Local Self Governance

Madhyanchal forum firmly believes that strengthening local self governance is the key to creating a space for the poor and the marginalised in the decision making. Therefore, there was a need for building robust grassroots leadership capable of taking up responsibilities and challenges for the cause of the deprived, mainly the people belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes with equal representation of women. Since its inception local self governance has been core to Madhyanchal Forum’s vision to keep the spirit of Swaraj alive through collective decision making.

We believe that by putting the whole process into spiral impact mode beginning with interventions at Gram Sabhas, the lowest rung of administration, and ensuring their representation at block, district and state level, the goal of collective decision making manifesting the aspirations of the marginalised, could be achieved. So, the chief focus is Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) by strengthening Gram Sabhas with regular engagement with rural communities.

Our constant endeavors have resulted in creating social capital at grassroots by aligning with the government institutions making them more transparent and accountable to the people as far as the rights and the entitlements are concerned. Some of our interventions have played a major catalyst in flawless implementation of MGNREGA, PDS and other schemes for poor to a great extent. While on one hand, these initiatives have ensured dignified lives for the marginalised, on the other they have brought to light the major concerns that were proving to be a stumbling block to implementation of the governments’ programmes. Social audit is one area where Madhayanchal Forum has made a huge impact.