A vibrant Grama Sabha is essential for the effective functioning of Village Panchayats by promoting transparency and accountability in administration, enhancing public participation in the planning and implementation of schemes and in the choice of beneficiaries. It paves the way for social audit and collective wisdom of Grama Sabha becomes inevitable to guide the Panchayati Raj Institutions.  In Tamil Nadu Grama Sabha is described as “A body consisting of persons registered in the electoral rolls relating to a village comprised within the area of Panchayat at the village level.”

Madras Social Service Society (MSSS) has been actively engaged in people’s organisation since last three decades. MSSS response to Chennai floods of 2015 with the technical and financial facilitation of Caritas India led to a paradigm shift in its approach. People in 5 blocks are trained on Ecosystem-based Disaster Risk Reduction (ECO DRR) programme called Udhayam. They are addressing their day to day issues with DRR lens. Eguvarpalayam village in Gummidipoondi  Block of Tiruvallur district is one among such areas. The women here took lead to effectively organise the Grama Sabha on May 1, 2018. Women leaders along with local co-ordinator Ms.Kavita extended invitation to Dr.John Arokiaraj, South Zone Manager, Caritas India to preside over the meeting.

People representing 6 villages namely Eguvarpalayam, Kumaranaickenpettai, Kongal, Karambedu, Chittoor Natham and Melpakkam had participated. A total of 85 persons comprising 22 men and 63 women actively participated in the meeting that was conducted by Panchayat Officer, Mr.Naveen Raj between 10.30 AM to 12.30 PM. He is deputed to conduct the meeting in the absence of elected panchayat leaders.

He read out the statement of accounts and discussed on the activities report of the administration. He detailed about the various works undertaken by the Grama Panchayat. He continued that the implementation of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Scheme has resulted in the creation of assets in the Panchayat. But unfortunately, the audit has proved that work worth only  Rs. 55,00,000/-  was carried out against the total expenditure of Rs.89,00,000/-. This has shown the lack of commitment on the part of labourers. Hence he advised the villagers to strengthen their groups to take care of livelihood activities with full ownership.

Between January and May, the Panchayat has spent Rs.74319/- against the approved amount of Rs.70118/- for protection of drinking water. The surplus from the previous period has been utilised for the said purpose.

The members complained about the lack of drinking water supply, pollution of the lake water precarious condition of the overhead tank, non-availability of the ambulance in the area, the absence of Block Medical Officer and pending reimbursement for completed toilets.

Petitions seeking toilet schemes, old age pension, and such other benefits in addition to common amenities were received. Mr.Naveen  said that the petitions would be processed within a week and solutions found within the ambit of law for providing succour to the needy.

It was raised as a great concern that 60% of the households do not have toilets. MSSS Co-ordinator responded that in the next 3 months all the SHG members will have their toilets as already 34 petitions are pending for approval. 67 have already completed and money has to be released to them. An assurance was given by Panchayat Official to facilitate the settlement within a fortnight.

It was a heartening experience to witness emancipated women power through people led forum. Resolutions were passed on the basis of  approved village plan of action viz., Regular drinking water supply by preventing the illegal water connections; Renovate the village over head tank; Community vigilance group to prevent and take action against unscrupulous people who misuse drinking water; Identifying the inlet of the effluents that pollute the lake, blocking the way and take legal action against the erring industry; Through proper waste management prevent contagious diseases like dengue and keep the environment clean; Change the BMO; strictly implement total sanitation scheme;Maintain a complete register for all development works undertaken by Gram Panchayat.

At the end of the meeting, the salient features of Udhaym programme and its impact on the lives of inhabitants in the panchayat were well articulated by Ms.Kavita. She said “ We want to make use of this forum for dialogue towards people emancipation and good governance and through coordinated efforts, we are achieving together ”