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 3^rd 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 SUCCESS PARAMETERS:

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.

Swaraj Vision