Replication of SEED - SBMA

(Self Evaluation for Effective Decision Making) Process in Uttaranchal

The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act aims at strengthening of grassroots democracy, leading to decentralization of public administration. The roots of this noble idea can be traced back from the deeply grounded thoughts and ideas as propounded by the Father of our nation "The Great Mahatma Gandhi". India is better personified as a land of village’s communities. Hence it was strongly felt that devolution of power in the hands of the local people will lead to actualization of the principles of Democracy, equality, and Social Justice as enshrined in our Constitution.

Decentralization of power in the hands of local people and active participation of people in local administration would foster grassroots democracy. Community participation was made an integral part of the planning process as enshrined in the Panchayati Raj Act. The involvement of the people in the planning process becomes necessary so that the plan is more responsive to the local needs. It should reflect more accurately the local perceptions and produce a sense of ownership and responsibility.

However an in-depth look into the present planning process as prevailing in the Panchayat Raj would reveal the unsystematic methods which are being used, for assessment of peoples need. Gram Sabha which has been constitutionally recognized as the most effective platform for formulating "people's plan" is almost at a dysfunctional status. The priorities of the people are most of time left unrecognized due to the prevailing biases as exhibited by the panchayat functionaries and the government officials. According to the contemporary situation of planning at the village level.

 ‘How could women across class whose access to the public is severely curtailed by practices of violence and dual exclusion, even begin to access the Right to Information? In a situation, where even women of privileged classes across caste and community are excluded from governance matters, through brazen practices of widespread misogyny. The delivery of justice for women has been virtually absent.’

- Excerpt from Yojna Magazine