PHIA Foundation, with the support of the Azim Premji Philanthropic Initiative Pvt. Ltd. (APPI) is operating in Chainpur block, distt. Gumla, through its local partner, AROUSE Society, with a focus on deepening democracy and strengthening local self-governance. A Schedule 5 area, PESA provisions that provide greater opportunity to the Gram Sabhas to have better governance over the management of resources within the ambit of villages’ natural boundaries are applicable.
The goal of the programme is to strengthen local governance for inclusive and participatory development with special emphasis on the excluded and marginalised communities by capacitating the Gram Sabha and the PRI institutions, leading to equity, inclusion and holistic development of poor, vulnerable and marginalized groups.
A Block level ‘Jan Samvad’ was organized by AROUSE society, Gumla, under the banner of ‘Gram Swashasan Abhiyan’ on June 14, 2019 at block headquarters in Chainpur block with the purpose of facilitating an interface between the Gram Sabha members and government service providers and ensuring better access to rights and entitlements of vulnerable and disadvantaged groups.
While addressing the gathering, Mr. Satya Prakash, SDM, Chainpur, appreciated the efforts of AROUSE Society and PHIA Foundation and expressed how overwhelmed he was to see the mass mobilisation. He also spoke about the provisions and entitlements under various schemes – social security pension schemes, old age pension, widow pension, disability pension, PVTGs pension, MGNREGA and Krishi Ashirvad Yojana for the marginalized farmers. He gave assurances of extending his support to the PHIA-led initiative.
680 applications claiming entitlements under the various social security schemes were submitted to Mr. Satya Prakash at the conclusion of the event. The eligible beneficiaries were identified by the Gram Sabha during a special campaign drive led by Gram Sabha members and it’s standing committees.
Mr. Dheeraj Daniel Horo, Project Lead, while sharing the objectives of the ‘Gram Swashasan Abhiyan’, emphasized the crucial role of the Gram Sabha in Schedule V areas and the revival and strengthening of the traditional system of governance.