Panchayati Raj
The passage of the 73rd constitutional amendment - the Panchayati Raj Act - has legally empowered village level institutions. Consequently, it is imperative
that the organisation spread awareness of the rights, powers and duties that lay
within the scope of the Panchayats. A Pre-Election Voters Awareness
Campaign (PEVAC) was carried out in four blocks of Nainital district. With
regularisation of elections and the increase in powers and duties of the Panchayats,
such awareness campaigns are necessary if villages are to guide and plan their
own destinies.
Results of the impact assessment showed that the percentage of
voters involved in the elections of 2002- 2003 was higher than in the previous
elections held in 1995-96. The participation of women was also significantly
higher in the recent election. The orientation of the newly elected Panchayat
members was also a fruitful exercise. They were informed of their duties and
powers, besides an introductory course in village level micro-planning.
In addition, to creating awareness on the provisions of Panchayati Raj, CHIRAG sees this as an opportunity to help build strong and sustainable grassroots institutions. While CHIRAG sees itself as a mere catalyst for development, and not as a permanent entity, the Village Panchayats are permanent bodies. Working more closely with these bodies, to build them up and make ourselves redundant, is an important component of CHIRAG's future strategy.
