 villages of the fellows and the remaining 30 are contact villages. Besides the problems faced by the community in the region due to floods, displacement, and environmental degradation other relevant issues such as lack of education, poor health and sickness, rights and provisions under the new panchayat rule, gender equality and women’s empowerment are being taken up.

From the PSP processes, the following Strategic Thrusts were derived: –

STRATEGIC THRUSTS

1.   Campaign to oppose the New Economic Policy and the pressures in this regard by the World Bank, International Monetary Fund and Multi-National Agencies;

2.   Empowering the people for Self-Rule;

3.   Strengthening the capabilities of women, adivasis, dalits and minorities to enable to grasp and implement self-processes;

4.   Empowering women to attain gender equality;

5.   Communal harmony and

6.   Re-establishing rich cultural traditions

 

AREA OF OPERATION

DISTRICTS	CLUSTERS	FELLOWS	VILLAGES	CONTACT VILLAGES	TOTAL
2	5	5	25	35	60

 

INTERVENTIONS, IMPACT AND ISSUES

–    60 SHGs formed.

–    Gram samiti constituted in 60 villages.

–    Vriksha Mitra Samitis formed to protect the existing trees and plant new ones. More than 4000 fruit bearing and fuel wood trees have been planted.

–    Nursery raising taken up in collaboration with the forest department.

–    The fellows with the active participation of youth groups, SHG members, village panchayats and school students have taken up a campaign to eliminate mosquitoes and flies – machchhar makkhi maro abhiyan. This has increased awareness levels and improved the general hygiene in the villages.

–    Periodical training and workshops organised for women on various issues such as the aim and purpose of forming SHGs, accounts keeping, rights of women, government schemes/ programmes for women etc.

–    Capacitation programme for fellows, cluster level and village committee members etc.

–    300 tussar producing farmers are trained in silk production and organised.

–    Awareness on PRIs increased due to regular meetings and workshops.

–    Due to organised efforts by the local community the local NTPC unit now treats effluents before releasing them in to the river. This has reduced water pollution to an extent.

GANDAK CONSORTIUM

Shramdan

Gandak is one of the major rivers of North Bihar, which originates in Nepal and traverses through parts of North Bihar and Uttar Pradesh before merging into the Ganges. Another river called Budhi Gandak also flows in this region and floods about 8.21 hectares of land annually. Floods are common during monsoons every year and the Gandak and Budhi Gandak cause extensive damage in more than 8 districts in the region. In terms of disaster and damage caused due to floods, Gandak ranks third after Ganga and Koshi.

The Gandak consortium was constituted in the year 1997. A group of activists, institutions, people’s organisations and individuals who were inspired by the efforts of the Koshi consortium and Swaraj came together and decided to address the issues in the Gandak region. The work of the consortium extends to six districts in the region.  The formation of the consortium bringing together various stakeholders and organising of workshops, meetings and discussions brought forth a number of issues. But the group was still struggling to find a structure and framework in which to take the process and movement forward.

The PSP process gave a sense of direction and enabled the consortium to strategise issues and evolve the vision and mission. After intensive training of the fellows and representatives from various organisations, the process was taken to 142 villages. These villages were selected based on the number of dalit and other backward communities, lack of any development programs or schemes and the population (between 500-1000). Village committees were constituted and two volunteers (one male and one female) were selected from each village. The village volunteers and fellows together conducted the PSP in which 427 people from 6 districts participated.  During this process the issues relating to social, political, cultural, environment and financial aspects were discussed. After an in depth analysis, strategic issues and thrust areas were identified.  The VMRSP was also formulated during this process. The Gandak consortium structure form the village, district to the central level with the formation of committees at various levels was finalised.

There are 8 fellows associated with the consortium and they work in 40 villages intensively spread across 6 districts. Another 102 villages are also in contact with the consortium and the process.

STRATEGIC THRUST

1.   Restoration of basic and primary education,

2.   Right to work and equal wages,

3.   People’s empowerment and self reliance,

4.   Protection and Conservation of natural resources for environmental balance,

5.   Protection of cultural heritage and

6.   Gender Equality with focus on women’s participation in decision making at every level

 

AREA OF OPERATION

DISTRICT	FELLOWS	CONTEXT VILLAGES	CONTACT VILLAGES	TOTAL
4	4	20	122	142

 

INTERVENTIONS, IMPACT AND ISSUES

–        40 women SHGs have been formed.

–        The villagers raise nurseries and sapling of various species locally. Over 2000 trees have been planted so far.

–        Consortium structure well established and functioning at Gram, Zilla and Kendriya levels.   Gram samitis are constituted in all the 142 villages (40 + 102 contact villages).

–        Women representation 50% in all the samitis.

–        In all the 142 villages, efforts are in progress to form Gram Koshs to inculcate habit of small savings among villagers. Grain banks are also being revived in most places.

–        5 Swaraj Adhyayan Kendra (study centres) set up.

–        Significant local contribution in all programmes.

–        Gram sabhas are being revived. 5 already reconstituted.

–        Wages of women has increased in one village due to concerted efforts by the villagers.

–        School buildings are being renovated through shramdan and contributions from the community. So far, 5 school buildings have been renovated.

–        The attendance of teachers and students has increased in most schools.

–        Organic and bio farming practices introduced among farmers through workshops and meetings.

–        PRIs are strengthened through regular meetings, discussions and providing information.

–        Training programmes organised for newly elected panchayat members.

–        Women and dalits are encouraged to take an active role in PRIs.

–        Creating and strengthening grassroots advocacy and pressure groups to address issues and force the state administration to take positive action.

–        Networking with other like-minded institutions, organisations and individuals for wider impact.

–        Pockets of the operational area are naxalite infested. This creates problems as the naxalites are averse to mobilising and organising by other agencies as it is perceived as a threat to their influence and hold.

–        Subtle and indirect efforts by vested interest in the community to fragment the people’s movement.

–        Limited resources (financial and human) hinder expansion and creating impact on a large scale.

Bihar is the worst flood affected state in the entire country. According to a state government report, 37% of the total geographical area of the state is flood prone. North Bihar is especially vulnerable to floods with as much as 76% of the region coming under the influence of floods. This phenomenon has aggravated largely due to building of large dams, barrages, canals etc. on the rivers without giving due consideration to the natural flow of the river and ecology. The lopsided development policies and poor planning has contributed to large scale destruction and damage to the lives of the people living in the vicinity of these rivers adversely affecting their livelihoods and surroundings.  The three major rivers Ganga, Koshi and Gandak together are the major source of devastation and destruction caused due to floods every year.  Swaraj has initiated three consortiums in the state (Ganga Koshi and Gandak) to organise and strengthen people’s movements and create pressure on the government to address issues in the region.

 

GENDER AND WOMEN’S DEVELOPMENT

Swaraj since its inception has strived towards equal participation and representation of women at all levels. However, it became evident that in practice this was more difficult and women did not come forward and participate as much as expected. Women face many constraints due to tradition and culture. Like most parts of the country, many areas where Swaraj is active, are highly conservative and male dominated societies. Women’s domain has been largely restricted to the domestic sphere.

The Nar Nari Samata Samiti – a Gender Sensitisation Cell came into existence after the first National Convention of the Swaraj Forum held at Mauda in Behrampur District of Orissa in 1999.

The decision to set up the Samiti followed the adoption of the philosophy by Swaraj Forum that women should have equal opportunities in the Swaraj Fellowship and as a first step and equal representation to women in Swaraj Committees and Activities.

The kind of work that Swaraj is engaged in (movement based work), it is even more difficult for women to participate actively. The attitude and mindsets of women as much as men needs to be changed so that they can play an active role in the entire process. This is a time-consuming process requiring a great deal of effort to evoke interest and build confidence of the women. To a certain extent the PSP process has provided opportunities for women to share and express their ideas on various issues affecting them, their families and the community. Separate PSP programmes for women have also been organised so that they can contribute to the process.

STRATEGIC THRUST

To enhance and strengthen the women leadership through Fellowship programme and to give equal representation to women in Swaraj Committees and Activities.

 

 

OPERATIONAL AREA

 

 

STATE                 : Kerala, Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Goa.

CAMPAIGN        : Koshi, Gandak, Ganga, Damodar and Periyar.

PROGRAMME   : Panchayati Raj, IRN & National Promotion and NNSS.

 

NAR NARI SAMATA SAMITI – A forum for equality of men and women

The Nar Nari Samata Samiti (NNSS) was constituted as a national forum with the aim to bring in more number of women at all levels- villages to the national level. It was also felt that the capacities and skills of these women should be strengthened so that they can play an active role. The first meeting of the samiti was held in December 1999. Although the samiti was supposed to cover all the state units of Swaraj, due to practical constraints such as language, coordination, geographical spread etc. it is now more active as a regional forum covering the states of Bihar, Jharkhand and Orissa. NNSS had a setback when one of the fellows from Bihar who was very active in the forum had to leave because of family pressure.

Interestingly, to start with it was an all women’s forum (women fellows). However, it was decided to include men and by September 2001 the committee was reconstituted. At present the committee has 10 members- 2 women fellows each from the state of Bihar, Jharkhand and Orissa, state coordinators of the three states and the regional coordinator. NNSS has a small budget and although the states have the freedom to make available funds for programmes of NNSS, in practice this has not been easy as the state budgets are meagre and is barely sufficient to carry out existing programmes. The following are the programmes taken up by the NNSS so far.

INITIATIVES

–        A three-day gender workshop in the three regions (East, west and south) covering all the 7 states was taken up. However, only women fellows and committee members participated in the programme.

–        A one-day national convention as a follow up to the three regional workshops was organised at the end of January, 2001in Kerala.

–        A four days gender workshop for women and men (fellows) from the states of Bihar, Jharkhand and Orissa organised this year.

–        A similar programme was taken up for the fellows of Gujarat and Maharashtra.

–        Although there is no stated gender policy in Swaraj, there has been a conscious decision to involve and provide equal opportunities for women from the beginning.

–        It is important to change men’s attitude. Men should share household chores so that women have the time to participate in other outside activities.

–        To empower women, ‘men have to be less men. Instead of equality, it should be a more practical and flexible approach. There has to be a pro-women attitude’.

–        Men have to be included in gender training programmes.

A women participants presenting group work during NNSS workshop.

–        Women’s groups are necessary to nurture and build solidarity among women.

