The villagers of Manjhlachala in Dumariya Panchyat of Jamtara district are no more ignorant to the concept of the Gram Sabha. As they sit and discuss issues of common concern and make their voices heard, they have begun understanding the value of local self governance and the dimensions of the Panchyati Raj system.
With the help of Lok Jagriti Kendra and PHIA in association with APPI, they have begun questioning the authorities and making a way for the development of their village in the short duration of eight months.
Like many other villages in the district, Manjhlachala is in a remote locations and lacks basic amenities such as pure drinking water, health, education among others. So much so that the two hand pumps fixed here are the only saviours for them when it comes to fetching clean drinking water.
“We had no idea about the Gram Sabha earlier as we were totally dependent on Panchayat representatives until a few months ago. Government letters used to reach us through the Panchayat and we used to sit once or twice a year at Panchayat level just to give a nod to schemes. Now meetings take place every month and we keep a record of issues that are discussed, decisions that are taken and also of attendance during the meetings. A separate register has been provided to us by LJK to keep these records,” says Babudhan Hansda a villager.
“During the summer this year we faced a real crisis of drinking water as the hand pumps in the village went kaput. We raised the issue in the Gram Sabha meeting and prepared an application to the Junior Engineer of the water resources department. To our utter surprise the hand pumps were repaired within a week. This gave us confidence that the Gram Sabha can do wonders if we stay together and help ourselves,” says Hopui Devi.
Another woman of the village Nisodi Mumu says that women’s participation has increased a lot in Gram Sabha meetings in last few months. “Women were not considered at all when it came to decision making in the village and even at the family level but now they are given equal importance. This is also because after coming to the Gram Sabha meetings they are questioning and reasoning out issues with the male members of the Gram Sabha,” says Emili Murmu.
The villagers are now mulling to demand a permanent building for a school, an Anganwadi Centre in the village and a separate building for the Gram Sabha, where they can hold meetings and keep records and items of their use. Moreover, the Gram Sabha is also preparing its village development plan comprising basic amenities in the village, skill training for women and also making available irrigation facilities.
“We have come a long way in a period of just eight months and want the government authorities notice that our Gram Sabha is empowered. We know our rights and will not sit idle looking for someone else to come and give us the things that we need. We will demand what we need and we must get them. It is our right,” says Subodhan Hansda.