The
Padayatra was meant to attain learning and incite social action in civil
society in the villages. In the last 16 days, the Padayatris and the back up
assessment teams have held intense dialogue with over 5000 people in the
villages. Over 15,000 people have walked some distance in the Padayatra. The
people who have participated in the village meetings in the evenings represent
the veritable Who’s Who of social development. A wide range of subjects
including agriculture, water, desertification, women's issues, issues of the
aged and children have been discussed and tabled, for the first time in the
villages. This has been exciting.
The people
of the village are convinced that the Padayatra is dealing with their
issues. A common refrain has been that ‘…this is the first time that we have
felt connected… that some one cares…’ This has been an enormous morale booster
to the Padayatris and the support teams.
It has not
been all about words… some amount of social action has been initiated and
incited in some of the villages… a few examples would make it clearer
Readers of these reports may recall that we had mentioned the women of Dhangar Jawalka discussing the issue of alcohol and planning a motion for prohibition on January 26, 2006. Well the story is that the women did not wait for the January 26 Gram Sabha. A few of them mobilized the others and prepared a petition demanding prohibition in the village. This petition has been signed by more than 50% of the Mahila Gramsabha (as required by the law) and has been filed in the nearest police station! The law is clear. The police will have to act to get prohibition imposed in the village. This, to out minds, is a significant achievement. Women have acted against their husbands and taken a giant step..
The villagers of Varawada, in Latur, have decided to seriously take advantage of the opportunity of the Jal Swaraj process that is ongoing in the village to alleviate the problem of drinking water. They have decided to reconstitute the committees, earlier established on paper, and take charge of the process. They have also decided to address the issue of water for agriculture though it does not strictly fall in the purview of Jal Swaraj.
Women's groups is Mhalumbra have decided to go beyond their savings and credit activity and get involved in the fight for entitlements like ration (PDS) and work (EGS). The groups have passed resolutions to that effect.
People from
the villages visited have started calling up the Padayatris to report what they
have done and seeking guidance on what they wish to do. We have responded to
the call of the hour. A team of volunteers has been identified to undertake the
follow-up and support actions. This team will visit each of the first 15
villages over 21-24 January and maintain dialogue with the villagers.
Inputs are
coming in from all parts of the country. Based on our report of acute power
shortage in the village Malkaranja, a friend from Madhya Pradesh has suggested
the installation and use of gassifiers. This information has been transmitted
to the villagers, local NGO and we are hopeful that we will get further inputs
from people who know this technology and can contribute to its installation and
use.
The MAHARASHTRA
VIKAS NIDHI (MAHARASHTRA DEVELOPMENT FUND) awaits contributions from all of
you… Watch this space for further updates. Do also watch the blog at www.greenearthconsulting.org/padayatra.htm.
A number of the CSOs participating in the Padayatra are partners of the Poorest
Area Civil Society (PACS) programme. Stories and updates of the Padayatra are
available at the PACS website www.empowerpoor.org
grnearth@vsnl.com, 020-25466103,
09422521703
Dushkaal
Hatawu : Manoos Jagawu
(Eradicate
Drought : Save Humanity)
January 18,
2006