–        The structure of most organisations is male oriented. The structure has to be more feminine to make it a more humane organisation that provides space for both women and men. This applies to Swaraj too.

–        The long and irregular working hours and travel are some of the issues that come in the way of women’s induction.

–        Many competent women fellows have left after marriage.

–        We have not interacted with the families of the women fellows while recruiting them. Interacting and discussing the programme with them may encourage more women to come forward.

–        The attitude of some of the male colleagues in Swaraj has also been one of the reasons for the women leaving. We have not done enough to see that women do not leave.

–        Many women are also not too keen to leave their homes and participate in the public sphere.

–        There is more expectation from women colleagues and they are often overburdened with responsibilities.

–        Many women had come forward during the PSP process. But when it came to selection of fellows, women were marginalized.

–        Women are vulnerable and there is a feeling of insecurity both among women and men when women are around.

–        In a state like Kerala that boasts of high women literacy levels and employment, we have no women representatives at the state and national level.

–        Although in most of the state, district and village committees in the state units and consortiums women’s representation is 50%, they face many constraints both at the personal and organisational level. This is quite understandable because of the backgrounds these women come from and it is a long drawn process and involves changing the mindsets and attitudes of women and men. Even so, within this short period there are many encouraging signs and small beginnings made. Ms Tara Kranti, one of the district committee members from the state of Jharkhand shared her experience. ‘I come from a small village and a traditional background. It was during the PSP process that I first came out of the house. I enjoyed the process but I was not very confident. Initially my husband used to accompany me to the meetings. Many people made fun of us but the coordinator Mr. Ghanshyam was very understanding and he never opposed my husband’s presence. He gave me time and space to grow and learn. Today, I am confident, my husband does not accompany me anymore. I attend and participate actively in all the meetings; I am also very active in my own village-helping other women to gain confidence. I have visited Kerala, Goa and Bihar. My family has been supportive, both my husband and mother-in-law support me completely; the fellows in Swaraj have helped me to realise my potential’.

–        At the community level, achieving gender equality requires more time because of the cultural and traditional practices prevalent in the society. Strategies and interventions have to be carefully planned.

–        In the 5 cluster villages of Swaraj, women and men have to be identified and trained on gender. They in turn can take the process forward in the community.

–        Binni while recounting her own experience says ‘after joining Swaraj I am able to express my views without fear or hesitation. I have had opportunities to learn and grow and my colleagues (both men and women) support and encourage me. I am able to plan, manage and take decisions on my own. Till last year, I was sharing responsibility of coordinating the state unit along with a male colleague of mine. I have become more confident now.’

–        NNSS has provided a window of opportunity for both women and men to understand gender issues. The initial workshop has provided a certain amount of conceptual clarity on gender to fellows in Swaraj. However, more gender training programmes have to be designed and organised at various levels.

–        It is important for Nar Nari Samata Samiti to cover all the states. There has been request from Kerala and Maharashtra to take up gender trainings.

–        The resource persons on gender within Swaraj should undergo further training on gender to gain deeper insights on concept, techniques etc.

Swaraj is a forum of like-minded institutions and people who have deep convictions in the Gandhian ideology and approach. It is a people’s organisation with an aim to empower the local communities. The culture within Swaraj is in many ways humane, equitous and non-hierarchical.

As stated earlier, the structure and the vision, mission of Swaraj has been evolved with the participation and inputs from the communities. The following is the vision and mission of Swaraj.

OVERALL OBJECTIVE

}     To organise people for self-rule. So that they can take authentic decisions on socio-economic issues effecting their life and existence,

}     To re-establish community’s right on natural resources, particularly, on land, water and forest,

}     To ensure people’s access to means of productions for secure livelihood on sustainable basis and

}     To activate Gram Sabha (Village Assembly) for taking decisions on all matter related to community development.

 

VISION

In the given situation of growing fundamentalism, economic imperialism and increasing trend of cultural and environmental degradation we wish to intervene and stop to further detonation and the other hand, we aspire for a society, which will be based on Gandhian ideology and certain humanitarian values. For the restoration of peace and communal harmony, and harmony with the nature.

Economically, people will be self reliant on the basic needs and amenities for a happy and comfortable living.

People will be free from the clutches of debt, exploitation and alcoholism.

Politically, people will be self-ruled. There will be decentralisation of power and resources. And, there will be democratic system, structure and policies. There will be real participation in decision-making process by both men and women.

The people will feel proud of and take care of their unique cultural heritage and healthy traditions. But, the superstitions and blind belief must go away. There will be unity amidst diversity.

THE MISSION

“SWARAJ”, a forum for Gandhian Societal Perspective and Action Programme comprising National “SWARAJ” and seven state units which also consists of various VOs, NGOs, People’s Movements, action Groups and like minded individuals.

Working among and with marginalised sections of the Community, particularly among Adivasis, women and other vulnerable groups in eight states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa, Tamilnadu, Kerala, Maharashtra and Goa.

We want to ensure self-rule of the Community to re-establish its rights and access on natural resources and other means of production for sound and sustainable development.

We want to realise transformation in all spheres of life namely, Social, Political, Economic, Cultural and Environmental with special emphasis to promote gender equality, societal peace and free from alcoholism and prevent cultural deterioration in the next 20 years.

We also strive to be liberated from the influence of internal and external exploitative forces operating in the society through NEP, WB, WTO and MNCs.

VALUES

Truth – Truth will be guiding principle in every aspect of life and work of partners of “SWARAJ”.

Participation/Co-operation– Participation of people, particularly, that of the poor, marginalised, women will be ensured in decision-making processes and in all phases of societal analysis, planning, monitoring and evaluation of their own development processes.

Self-reliance- emphasis will be given to attain self-reliance in fulfilling the basic needs. There would be inter-dependency among neighbouring villages.

Faith in People’s Wisdom– We have faith in people’s wisdom and go prepared to the community to learn from them and work with them, based upon their knowledge and skill.

Love for life– Love should be the cementing factor with caring and sharing, and nurturing all forms of life and the eco-system.

Democracy– Democracy is a life-style and no just elections. It goes with other values such as Justice (Social, Political and Economic) and Equality (equal opportunity to all, with priorities and incentives to the socio-politically and economically marginalised)

Fraternity- Brotherhood/Sisterhood among all sections of women and men will be reflected.

Transparency- all concerned and partners will be made aware of all aspects plan, activities, resource mobilisation and its proper utilisation.

All these must thought over and practise in all cases. The Vision, Mission, Role, Strategy and Programme will be value-congruent.

THE STRATEGIC THRUSTS

1.       Work for self rule to establish the right of adivasis, dalit, women, and other marginalized and vulnerable section of the community on the natural resources and other means of production for sound and sustainable development through decision making process through gram sabha

2.       Social transformation towards gender equality and restoration of cultural heritage and work against fundamentalism and alcoholism,

3.       Raising voice against onslaught of NEP and dominant like WB, IMF, WTO, TNCs, and struggle against anti people policy.

4.       Capacitation of associates of “SWARAJ”

THE ROLE

1.                   Animator

2.                   Lobby And Advocacy

3.                   Facilitator And Capacitator

4.                   Organiser/ Co-Ordinator/ Net-worker

5.                   Documenter, Evaluator and

6.                   Implementer

STRATEGY-

Capacity Building Strategy- This is for activating and capacitating the People’s Organisations;

Participatory Approach- This is for ensuring peoples participation in decision-making process and co-operation for transformation;

Strategy towards Self-governance, Self determination- This is to struggle for self-rule, power to Gram Sabha, Rights on Common Property Resources;

Strategy towards Gender Equality- Focusing gender equality in all levels of community, in the structure of organisations and in the culture and practice of the associates, Fellows of SWARAJ.  

All these general strategies should be kept in mind and these must be reflected in all thrust, programmes and activities

 

PROGRAMMES:

Following are the focus area / programmes as per the Strategic Thrusts in the present context: –

Local Self-Governance;

National Resource Management including River Linking;

Societal Peace;

Gender Equality/Women’s Empowerment.

 

The main programmes / initiatives taken during PE & SD-II phase as per the strategic thrust in the state units and consortiums are shown in the following table (* For more information browse particular state and consortiums.) –

