“SWARAJ”
Capacitation
AN OVERVIEW
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.
FORMATION PHASE
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 on Panchayati 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 1st 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. 1st, 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.
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