Dindigul Multipurpose Social Service Society (DMSSS) has planned to train 2935 women SHG members belonging to 241 groups on leadership and local self-governance. They are living in 142 villages coming under 64 Panchayats and 8 blocks of Dindigul District. Dr. G. Palanithurai, Chair of Panchayati Raj Studies (Rtd), Gandhigram Rural Institute has volunteered to be the mentor.

“We do not know when the local body elections will be held but nevertheless, we want our people to be ready to face the elections”, said Fr.Samson Arockiadass, Director of DMSSS  in his introductory talk during the diocesan level leadership training for women held at Dindigul on 23^rd October 2018. Around 380 women participated in this event organized as part of Caritas India supported Land and Water (Thulir) cluster programme.

He emphasized the importance of women leadership in local governance. He said that although women from different backgrounds, classes and communities have assumed the role of people’s representatives Panchayati Raj Institutions, the patriarchal attitudes, lack of political experience and administrative knowledge, and a plethora of social structural limitations under which women function in these institutions have become big impediments in the performance of their expected responsibilities.

Empowerment of women requires a change in the social institutions, people’s mindset, and far more determined effort on the part of the women representatives, NGOs, officials and policymakers concerned. We all should take efforts to participate in Panchayat elections to bring in social transformation. This would address the issues of land and water pollution, land alienation, unsafe migration.

Most. Rev. Thomas Paulsamy, Bishop of Dindigul and the Chairman of  TNBC SC/ST Commission in his presidential address pointed out that the 150^th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi was celebrated on 2nd  October 2018 and in view of this good number of magazines published his life history. We are all expected to adhere to the exemplary values taught by his leadership that insist on local self-governance through Panchayat Raj system. Let us actualize his dream by enhancing the quality of life of the rural poor.

In his keynote address, Dr.G.Palanithurai  said that Gram Panchayats have been in existence for centuries, however, it is only since 1992, when the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments Act was passed, that these Panchayats were recognised as local self-governing institutions. The Act was based on Gandhian principles. The Act aimed to devolve some of the powers and responsibilities of National government and State governments to the local level as Gandhi wanted each village to be responsible, and able to take decisions regarding their own affairs.

Without taking part in politics, no one can bring out a change in social development. People are prepared to agitate against denial of rights, needs and livelihood opportunities but they lack proper leadership. If we want to contest in the Panchayat election, we should have known about the roles and responsibilities of Panchayat Raj functions and systems. People have the right to demand and get details about the financial position (resources) and the schemes implemented for the people in the Grama Sabha meetings.

In the entire scheme of local governance, the Gram Sabha occupies a central place as it is the lifeline to connect the individual villager to participate in local decision-making processes. This also provides an opportunity to empower the PRIs and to dovetail the felt-needs, of both individuals and of the tier in general. He concluded, “Gram Sabha as the pillar of the Panchayat Raj system is the only formal institution which enables direct democracy. It is a significant constitutional entity in the local development segment”.

Dr. John Arokiaraj, Manager, Caritas India, Tamil Nadu said that Caritas India envisions a compassionate society with justice and peace. It is partnering with organizations that take lead in this mission. Redeeming villages and the natural resources is our primary duty. Care for the environment is our concern.

Poor people contribute to creating rich individuals whereas the rich individuals will never think of uplifting the poor rather they want the status quo to be maintained for their own benefits. If this situation has to be changed, then poor people especially women have to take up leadership role and have control over their community resources. ‘As leaders know what you want: The clearer you are on your goals, the better your chances of winning the negotiation he said. For this clearly and specifically draft your demands with a sound rationale explaining the implications for constituents”.

He continued that People’s representatives taking decisions in tandem with the experts is the ideal situation to protect the environment and ecological balance. Among the 29 subjects mentioned in the Eleventh Schedule, land improvement, land consolidation, soil conservation, water management, social forestry, minor forest produce, non-conventional energy sources, sanitation, and maintenance of assets, are subjects related to environmental management. This is the crux of Land and Water (Thulir) Cluster programme, he highlighted.

Dr.Paul Baskar, Chairman-Peace Trust and member NITI AYOG was vocal in saying that the Present trend is suppressing the democratic setup and principles and the money bribed to the voters during the election times is the money robbed through swindling of the natural resources. So, let us awake and be vigilant to safeguard our resources, he said.

Fr.Arockiasamy, Asst. Director, TASOSS said that women are the persons who work with administrative capacity with good planning to achieve greatness. So, do not sell your rights for one-time meagre money. Exercise your rights and elect efficient and honest women from among you who can assume a leadership role in your Panchayats.

Fr. Joseph Selvaraj, the founder Director of DMSSS  said that in order to accelerate the emergence of Gram Sabha to whom the PRIs are accountable, it might be essential to spell out the powers and functions of Gram Sabha so as to establish the space for civic engagement in governance. Awareness on the role and responsibility of a citizen on Gram Sabha has to be disseminated to the people in different ways like campaign, training, folk songs, school curriculum, etc.  He encouraged the women members to participate in the Grama Sabha meetings and raise questions to get a clearer picture with regard to the Finance position, funds allocation for schemes and development activities implemented for the benefit of the community.