STRATEGIC THRUST	PROGRAMMES / INITIATIVES
BIHAR
1.       Strengthening peoples movement against man-made floods, big dam, displacement	Publication on Swaraj Patra
2.       Struggle for self rule	a.       Formation and strengthening of Gram Samiti + District committee –                               Panchayati Raj – awareness about voting, –                               To elect right candidate, –                               To encourage women to take right part in Panchayat election, –                               Empowering PR representative about role and right, 73 amendments. –                               Publication- folder on PR- right, role, status etc. Seminar, Gosthi,
3.       Restoring moral and basic education	–                               Revival of “Bunyadi Talim” – Buniyadi school, –                               Establishment of Swaraj Adhyan
4.       Restoring eco-system	Nadhi Bachao Bihar Banao Yatra & State level conference on River at Muzaffarpur.
5.       Empowerment of women, adivasi and dalit	To encourage women to take right part in Panchayat election,
	a.       Capacitation of SJ – Fellows, volunteers at state level, (world ideology, Core value of Swaraj etc.), b.       Convention c.        Time to time consultation on current affairs, evaluation.
	Women’s day, Environment day, Gandhi Jayanti, Independence Day etc
GUJARAT
1.       Motivating and capacitating the youth to work as catalyst for social change	a.       Training programme for youths in rural development. –                               Distribution of various educational and scientific kits to school children/youths for better understanding about basic education and to develop genuine scientific views. –                               Developed issue based exhibition material distributed to VOs, NGO. –                               Bal Sakhi b.       Capacity building programmes – workshop for teachers of tomorrow capacitation workshop – revolutionary ideology, workshop on aspired society.
2.       Working for alternative sustainable development	Technical consultation towards water management to the Govt. policy and with other like-minded organisation, rain water-harvesting programme and ground water recharging.
3.       Struggle against the system of exploitation, corruption, inequality and injustice.	–
	a.       Kinara Bhachao Andolan- with NGOs against Maroli (Umbergaon) mega project. b.       Earthquake – voluntary support, air rehabilitation work, consultation for designing low expensive houses for the victims, relief study etc c.        Peace campaign (Maitri Abhiayan) after communal riot.
JHARKHAND
1.       Realisation of people’s right	a.       Awareness either community on the right of the people, b.       Govt. scheme privileged, c.        Dharana against police atrocities and other local issues. d.       Community level workshop on concept of Gram Swaraj
2.       Self rule for the right over land, water and forest for sustainable development.	a.       Strengthening Gram Sabha b.       Network and rapport development on adivasis issues, self-governance in Jharkhand. c.        Community level capacity building efforts and generate awareness about Jharkhand PR Act 2001 and National PR Act. d.       Women’s workshop on PR e.       Dharana against police atrocities and other local issues. f.         Strengthening Save Damodar campaign
3.       Struggle against fundamentalism	–
4.       Action against alcoholism	–
5.       Campaign for economic literacy and alternative education.	a.       Women SHG formed 20 (women) + 10 (male) –                               Teenager girls personality development – to generate leadership quality in girl, –                               Opportunity for potential development, women post PSP workshop –                               Study – 4 school runs, –                               2 study centre established, road building, –                               Swaraj study centre – Hazaribagh and Dhanbad, –                               PIL regarding Govt School, school for adivasis children b.       Health awareness c.        Agitation against globalisation, NEP, dams, relief activities, linkage with like-minded organisation
	–                               Thematic consultation –                               Post PSP workshop –                               State level Conferences –                               Evaluation – meeting with fellows and committees –                               Celebration of – women day Labours day, Gandhi Jayanti, Birsa Jayanti, etc
KERALA
1.                                           Socio, political and economic empowerment of the people ensuring gender equality and decentralisation of power and resources, involvement of people in panchayati raj institution, reduction of inequality in castes, work, wages and reduction in political violence, self reliance in food grain production of eco-friendly production and consumption pattern.	a.       Awareness campaign on Panchayati Raj –                               PSP workshop on Panchayati Raj and Globalisation –                               Meeting at every level. –                               Seminar on women employment, world women’s day celebration etc. –                               Raised Women’s participation –                               Committee formation at ward, Panchayat, and block level. –                               Swaraj Mitram campaign –                               Celebration of important days and events –                               Entrepreneurship development programme for SHGs   b.       Strengthening PRIs, –                               Leadership training –                               Networking with Gandhian Group
2.                                           Action against alcoholism	Alcoholism – (Idukki) awareness programme, rally, protest etc.
3.                                           Realisation of sustainable use of natural resources	Natural resources – (medicinal plants and its uses) –                               Herbal medicinal production training committee for herbal cultivation –                               Debate and seminars on environmental protection. –                               Supporting Periyar Programme –                               Awareness about plastic free zone, digging rain pits
4.                                           Struggle against corruption, exploitation and the overriding influences of monopolies of MNCs.	MNCs – Swadeshi Andolan, coconut water propaganda against coke, social marketing network, –                               SHG formation
	Capacitation programme –                               Worldview ideology –                               State Convention –                               Workshop on Western Ghats development projects –                               Development of various formats to evaluate fellow’s work and committee’s work.
MAHARASHTRA
1.       To struggle for self rule to re-establish the right of adivasis and other rural communities on natural resources, which are common property belonging to the community	–
2.       To struggle for the a.m. resources for productive purpose in a sound and sustainable development through the decision making process of the gram sabha	Strengthening gram sabha, Panchayati Raj awareness programme by organising workshops, encouraging dalit and women to take part in PR election.
3.       It will strive for social transformation towards gender equality and struggle for restoration of culture, heritage and work against fundamentalist and casteism.	a.       SHG formation of women members and skill development training, legal assistance centre for divorcee women, awareness building on women and law. Restoration of harmonious relation between various communities, b.       Women voice / agitation against illicit liquor sale.
4.       It will raise it voice against the onslaught of the NEP and the external forces like the WB, IMF, WTO, TNCs imposing the policy.	a.       Farmer’s committee to get proper govt. facilities towards removal of agro purpose loan, availability of market / society. –                               Promotion of organic farming –                               Indigenous seed protection b.       Making effort for employment guarantee for labours under various government schemes.
	a.       Farmer’s committee to get proper govt. facilities towards removal of agro purpose loan, availability of market / society. –                               Promotion of organic farming –                               Indigenous seed protection
ORISSA
1.       Struggle for right over land, water and forest and self rule,	a.       Participation in PRI process (26 candidate were elected in last election). –                               Training on gender sensitisation on PRI, TLP. Etc.-Palli Sabha – Gram Sabha. b.       Land right movement (Patta: Land-ownership document) for the better implementation of land distribution to the landless by the govt. –                               Forest protection committee – 23 villages
2.       Empowerment of women, adivasis and poor people,	b.       SHG formed (91), skilled development for group savings and agricultural help from bank- c.        SHG involved in tailoring, embroidery, making of leaf plate, eatable items cane work etc. d.       Prevent school dropouts and absence of teachers by putting pressure by SHG. e.       Awareness campaign against alcoholism –by women’s and youths (40 villages)
3.       Strengthening people’s organisation by legal literacy, literacy on NEP and sharing information.	a.       Co-operative farming efforts b.       Legal counselling for victim (women)
4.       Revival of indigenous craft and occupation.	f.         Krishi Samiti in 27 villages (males and females) g.       Farmers meeting, seed distribution, co-operating farming efforts h.       Post cyclone relief and rehabilitation work in collaboration of Govt agencies
	Celebration of National events and days
TAMILNADU
1.       Struggle against alcoholism	–
2.       Working for literacy	a.       Educational awareness programme for dalit leaders b.       Schooling for librated child labourers
3.       Empowerment of women	SHG formation specially within tribal people; Skill Trg. to the 45 SHG leaders.
4.       Struggle against Casteism and communalism	a.       Reducing anti-Gandhian views / attitudes in dalit youths (certain groups) b.       Awareness programme for eradication of untouchability
5.       Working for human right on land, water, health and basic facilities.
	a.       Struggle for right and equal wages to the cashew labours – (Organiser, motivator and negotiator). b.       Organising PSP workshop for more conceptual clarity; state level CBP, State convention,
NATIONAL
1.       Work for self rule to establish the right of adivasis, dalit, women, and other marginalized and vulnerable section of the community on the natural resources and other means of production for sound and sustainable development through decision making process through gram sabha	a.       Facilitated the processes of the formation of committees from district National level as per the organisational structure adopted by Berhampur national conf. for the realisation of the Strategic Thrust, b.       Strengthening Panchayati Raj program through workshop, policy intervention, voter education, networking activities, c.        Publication of booklets and news letter on the issue of Panchayati raj – Self Rule, d.       Working towards a model Act.
2.       Social transformation towards gender equality and restoration of cultural heritage and work against fundamentalism and alcoholism,	a.       Strengthening Nar-Nari Samata Samiti (NNSS) to ensure qualitative and equal participation of women and positive cooperation from men colleagues at every level from village lever to national, b.       Regional and state level workshop on Gender sensitisation, c.        Workshop on the issues of fundamentalism, d.       Peace Intervention in riot affected area of Gujarat and organised a national symposium, e.       Formation of “ Forum for Secular and Peaceful India”.
f.         Raising voice against onslaught of NEP and dominant like WB, IMF, WTO, TNCs, and struggle against anti people policy.	a.       Organised two national conferences on the theme of “ Population-poverty- and globalisation” and “ Towards Non-violent Total Revolution”, b.       Monitor the work of 6 river consortiums, c.        Workshop on Interlinking Rivers and its impact, d.       Documentation on Interlinking Rivers, e.       Organised “ Nadi Yatra” to highlight people’s right and possible privatisation of rivers and other water courses,
f.         Capacitation of fellows, facilitators and associates of “SWARAJ”	–          Two days review consultation on the outcome of Berhampur conf. held at Juna Koba-Gujarat, –          Participatory selection processes for fellowship, –          15 days training camp for fellowship at national level in Nov.99, –          State level series of consultations, workshops for fellows and coordinators in between Nov.99 to June 01, –          Workshop on Gender  (Jointly with Gujarat & Maharashtra held at Juna Koba in Jan 01, and for Northern states at Madhupur, –          National TOT at Goa in Mar 01, –          5 days national workshop to design the Capacity Building Program (CBP) held at Tata Nagar in July 01, –          I National CBP on  “Revolution and Ideology, Concept, Methodology” held at Juna Koba in Nov. 01, –          II National CBP on “ Gandhian worldview” held at PIPAR, Orissa in Feb.02, –          Regional Workshop on Gender Discrimination and Way forward held at Abhayapur, Orissa in April 02, –          III National CBP held on “ Core Values of SWARAJ” held at Ranchi in May 02, –          National Consultation of Fellows organised at Ranchi in May 02, –          8 days national training for fellows organised in Nov. 02 –          CBP re-planning meeting held at Kolkata –          IV National CBP on “ Local Self-Governance” held in April 03, –          Consultation on River Linking at Munnar (Kerala) May 2003 –          Training for Co-ordination at Munnar May 2003 –          CBP: Review & Perspective building of Swaraj 25-27 July 2003 In Orissa. –          Fellowship 3rd National Taring camp, Goa 11 Nov. – 2 Dec.2003

 

CAMPAIGN / CONSORTIUM

The programmes as per the Strategic Trust in consortium are as follows-

 

