Deepening Democracy

This project (funded by Westminster Foundation, UK) was set up in 2001 to train 400 village leaders in Orissa and Uttar Pradesh on the working of the 1993 constitutional reforms of village democracy, thereby benefitting the entire communities concerned. By providing training, information and sensitisation to these grassroots leaders we are contributing to the growth of vibrant, participatory and meaningful democracy at village level.

Further Deepening Democracy projects have begun in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh (funded by Jean Jaures Foundation, France). These projects emphasize the interface between democracy and local development, through community-based organisations and other rural groups. Awareness camps engage villagers in helping to define and remedy gaps in democratic functions - with particular reference to the role of women in decision making.

I was happy to talk to the village leaders in UP and Orissa and could see how they reacted to the programme. We discussed and clarified ideas of how the process of democracy leads to development, and understood more about state schemes and resource flow. They participated more and many problems that came up in the meetings could be sorted out.

Pradip Bose, leading commentator on Indian politics and advisor to the Deepening Democracy project

It is interesting to see so many women mobilized through this project. Women mostly came forward to claim their entitlement. I am glad to see the project enabling women in public life.

Axel Queval, Director, Jean Jaures Foundation, France

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