KOSHI CONSORTIUM
STRATEGIC THRUST	PROGRAMMES / INITIATIVES
1.       Re-establishment of Moral and basic education	–         Managing schooling for children in Madhepura district; –         Managing PSP schools (Basmatia of Aarariya district), people managed three school and one basic school, –         Parivartan Shikshan Kendra (PSK) fro sex worker’s children
2.       Work for all	50 women SHGs
3.       Pro-people politics and establishment of self-rule.	a)    Village committee’s in 67 villages b)    Awareness building on electing right candidate, c)    Participation in voting, Motivating women to contest election d)    Koshi Mitra Abhiyan.
4.       Eco balancing and development	a.)   Frequent visit of flood affected area, –     Padyatra for field study to create a conductive environment –     Gandak Koshi Samwad Yatra. –     Conference of flood affected people –     Tree plantation –     Media advocacy by news channels and newspaper, issues based general meeting covering whole Koshi area. –     Natural farming training (June Saharsa)
5.       Promotion of indigenous culture	Anti dowry and liquor agitation (Supaul, Katihar and Simri Bakhtiyarpur)
6.       Equal participation of women in the decision making process	Organisational structure from village level to regional level with 50% presence of women.
	a)    Capacity building of volunteers, fellows and Samitis by various training; b)    Regional workshop – workshop on values, worldview and ideology; community level workshop c)    Hundred m. road laid; Basmatia  – drainage + road. d)    Digging of drainage, road (Basmatia); and 100 meters road laid by ‘shramdan’ (Karnpur)
GANDAK CONSORTIUM
1.       Restoration of basic and primary education,	Swaraj Adhyayan Kendra – 5 basic school, renovation (5 building renovated)
2.       Right to work and equal wages,
3.       People’s empowerment and self reliance,	a)    Concerned with Tharu and their rights and effect of tiger projects on their life equal wages for man and women agitation. b)    Formation of Gram Kosh (W. Champaran) c)    SHG formation d)    Men and women employment workshop. e)    PR- voters awareness, folders, pamphlets; workshop on self rule; Gram Sabha organisation; encouragement of women and dalits to take part in PRIs; workshop on PR rights and role.
4.       Protection and Conservation of natural resources for environmental balance,	–     Plantation – 3000 plantation –     Organic and bio farming workshop and indigenous seed museum, –     Padayatra (Gandak – Koshi Samwad Yatra), Cycle Yatra –     Environmental day celebration, –     Workshop on conservation of environment
5.       Protection of cultural heritage	–
6.       Gender Equality with focus on women’s participation in decision making at every level	–
GANGA CONSORTIUM
1.       Raising voice against onslaught of NEP and dominant like WB, IMF, WTO, TNCs, MNCs and struggle against anti people policy.	Awareness campaign- stake of globalisations and MNCs at community level
2.       Empowerment of women, dalit and minority through the self rule	a)    Formation of Gram Samiti in 60 villages, Yuva Mandal, b)    Voters awareness (PRI) c)    Formation of 60 SHG, d)    Workshops regarding govt. schemes, e)    Training farmers for silk production, Meeting organised by 25 VOs self reliance with DRDA
3.       Social transformation towards gender equality	–
4.       Work for restoring communal harmony in the society	–
5.       Revival of the cultural and heritage.	–
	a)    Tree plantation – 4000, b)    Machar – Makhi Maro Abhiyan, c)    Agitation against water pollution made by NTPC by committees support, Village cleanliness, Agitation against water logging, d)    Rehabilitation assistance to the flood victims. e)    Conventions – Symposium,
DAMODAR CONSORTIUM
1.       Realisation of people’s right	a)    Awareness programmes like agriculture, marketing, chemical, fertilisation, privatisation of water etc. b)    Highlighting pollution of Damodar river through various program.
2.       Self rule for the right over land, water and forest for sustainable development.	a)    Equal participation (M/F) at every level b)    Voter Education during Panchayat elections, c)    Damodar Mela, seminar on Damodar movement, d)    Cleaning programme especially water resources like plant, will etc. tree plantation, (indigenous varieties) in context villages, seed protection.
3.          Empowerment of women	Women’s SHG formed
4.          Struggle against casteism and communalism	Events for communal harmony

 

* Click Here for Main Features & Outcomes

 

THE ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE

Swaraj- as a forum having a highly democratic organisational structure at community, State and National Level.

 

Context Village:
PO:
PDO:
Fellows:
Facilitator:
State Facilitator:
Consortium Advisory Committee:
Campaign Advisory Committee:
State Advisory Committee:
National Forum (NF):
National Team (NT):
National Executive Committee (NEU):
National Convenor (NC):

 

For diagrammatic detail click here

 

THE OPERATION AREA

STATE UNIT	ASSOCIATE UNIT	TOTAL DISTRICT	TOTAL FELLOWS & FACILITATOR	INTENSIVE WORK AREA	FOCUS AREAS
Kerala	Periyar & Cheliyar Prog.	3 2	4 Fellows 3 Fellows 1 Facilitator	35 villages & River Basin area of Periyar and Cheliyar River	1.       Local Self-Governance, 2.       Peoples’ right over natural resources 3.       Gender Equality, 4.       Strengthening POs, PDOs, and self reliance of the village, 5.       Societal Peace
Tamil Nadu		3	5 Fellows 1 Facilitator	20 villages	do
Orissa		6	6 Fellows, 1 Facilitator,	35 Villages	do
Jharkhand	Save Damodar Campaign	4 3	5 Fellows, 5 Fellows, 1 Facilitator,	25 Villages 25 Villages	do
Bihar	Koshi Consortium Gandak   ,, Ganga     ,,	4 3 4	4 Fellows 5 Fellows, 5 Fellows 1 Facilitator	20 Villages & River 25 Villages & River 25 Villages & River	do
Maharashtra		2	2 Fellows	10 Villages	do
Goa		2	1 Facilitator		1, 2, 3 and 5
National Campaign
Panchayati Raj	Western India Forum for Panchayati Raj				Strengthening Local Self-Governance,
NNSS			1 Facilitator		Ensuring processes towards gender equality in Forum and Community
IRN			1 Facilitator		Networking with Consortiums & States on People’s right of Natural Resources
Capacitation			1 Facilitator		Capacity building of fellows, facilitators, national team and capacity team,
National Promotion			1 NEU Coordinator 1 Documenter		Thematic Interventions, Publication, Conference & Symposium Program Linkages

 

The mission of the phase-II of PE SD project envisaged following outcomes at the end of the project period and reference to the success of it;

>        Enhanced capabilities of the fellows and leaders of the POs, PDOs and the key actors of the SWARAJ Forum,

>        Formation and active existence of at least 300 plus People’s Organisations,

>        Formation and active existence of at least 50 plus People’s Development Organisations,

>        Visible initiatives towards self-reliance of the village community especially poor,

>        Growth of understanding on and about core strategic issues mentioned in the proposal and strong initiatives to resolves it.

>        A hopeful and capable community of workers and people ready to work a better society of their own.

The society in today’s Tamil Nadu has a prestigious place in Indian History and the nation’s Freedom Struggle. Chakravarti Rajagopalachri, Kamraj Nadar, M. G. Ramachandra and “Periyar” are among many of the leaders down the history has played vital roles in Nation Building.

Tamil Nadu was part of the erstwhile Madras Presidency, which during the colonial period included large areas of today’s Andhra Pradesh and Kerala. However, after the re-organisation of States on linguistic lines by law in 1956, it shed some areas and merged some areas within it. The latter included Kanyakumari, which had earlier been part of the erstwhile State of Travancore-Cochin.

In the beginning, the work of contacting activists and associates was undertaken in eleven districts of southern Tamil Nadu. Similar activity was also undertaken in Pondicherry, as the latter desired to work with the set up in Tamil Nadu. However, work could not start as sensitive general election campaign had begun in the state. After the elections were over, NGOs working for establishment of SJ-Tamil Nadu found the situation in two districts – Ramanad and Tuticorin – to be sensitive. Communal and caste tensions prevailed there.

Ms. Jayanti took the responsibility took the responsibility of Co-ordination of SJ-Tamil Nadu. The chapter decided to concentrate in three districts – Ramanad, Tuticorin and Kanyakumari. Kanyakumari is the southernmost tip of the Indian Peninsula. Here water of three seas – the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean meet. Here also is the Vivekanand Rock and the Memorial. However, in this area of southern Tamil Nadu, there were also communal and caste tensions. The activity of SJ-Tamil Nadu was to bring communal tension.

An activity will prove the point. As the activity proceeded villagers gathered around to end the discord and bring in harmony. The efforts began to gather fruit when women rallied around. One woman from Landai Village (four persons had died in the village due to communal conflicts) led the change over as she stepped out boldly to assist families dislocated by the tension. Activists of the Sucheta Kripalani Rural Development Centre particularly moved to give succour to the affected.

Besides this, SJ-Tamil Nadu was also concerned with the visible change in the cropping and rural employment pattern. The area under cash crop like cashew and rubber has been increasing with a decrease in the area under foodgrains such as paddy. Similarly, traditional non-agricultural productive activities such as manufacture if palm sugar and handicrafts have been declining. These are being replaced by modern agro-processing industry.

One associate of SJ-Tamil Nadu has been making interventions in this regard. It had studies the impact of such decline on women and on the question of child labour in these processing industrial units.

Cashew was brought to the Malabar Coast by the Portuguese and from there it spread to other parts of Southern India. It is called “Parangi” in the region, meaning “foreign nut” (akin to Firangi = foreign in Hindustani?). The cashew nut is rich in protein, carbohydrate and fat. It is nutritive and tasty. The Indian production is cheaper than the South American production (from where it has originated and brought to India by the Portuguese) and therefore is easily exportable. It is in great demand in Europe, Gulf Countries and Central Asia. This export is undertaken at the behest of exploitation of labour in India, particularly in South India, particularly of women and the female child.

The nature of Cashew nut processing industry is hazardous. In the first processing activity, that is, ROASTING, a bad smell is emitted from the boiler. The hapless women tolerate it. Then comes SHELLING. Women are exclusively given this work.  Shelling brings out a poisonous liquid. The shells have to be broken. All these result in formation of black areas on the skin. Added to this is the fact that in most cashew processing factories, the women have to squat on the floor from 7.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. with a very short break for lunch.

As per a case study, 95 per cent of the work force engaged in cashew nut processing are poor women. The female child also works in these processing factories. Many of them are below the age of 14 years but they are made to wear saris to show that they are adults, if an official visits the workplace. Men normally prefer to marry a working woman, which meant more income to the home. However, of late, it has been noticed that men do not want to marry a woman working in cashew nut processing factory. Most of the women suffer from Asthma, T. B. and some diseases of the uterus and back problems. There is no health care and the women just continue to work without any rights and facilities.

PSP Process in Tamilnadu

Swaraj Tamil Nadu: State Convention at Tirunelveli

The veteran Gandhian from the State, Mr. K. Viswanathan, inaugurated “SWARAJ” activities, ON May one 1999.

On 8^th May 1999, a two-day Workshop on PSP was organised at the Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari for training 35 activists from three districts – Kanyakumari, Thirunelveli and Ramnad. These persons were capacitated to work as facilitators in their area of operation. An Action Plan was prepared to launch PSP in 100 villages. However due to paucity of time and some unexpected problems, the process could be undertaken in 57 villages. In these villages documentation was undertaken and the outcome was available. There is a demand for starting the PSP process in the remaining villages.

CRITICAL ISSUES:	STRATEGIC ISSUES
1.       Unemployment 2.       Loss of Traditional Industry 3.       Exploitation of female labour in Cashew Nut Processing Industry 4.       Child Labour 5.       Landlessness 6.       Illiteracy 7.       Dowry 8.       Atrocities against Women 9.       Alcoholism 10.   Gender Inequality 11.   Health Problems 12.   Caste Discrimination 13.   Communal Tensions	1.       Caste Discrimination 2.       Communal Tension 3.       Exploitation of women and Child Labour 4.       Illiteracy 5.       Alcoholism 6.       Health Problems 7.       Atrocities against Women

 

STRATEGIC THRUST

1.       Struggle against alcoholism

2.       Working for literacy

3.       Empowerment of Women

4.       Struggle against Casteism and Communalism

5.       Working for Human Rights on Land, Work, Health and Basic Facilities

The programme in the state is in the districts of Tuticorin and Tirunelveli.  The PSP process could not be carried out in all the villages planned due to various problems. The programme has been revived since October last year. There are 7 fellows associated with Swaraj covering 35 villages. Two fellows have left and in their place 4 women fellows are recruited. While the village and district committees need to be strengthened in many places, they are yet to be formed in some places.  The state also does not have a coordinator- the Kerala state coordinator is also in charge Tamil Nadu.

AREA OF OPERATION

DISTRICTS	FELLOWS	VILLAGES	CONTACT VILLAGES	TOTAL
2	4	20	37	57

(Tirunelveli, Tuticorin, Kanyakumari, Virudhunagar)

 

INTERVENTIONS, ISSUES AND IMPACT

–        Educational awareness programme for dalit leaders

–        Schooling for librated child labourers

–        SHG formation specially within tribal people; Skill Trg. to the 45 SHG leaders.

–        Reducing anti-Gandhian views / attitudes in dalit youths (certain groups)

–        Awareness programme for eradication of untouchability

–        Struggle for right and equal wages to the cashew labours – (Organiser, motivator and negotiator).

–        Organising PSP workshop for more conceptual clarity; state level CBP, State convention,

–        40 women SHGs formed.

–        3 youth groups formed.

–        30 children who have been working as child labourers are enrolled in schools.

–        Local caste conflicts hindering the process.

–        Mainstream NGOs are another concern.

 

SWARAJ- MAHARASHTRA

Maharashtra has long traditions of social reform movements and its literature abounds with support for such movements. The tradition goes back to the middle of the 20th Century, when saints like Dnyaneshwar and Tukaram brought religion to the common people, at a time when it was the bound within the exclusiveness of the upper caste Brahmins.

In the 19th Century, at a time when worldwide, the aggression of imperialism was reaching its zenith and India was subjugated to British Imperial Rule, other leaders then set in motion the reform movement which had a lasting affect and was one of the pillars of the Indian Freedom Movement. Leading lights in these regards, included Mahatma Phule, Chatrapati Sahu Maharaj, Justice Ranade and Babasaheb Ambedkar. Mahatma Gandhi was the National Leader of the Indian Freedom Movement but he did lead the Movement to a vast extent from this part of the country.

After Independence, the Marathi speaking state of Maharashtra was carved out of the bilingual Bombay State in 1960. The formation of the state did not mean that “All’s well!” The process of exploitation of the Bahujan (The Majority) comprising, Dalits, Adivasis, Women, Other Backward Classes, Nomadic Tribes and Minorities did not subside. As the years of Independence passed and the euphoria was over, exploitation and oppression again raised its head.

The Sugar Lobby comprising Cooperative Sugar Factories, an overwhelming majority of them in drought-prone talukas, had its stranglehold on the State’s economy, whichever the political party or grouping was in power. There was water for sugarcane; a crop that requires plenty of it the year round but it is in short supply for humans and animals. Nothing is worse, than in Central Maharashtra and Marathwada, which are in the Godavari Valley, from where it flows beyond into Andhra Pradesh till it empties into the Bay of Bengal.

The issues in the Valley are representative of the issues of State has. A factor to remember here is that the Godavari Valley has been treated as the backyard of the development processes in India.

The participants in a PSP workshop.

There are currently 18 voluntary organisations working in 200 villages in the region with whom SJ-Maharashtra is in constant touch. These organisations which its associates, have been in the field for the last more than five years. A few of them have been working for more than a decade.

Maharashtra joined the Swaraj process late and although many NGOs, people’s organisations, social action groups etc. working with dalits, women and other weaker sections showed interest and took part actively in the PSP process, the programmes did not take off. The process was revived in 2000 and the activities are centred in a few villages in Loha taluka of Nanded district. The focus is largely on dalits and women. There was only one fellow working in the region and since June this year one more fellow has joined.

PSP Process in SJ-Maharashtra

In these deteriorating socio-economic and political conditions, some activists in Maharashtra decided to involve themselves with the PSP Process early in 1999.

There was a PSP workshop at Fardapur near Aurangabad in Marathwada. Twenty representatives from various organisations took part in the Workshop. Another workshop was organised between 8th and 12th June 1999 at Malegaon in Nashik District. The third workshop was held at Biloli in Nanded District, just before the National Consolidation Workshop, that is, between 4th and 8th July 1999.

Following critical issues and Strategic Issues came out through PSP process based on the status of Dalits, Adivasis, Backward Classes, Women, Landless Labour, Minorities and those Below the Poverty Line, in the State.

CRITICAL ISSUES

STRATEGIC ISSUES

1.       Casteism. 2.       Communalism. 3.       Corruption. 4.       Poverty. 5.       Diminishing Cottage Industries. 6.       Drought. 7.       Pollution of water and environment. 8.       Reduction of Soil Fertility and excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. 9.       Atrocities against Women. 10.    Deserted Women. 11.    Dowry. 12.    Oppression of Dalits and Minorities. 13.    Indebtedness, especially in the Rural Areas. 14.    Migration. 15.    Child Labour. 16.    Bonded Labour. 17.    Unemployment. 18.    Landlessness. 19.    Lack of Irrigation for Foodgrains Crops but Irrigation Facility for Sugarcane. 20.    Marketisation. 21.    Invasion of Western Culture. 22.    Lack of Common Property Resources. 23.    Rapid Degradation of Forests. 24.    Degradation of Adivasi Culture.

1.       Casteism 2.       Fundamentalism 3.       Communalism 4.       Corruption 5.       Poverty 6.       Diminishing Cottage and Handicraft Industries 7.       Water Pollution 8.       Drought 9.       Oppression of Women 10.    Child Labour 11.    Alcoholism 12.    Unemployment 13.    Illiteracy 14.    Migration, 15.    Caste Conflicts 16.    Degradation of the Environment 17.    Drinking Water Shortage 18.    Displacement 19.    Rehabilitation 20.    Globalisation 21.    Bonded Labour 22.    Marketisation 23.    Invasion of Western. Liberalisation 24.    Population 25.    Common Property Resources 26.    Forests 27.    Degradation of Adivasi Culture.

 

STRATEGIC THRUST

From the Strategic Issues, “SWARAJ” Maharashtra has decided to adopt the following Strategic Thrust in its future activities:

1.    To struggle for self-rule to re-establish the rights of adivasis and other rural communities on natural resources, which are Common Property Resources, belonging to the community;

2.    To struggle for the utilisation of these resources for productive purpose in a sound and sustainable development through the decision-making processes of Gram Sabhas;

3.    It will strive for social transformation towards Gender Equality and struggle for restoration of culture, heritage and work against fundamentalism and casteism;

4.    It will raise its voice against the onslaught of the New Economic Police and external forces like the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, World Trade Organisation and Trans-National Corporations, imposing the policy.

AREA OF OPERATION

INTERVENTIONS ISSUES AND IMPACT

–        Strengthening gram sabha, Panchayati Raj awareness programme by organising workshops, encouraging dalit and women to take part in PR election.

–        SHG formation of women members and skill development training, legal assistance centre for divorcee women, awareness building on women and law. Restoration of harmonious relation between various communities,

–        Women voice / agitation against illicit liquor sale.

–        Farmer’s committee to get proper govt. facilities towards removal of agro purpose loan, availability of market / society.

–        Promotion of organic farming

–        Indigenous seed protection

–        Making effort for employment guarantee for labours under various government schemes.

–        Farmer’s committee to get proper govt. facilities towards removal of agro purpose loan, availability of market / society.

–        Promotion of organic farming

–        Indigenous seed protection

–        8 women SHGs are formed.

–        5 youth groups formed.

–        200 rural labourers working under the Employment Guarantee Scheme (EGS) from 15 villages have been organised for securing their rights and better wages.

–        Counselling and legal aid centre set up for destitute and deserted women. 53 cases have been solved so far.

–        Regular interaction and support for dalit members elected to the panchayats.

–        State committee is inactive at present.

ORISSA

Orissa as the English has named it, is properly named in India’s National Anthem as Utkal. It means advanced in art, crafts and sculptures. There are great number of such historical monuments having finest pieces of arts and architecture. It is evident that Utkal was once prosperous. The ancient export communities called “Saadhaba” were trading with spices and fine qualities of clothes, sarees in the erstwhile Java, Borneo, Sumatra, and Sri Lanka.

With the domination of British rule over India Utkala also lost its trade prosperity, traditional land use pattern and even its past name and fame.

Now it said to be one of the poorest provinces, although there is bountiful natural resources and huge stock of minerals and large number of working forces. This is the state of poverty amidst plenty. What could be the reasons of such reverse condition? One of the main reason, of course, could be lack of proper planning, lack of peoples participation in their own sustainable development and due to unscrupulous exploitation of both the nature and the people such a sorry state of affairs come into existence.

A Case of Unsustainable Agriculture & Landlessness

Based upon a study, through participatory process, in ten villages of coastal belt of Orissa. It is observed that 85% of villagers depend on agriculture. But 70 % of them have no land of their own. Those who have land, do cash crops like sugar. The exploitative agents of sugar mills also trap the sugar cane cultivators. In general, the farmers are not getting minimum reasonable prices for their crops. They have become indebted to Sahukars (Moneylenders) and commercial banks by getting loan to purchase fertilisers, pesticides and even seeds at higher rate. On the other hand the land requires heavier doses of such inorganic substances. Large number of work force goes to cities as contract labour called Dadan Shramik, most of who are exploited and tortured.

Issues

The people of southwestern Orissa including Kalahandi and Phulbani depend more on forest then agriculture. It has been observed that due to degradation of forest and depletion of minor forest produce the forest dwellers are starving. The anti-people forest policies are addicting to their suffering. Recent Supreme Court order to evacuate the people from the areas, which are declared has sanctuary, compels the inhabitants to be displaced from their own land. The Sagoda gram panchayat of Kalahandi is one of such example.

Though, there is vast area of forest and hills in northwestern Orissa, it not thought to have sanctuary there as there is plan to exploit the minerals. As per a study by social activists, 70 mining operations are undertaken in one tribal belt of Sundargarh district. Iron ore, Manganese and Bauxite are extracted from the depth up to 500 feet from earth. After the act of blasting and digging the iron ore, it is crushed in to small pieces. Most of these processes were done by daily wage labour employed by the mineworkers and contractors.

After completing some chemical processes the small pieces are transported to the still plants of Rourkela (Orissa), Jamshedpur (Bihar), Champa (MP), Nagpur (Maharashtra) etc. during these process a large amount of dust arsenic particle, chemicals are dumped into near by pounds, ditches, streams and even on private land. These left over waste materials externally harmful to all living being. It pollutes water, land, and air. It causes tuberculosis, asthma and skin disease.

More and more lands are leased out to the private exploiters of mineral without considering the environment and traditional agriculture. The profit – hankering mines owners and the conscienceless – contractors with nexus of the never satisfied bureaucrats’ unscrupulously are allowing the reckless cutting of forest. There is rule to do plantation on double the area of clearing of the forest for mining operation. But no body takes any step to comply with the rules and for forestation.

Due to extensive deforestation, particularly due to more destruction of Sal trees, the piping affect of the big Sal trees has been seized and consequently the ground water level has gone down and down. On the other hand, the surface water sources of ponds, steams are growing dry earlier before summer. Due to mining operation land, water, and forest are ruined which has adversely affected the traditional tribal life. Automation and mechanisation the wage labour more particularly the local women are loosing the jobs. Firstly, their traditional life and agriculture was ruined. Then they are kicked out of wage works. Now the local inhabitants have to face the violent actions done by the outsider labour, contractors, and exploiters.

Thus one can visualised that the people’s life both in coastal belt and that of tribal belt are adversely affected by present process of development.

 

Meeting of Swaraj – Orissa fellows and co-ordinator with regional co-ordinator.

SWARAJ-Orissa formed on 2^nd March 1997 in the state. Currently, Swaraj operates in seven districts covering 160 villages. The IRN- Orissa is also part of the state unit. (Details in IRN chapter). There are 7 partner organisations associated with the programme. The fund for the state programme is routed through Lok Bikash, a local NGO and one of the partner organisations of Swaraj. There are 7 fellows (3 women and 4 men) associated with the state programme including the coordinator. All the fellows have between 5-15 years of experience in development sector. All of them are also part of social action groups/ people’s movements etc.

PSP Process in SJ-Orissa-

At first five persons participated in Durgapur w/s. A state level w/s was held in Dhenkanal to introduce SWARAJ and PSP and to discuss about the New Economic Policy. Introductory PSP w/s was held at Mundigarh, in Kandhamal and 17 persons was selected who participated in National training of facilitators, and National w/s held at Goa in May 1998. Again fur persons from the state participated in National PSP refresher Course in July-August 1998. A five days National w/s on documentation was held at Sijuput where six persons from Orissa participated. Some systematic guideline were with formats were developed soon after the this National w/s a state level planning meeting was organised, where an action plan was chalked out to carry on intensive and extensive capacitation programme in eight districts. Two teams of eight PSP Facilitators distributed their task to cover all these districts and to conduct PSP w/s for 64 activists of 16 organisations. These 64 facilitators from 16 organisation capacitated the village / community level facilitators.

After the initial training of fellows in the PSP process, the same was carried to the villages. A large number of villagers were trained as community level facilitators. The PSP process was adapted in the villages using local media such as street plays, folk songs, games, pictures etc.

CRITICAL ISSUES

STRATEGIC ISSUES

1.       Degradation of agriculture failed 2.       Lack of irrigation 3.       Drought 4.       Lack of cottage Industries 5.       Unemployment 6.       Degradation of forest 7.       Big dam 8.       Sanctuary and displacement 9.       Pollution of land, water, air due to mines 10.    Detonation of traditional culture 11.    Dowry 12.    Atrocities amongst women 13.    Child labour 14.    Malaria 15.    High Infant Mortality Rate, Mother Mortality rate and health problems 16.    Shortage of drinking Water

1.      Degradation of Agricultural field 2.      Lack of cottage industries 3.      Unemployment 4.      Displacement due to project like dams, mines, sanctuaries etc. 5.      Health problems 6.      Gender disparity

 

STRATEGIC TRUST

1.  Struggle for right over land, water, forest and self-rule,

2.  Empowerment of women, adivasis and poor people,

3.  Strengthening people’s organisation by legal literacy, literacy on NEP and sharing information.

4.  Revival of indigenous craft and occupation.

AREA OF OPERATION

Currently, the number of villages covered by the 7 fellows is 35 but the spread effect and contact is in a total of 160 villages in the State. Besides, under Indian River Network activities have been undertaken in 10 villages. With constant supervision and guidance from the National Support Team, particularly the National Coordinator, a number of initiatives have been taken up in different fields.

 

INTERVENTIONS, ISSUES AND IMPACT

 

According to the state coordinator during the past two and a half years, there has been a visible impact in the social, political and cultural spheres of the community. However in the economic aspects there has only been a very marginal improvement, as the focus of Swaraj is not on this.

–        Local contribution from the community (cash and kind) for programmes and activities of Swaraj is around 60%.

–        Cadre building at the community level and enhancing their capacities is an ongoing process.

–        Total number of SHGs formed 91. Some SHGs have been linked with banks for agricultural activities. Training on group savings, skill up gradation and IGP to SHG members.

–        SHG members engaged in various IGP such as tailoring, embroidery, rice processing, leaf plate making, badi and papad, bamboo and cane work, etc.

–        27 youth groups have been organised.

–        Forest protection committees are initiated in 23 villages. Women’s involvement is high in these committees.

–        Gram Kosh initiated in 42 villages.

–        26 (including women and men) people from the operational villages have been elected to the PRI during the last elections.

–        Campaign against alcoholism is taken up in 40 villages with the active participation of women and youth.

–        Krishi Samitis having both women and men as members have been formed in 27 villages.

–        Participation in government programmes namely pulse polio, leprosy eradication, blindness control, immunisation, total literacy campaign, watershed development, etc.

–        Awareness and information provided to the community on natural hazards like sunstroke, cyclone, floods, etc. during meetings, workshops etc.

–        Addressing the issue of school dropouts and the importance of education by motivating parents to send their children to school.

–        Ensuring regular attendance of teachers in schools through creating pressure groups by SHGs and youth groups.

–        Survey on child labour undertaken.

–        Land right movement (get patta for landless) – Though the Government has taken various initiatives to distribute land to the landless it is not successfully implemented. Campaigns organised by the partners to get patta.

–        Movement to get right wages for mine workers – mine workers have never got their due wages. Partners have organised them and protested in demand of actual wage for them.

–        Awareness camps on social issues- health, environment, legal counselling, socio-political rights and movement against exploitation.

–        Active participation in relief and rehabilitation in collaboration with government agencies, donors and other local NGOs after the October 1999 super cyclone.

–        There have been instances when the volunteers from the community leave and the process of identifying and training new volunteers takes a long time.

–        The community has been contributing in all Swaraj programmes and activities. The village level programmes are usually organised with 100% contribution from the community. Besides giving their time and presence, the villagers arrange for food, accommodation and at times even money. However, in recent times there is a slight reluctance on the part of the community to contribute. As most of them come from very poor backgrounds, it is unfair to expect so much from them.

–        There are no funds available from Swaraj to organise capacity and skill building programmes at the community level. This is one of the core areas of Swaraj but lack of resources has proved to be a problem.

–        The presence of NGOs with substantial resources operating in the neighbourhood creates expectations among the community. At times it becomes very difficult to convince the community that Swaraj’s approach is a long-term, sustainable and empowering process. It is a serious challenge.

SWARAJ- JHARKHAND

Jharkhand became a full-fledged state in November 2000. There has been a long and sustained struggle for statehood for many years in the region. There are many activists, people’s organisations and social action groups in most of the districts in the state. Many of these organisations, activists, social action groups and individuals came together and formed Swaraj in 1998.

Judav is the partner organisation through which funds are routed to the state. There are 6 fellows working in the state unit and 3 in the Damodar consortium (located in the state). All the fellows have been actively associated with mass movements and the Jharkhand struggle for statehood. The JP movement has also inspired many of them.

PSP Processes in Jharkhand

Activists and Jharkhand have been organising themselves and struggling for Self-Rule and their rights over water, forests and land. It appeared that the Jharkhand Struggle and PSP are based on similar values of humanity and rights of the poor. In fact, PSP is enhancing the capacity of the people and is helping leadership for the struggle for self-rule and that of women to emerge. Hence SJ-Jharkhand adopted PSP.

Eleven organisations working in seven districts participated in the PSP process. In two training programmes 17 facilitators of these organisations capacitated 114 village level facilitators. Eighteen of them were women. The PSP process was undertaken in 48 villages comprising 2,500 families. The following issues were identified by the PS process-

CRITICAL ISSUES	STRATEGIC ISSUES
1.       Alcoholism 2.       Child Labour 3.       Deforestation 4.       Displacement 5.       Drought 6.       Lack of Cottage Industries 7.       Lack of Drinking Water 8.       Lack of Herbal Medicine 9.       Lack of self-rule 10.   Migration 11.   New Economic Policy 12.   Poverty 13.   River Pollution 14.   Shortage of Traditional Seeds 15.   Witchcraft	16.   Alcoholism 17.   Cultural Deterioration 18.   Deforestation 19.   Displacement 20.   Fundamentalism 21.   Gender Issues 22.   Lack of Cottage Industry 23.   Lack of self-rule 24.   New Economic Policy 25.   Poverty 26.   River Pollution

STRATEGIC THRUST

1.       Realisation of People’s Rights

2.       Self-Rule for the rights over land, water and forests for sustainable development.

3.       Promotion of Gender Equality.

4.       Struggles Against Fundamentalism.

5.       Action against Alcoholism.

6.       Campaign for Economic Literacy and alternative Education.

 

AREA OF OPERATION

DISTRICTS	FELLOWS	GRAM PANCHAYAT	INTENSIVE WORK VILLAGE	CONTACT VILLAGES	TOTAL
4	6	4	20	28	48

 

The villages are as follows: –

Deoghar District: –     Jaria Tand, Bakulia, Dalaha, Singho and Naiyadih. –

Gram Panchayat – Patwabad

Giridih District: –        Bijalibathan, Khutabandh, Barasoli, Dogbapahadi and Hadwadiha. –

Gram Panchayat – Karnapura

Dhanbad District: –     Rangadih, Sirsagadh, Sisakari, Khapdakulhi and Jiling Tand. –

Gram Panchayat – Matari

Hazaribagh District: – Basobar Bhatwigaha, Baksidih, Sultani and Darudih. –

Gram Panchayat – Daroo

 

There are strong district and regional networks working on various issues and the fellows take active part in them.

The activities and programmes were formulated to address these issues.  The programme covers 18 districts in the state. While the intensive work is confined to 30 villages of the fellows, the larger issues are highlighted by the state, regional and district level networks through various campaigns.

 

INTERVENTIONS, ISSUES AND IMPACT

–        20 women and 10 men SHGs formed.

–        Village education committees constituted in 5 villages.

–        2 study centres established.

–        4 schools run with the support of the community.

–        3 forest protection committees formed.

–        Equal minimum wages for women and men in government programmes.

–        Leadership qualities developed among women and youth.

–        Road building and temple construction through government schemes.

–        Through the community’s efforts, houses sanctioned for 8 families under Indira Awas Yojna.

–        People’s organisations and movements emerging even in contact villages.

–        Increased awareness in the community on the rights of the people.

–        Network of NGOs, movements, activists and people’s organisations established at the district and state level.

–        A good rapport and network established with other issue based groups at district and state level.

–        District and state level committee of Swaraj constituted.

–        Jharkhand has a strong feudal mentality and this comes in the way of striving for social justice as well as gender justice.

–        Ultra leftist forces emerging in certain pockets.

–        Ethnic conflict has become a major challenge.

–        The funding by multi lateral and bilateral agencies has lead to mushrooming of NGOs and bringing in large development projects.

–        The state has had a history of revolt struggle and strong movements since pre-independence times. The common people in Jharkhand have developed faith in movement-based struggle after witnessing the success of attaining statehood. There is a sense of ‘identity’ among the people.

SWARAJ- GUJARAT

Gujarat is another state where Swaraj has not really made any major impact. Although the PSP process like in other states were conducted at the village level in 1999, one fails to see significant outcomes. There could be many reasons for this; firstly the state has been witnessing major tragedies in recent years – the major earthquake that devastated many areas and more recently the growing communal violence and tension in the state. Secondly, Gujarat being a highly industrialised state perhaps needs strategies and interventions that are different from what is followed in other states.

During brief interaction with the state team, it seemed that the focus of the state unit has been more on developing resource and information material rather than on actual grassroots work. There are about 10 organisations associated with Swaraj and 2 fellows associated with the programme.

INTERVENTIONS, ISSUES AND IMPACT

–        One of the major outcomes is the development of posters, pamphlets and booklets on various issues. These are widely circulated among NGOs, activists and the community and also displayed on various occasions.

–        Training and workshop organised for about 800 youth on ‘Role of youth in rural development’ in collaboration with other NGOs.

–        Played an active role in the earthquake relief, rescue and rehabilitation programme.

–        10 mobile libraries in ten PSP villages.

–        Initiated state wide ‘Friendship Campaign’ to restore peace and communal harmony after the recent violence in the state.

–        Educational material and kits distributed to schools in 24 villages as part of school support programme.

–        No visible processes seen at the grassroots level.

–        Some of the committee members of the state team are very busy and cannot devote time for Swaraj work.

–        The growing cult of violence and hatred in the name of religion is a serious threat to the entire process.

–        Increasing marginalisation of vulnerable groups due the rapid industrialisation and development process.

Bihar has evolved from the word ‘Vihar’. This word itself has originated from the words “Boudh Vihar”. Bihar has had a glorious history as could be ascertained from ancient Indian Literature and Archeological Findings. It is the place where Gautam Buddha attained true spiritual knowledge. It also the birthplace of Mahavir, the propagator of Jainism and Seeta, Karna, Vishwamitra, among others, are the great names associated with its Golden history.

Bihar has been the initiator of change. The credit for establishment of Political and Democratic institutions goes to Bihar. The Lichchavis of Vaishali established the “Vajji Sangh”. This was the first republican concept to be implemented. The region was once ruled by Chandragupta Maurya, the first Emperor of India and was the area where the early economist and political scientist Chanakya lived and taught kings and emperors. The Capital of Magadh Kingdom, Pataliputra, is situated in Bihar. Bihar has been the land of social change and has shown the direction in which that social change should take place, since the times of the Guptas, Mughals and British Imperialist days.

In recent times, the people of Bihar have seen and participated in the Champaran Satyagraha that Mahatma Gandhi led of the Indigo Cultivators in the late 30’s, the “Quit India” Movement of 1942, The “JP Movement” and the “Bihar Movement” of the ‘70’s. These and other struggles and movements have brightened the image of Social Change and Sacrifice of the people of Bihar.

Bihar, which has had unique relations with Indian Cultural Heritage, has two geographical distinct features – north and south Bihar. North Bihar is agriculturally advanced, while South Bihar, known as Jharkhand, has minerals and forests.

The vision of the political leadership at the beginning of Independence was the establishment of “Temples of Modern India”. The first examples of these included the Damodar Valley Project in Jharkhand and the “Koshi Barrage” on the Indo-Nepal Border. In fact, there were more such were ‘Temples’ established in Jharkhand, in the shape of Koel-Karo, Mayurakshi and other such projects. At the same time extraction of minerals from the region was undertaken at break-neck speed. As result of these so-called development projects, the adivasis of Jharkhand who formed the majority of the populace were being shunted into minority positions. They are today struggling for their self-hood and defending their culture.

In North Bihar, the network of rivers Ganga, Koshi, Gandak, Bagmati and others are causing chronic floods and each subsequent flood is widening the area being waterlogged. This has been the result of efforts of the dominant development lobby, which has in reality attacked the natural resources and their flow. This lobby has ignored society and its culture and nature, while thrusting towards creation of “Temples of Modern India”. Every year more and more area, more and more people and more and more animals are adversely by floods for an average of six months a year. Crores of rupees worth of crops, animals, land and other property are destroyed every year. Lakhs of people get permanently displaced and migrate to far off places in the search of work and a living. Those who remain behind, survive in inhuman conditions.

As a result of the adverse impact of the current development model, lack of political will, intrusion of globalisation in all spheres of life resulting in increasing consumerism, the people of Bihar are at the mercy of the dominant classes/castes in society. The farmers of Bihar, who have contributed so much for agricultural production, have now become migrant labour searching for work elsewhere in India. Bihar, which had such great universities as Nalanda and Vikramshila, is now an illiterate state. A state that had seen the apostles of peace such as Gautam Buddha and Mahavir is now reeling under murders and violence.

Big projects in the region have destroyed traditional farming practices. Pastoral and fishing communities have been impoverished. Increasing consumerism is destroying cottage industry and the folk culture.

Official development statistics have been proved to be false. Hundreds of voluntary organisations and people’s organisations are trying to bring succour to the common people in a decentralised manner. However, the problems created by floods, water logging, salination, unsafe drinking water, inhuman living conditions, illiteracy, migration in search of work, taking resort to sex working, inequality, crime, child labour and the like, make it impossible for them to surmount the difficulties.

It was in these circumstances that Kumar Kalanand Mani attempted to bring together under one platform, the voluntary organisations and people’s organisations in the Koshi and Gandak Valleys/Basins. In 1993, he gathered together organisations in the Koshi region under the banner of Koshi Consortium and in 1997 he gathered together organisations in the Gandak region under the banner of Gandak Consortium.

The ideology behind the formation of these consortiums was to make an organised democratic effort to find an alternative development model for regional development. Similar efforts were made in Son and Ganga Valleys. All issues in these valleys/basins were sought to be resolved on the basis of Gandhian thought and ideals.

On 27^th and 28^th November 1996, “SWARAJ” Forum was established after discussions at a Seminar in Mumbai. Activists from Bihar along with seven other states joined the Forum. The consortiums were the first members of SJ-Bihar.

“SWARAJ” Forum later decided to apply the PSP Process to achieve the goals of Gandhian thought and ideals. SJ-Bihar undertook the implementation of the process in 617 villages. The first activities under the process were over and on 3^rd and 4^th June 1999. The document in this regard was adopted at the State Convention. Grassroots level activists participated in the Convention in large numbers. They indicated the direction of the work to be undertaken in Bihar as a whole, while participating in the discussions at the Convention.

The enthusiasm, the co-operation and the alertness of the participants was an experience, which showed that the people of Bihar are moving towards social change.

PSP Process in Bihar

PSP process in Bihar was carried out in four river basins of Koshi, Gandak, Son and Ganga. Eleven activists from these river basins participated in the Durgapur Workshop. Thereafter, Introductory PSP Workshops were organised at the state level to introduce PSP among the grass-root organisation and to select the competent activists for National Level Training (NLT). Thus twenty-two selected activists from the state, participated in the National ‘Training of Facilitators’ and National Workshop on PSP held at Goa in the month of May 1998. Then a State Level Team of Facilitators was formed, which trained a total of 130 Facilitators at Consortium and District Levels. These 130 Facilitators in their turn trained the Village/Community Level Facilitators.

Then the PSP Processes were taken to 617 Villages/Communities of 24 districts, through 126 organisations. The total population of villages was 5,20,162 including, 2,76,964 males and 2,43,198 females. Of these, 1,31,672 persons belonged to Schedule Castes (SCs), 2,73,273 belonged to Other Backward Classes (OBCs), 31,693 belonged to Minority Communities and 8,371 belonged to Scheduled Tribes (SCs). From the total population, 94,907 males and 50,447 female were literate. Of the total population 18,521 participated in the PSP process.

Community and Organisation Level Documents were compiled and presented in the conferences organised by Koshi Consortium (KC) and Gandak Consortium (GC). The documents of the river basin were put together and SJ-Bihar came up with a State PSP Document, which was presented and adopted at the State Convention held at Bhagalpur on 3^rd & 4^th June 1999.

During the PSP Process there were many instances of joy and pain. In the beginning, people said that this process was nothing but another way of talking of development as propagated by Politicians, Government Officials and Development workers of NGOs also. However, in a number of villages, efforts were made to take up the local burning issues for analysis and immediate interventions.

For instance, in Mokahana village of Bhagalpur District, participants of PSP tried to restore communal harmony. At Chanapatia in West Champaran District, the villagers during the PSP Process renovated the basic education schools, which had been conducted in line with ‘Gandhian Nayee Talim’. They are now organised and are demanding their right and funds from the State for continuation of these centres. Many such result-oriented processes brought hope and happiness among the participants.

Following are the measure Critical Issues came before SJ-Bihar-

1.     Alcoholism 2.     Atrocities against Women 3.     Big Dams 4.     Casteism 5.     Child Labour 6.     Communalism 7.     Consumerism 8.     Criminalisation of Politics 9.     De-culturisation 10. Deforestation 11. Displacement

12. Dowry 13. Exploitation of Adivasis 14. Gender Inequality 15. Health Hazards 16. Lack of Drinking Water 17. Lack of Moral & Basic Education 18. Lack of Village & Cottage Industries 19. Man-made Floods 20. Migration

21. No election to Panchayat Raj Institution 22. Poverty 23. Unemployment 24. Water Logging

 

The Strategic Issue were selected from the with help of some criteria such as – interrelationship among the issues, related to peoples aspiration and ability of the organisation to take the issues; the synergetic impact of certain issue on many other issues;

STRATEGIC ISSUES

1.       Man-made floods (including big Dams, Water Logging, Displacement, Migration

2.       Lack of moral and basic education

3.       Poverty, Unemployment, (lack of Cottage Industries)

4.       Political Instability (including Criminalisation of Politics)

5.       No election to Panchayati Raj Institutions

6.       De-culturisation (including invasion of western culture, consumerism)

7.       Deforestation (including Exploitation of Adivasis)

8.       Gender Inequality (including Dowry, Atrocities against women)

 

STRATEGIC THRUST-

By following criteria such as- people’s and organisational capacities, synergetic effect, relevance to Gandhian values, the following Strategic Thrust were selected:

1. Strengthening peoples movement against man-made floods, big dam, displacement,
2. Struggle for self rule,
3. Restoring moral and basic education,
4. Restoring eco-system and
5. Empowerment of women, adivasi and dalit.

 

AREA OF OPERATION

NAME OF CAMPAIGN	DISTRICT		BLOCK		VILLAGES
	ACTIVE	CONTACT	ACTIVE	CONTACT	ACTIVE	CONTACT
GANDAK	03	03	08	21	35	107
KOSHI	05	06	05	N.A.	25	201
GANGA	02	NIL	05	N.A.	25	135
Total	10	13	18	21	85	443

 

ORGANISATION STATUS

NAME OF CAMPAIGN	NO OF FELLOWS	NO. OF VILLAGE COMMITTEE	NO. OF DISTRICT COMMITTEE
Gandak	04	35	03
Koshi	03	25	05
Ganga	05	25	02
Total	12	85	10

 

THE MAIN INITIATIVES / ACHIEVEMENTS

The main achievements as per the planned activities based on their strategic thrust are as follows-

§     Awareness about man made floods, big dams and displacement.

§     Awareness about 73rd amendment act about Panchayati Raj. People’s participation in Panchayati Raj election to elect good representative. Regular meeting of gram Sabha. Development of understanding about ideology of Gandhi and Jayaprakash about self-rule.

§     Awareness about    basic education based upon ‘Nai- Talim’ people’s participation in proper funcining of basic schools. People’s participation in reconstructing of old building of basic schools. People voice for betterment of basic schools by government increasment in enrolment of children in school.

§     Awareness about protection   of land, water and forest. People efforts to protect rivers from pollution. People participation in social forestry.

§     Awareness among women adivasis and dalit about their rights. Formation of self – help groups.  Awareness among women adivasis and dalit representative in Panchayati Raj system.

The 73^rd Constitution Amendments came into being in April 1993. It is an enabling provision, re-empowering Gram Panchayats and rural masses. Gram Panchayat, with all its limitations, remains the best possible local body created by the Constitution to elicit people’s participation in development process. Impacting and empowering the PRIs would lead to more sustainable development process. The 73^rd Constitution Amendment is an opportunity to create political and economic empowerment at grassroots.

STRATEGIC TRUST

§         To strengthen the Village Panchayat in the light of 73rd constructional Amendment,

§         To capacitate the elected members of the Panchayat and organisations working in favour of Panchayats,

§         To undertake publication and advocacy related activities for the realisation of real Village Panchayat as grassroots self-governance,

OPERATIONAL AREA

STATE	CO-ORDINATOR	FELLOWS
GOA, GUJARAT & MAHARASHTRA	1	1

 

 

WIFPR(Western India Forum For Panchayat Raj)

The processes of involving like-minded groups working for Panchayati Raj were started in 1995. PS in the name of Western India Forum formed a forum for Panchayati Raj. Some of the details are given under the Organisational Branch.

The WIFPR became integral part of the SWARAJ Forum since its inception.

WIFPR was launched as an effort to provide a platform for sharing of experiences and promoting feeling of solidarity among organisations and individuals active in empowering panchayati raj institutions (PRIs) in the Western region of India. For the past three years, WIFPR has been trying to build up a network in the three western states of India viz. Gujarat, Maharashtra and Goa.

Detailed background and rationale are presented in the perspective paper of WIFPR. It is in the context of the Seventy-third and Seventy-fourth Constitution Amendments and the respective State Acts that WIFPR assumes a special significance. it also is significant to note that WIFPR – as a forum – encourages empowering of women and dalits in the PRIs. A need was also felt to bring closer those who struggle for empowerment of these two marginalized sections of Indians Society as a supportive legal framework alone was not to be expected to change the scenario; opposition was massive and mainstreamed, well-established and powerful; it presented itself in the various -and sometimes combined -‘avatars’ of fundamentalists, orthodox practitioners, bureaucrats, and the those whose interest was served by keeping the masses disempowered. Under these circumstances, WIFPR has been trying to rekindle the spirits of those committed to empowering women and dalits.

FOCUS AREAS

Based on the above mentioned observations, feedback of partner organisations and as suggested by committee members of WIFPR, there is need to focus on the following areas in the coming six months:

–    STRENGHTHENING NETWORK in Maharashtra and Goa as also further increasing partner  -interaction among Gujarat partners.

–    Improving performance on DOCUMENTATION AND RESEARCH.

–    PUBLISHING series of booklets etc.

–    Popularising innovative TRAINING PROGRAMMES for Gram Panchayats in different environments (e.g. GPs in industrial areas)

STRENGTH AND WEAKNESSES

Details of WIFPR’s work uptill now has been presented in two progress reports presented earlier. It suffices to mention here some highlights of its work and some limitations so that the future planning can pick up threads from these strengthens and weaknesses:

–    WIFPR has been fairly active in persuing advocacy agenda, particularly in Gujarat; serious advocacy issues like Panchayat finances have been fairly effectively persued by WIFPR.

–    WIFPR again in Gujarat, has been regularly publishing its newsletter – ‘Sarpanch’- in Gujarati which voices issues concerning Panchayati Raj and highlighting success stories of Panchayats, its members, Gramsabhas and NGO interventions.

–    WIFPR has been quite acceptable in its networking efforts in Gujarat and has persistently encouraged women and dalit participation in Gram Panchayats.

–    WIFPR has endeavoured to mainstream practices of Gramsabhas, micro- planning at village level and rights of Gram Panchayats on CPRs.

–    WIFPR’s training has always reflected grassroot level experience of its members and this has been strengthened by sound knowledge of acts, procedures and other legalities.

–    Despite these achievements, there are some limitations also; WIFPR has not been able to build up its network in Maharashtra and Goa as much as desired.

–    Accessibility of women to the ‘Panchayati Raj Margdarshan Kendra’ (PRMK) should increase

–    In Gujarat also there is need to further strengthen the network with better incentives / support to the grassroot level groups and to selected Panchayats.

–    Documentation efforts need to be improved to cover interesting case studies enhancing learning from field realities.

–    Field based studies should be promoted in partnership with action-oriented organisations.

–    Publication of Marathi newsletter ‘Chavdi’ should be revived to boost networking efforts in Maharashtra.

INTERVENTIONS

Following interventions were made under the projects

a)  Publication of “Sarpanch” a bulletin in Gujarati for Gujarat chapter,

b)  Publication of “ Chawadi” a bulletin in Marathi for Maharashtra chapter,

c)  Publication of Info Calendar on Panchayati Raj

Releasing booklet on panchayati raj during a consultation on evaluation and shortcomings of 73rd amendment at Pune.

d)  Numbers of workshops, camps, consultations were organised in Gujarat, Maharashtra and Goa on the issue like role of women in PRI, Finance Commission and Recommendation, enhancing the role of OBCs, Role of NGOs in PRI, Voter Education etc.

e)      The Goa programme published following booklets which was widely acknowledged,

–      Gram Sabha,

–      Panchayat Functions & Responsibilities,

–      Powers & Duties of the Sarpanch-Secretary,

–      Construction Rules & Regulation,

–      Planning, Accounts, Budget & Audit,

f)   The Goa chapter had also launched a website in the name of www.goapanchayat.org in the hand of Mr. F. D’souza, Hon. Minsiter of Technology & Information.

g)  Panchayati Raj Margadarshan Kendra (PRMK) the guidance cell for panchayats in Gujarat is accessible to all panchayats in the State. PRMK is a guidance cell to which anyone especially Panchayat members can write to seek information and guidance on problems faced by Panchayats.

FUTURE DIRECTION

Ø      Take up common issues such as rights of Gram Sabha, Panchayat finances etc.

Ø      Creation of website for wider reach and sharing of information and ideas.

Ø      Federate panchayats to provide a common platform for solidarity and addressing issues.

Ø      Networking of gram sabhas within one year.