A sign in Gumma block denotes the location of Gram Sabha. PREM is working to build the capacity of local governance for demanding rights.

GOVERNANCE

PREM’s approach to development at the community level includes efforts to strengthen the abilities of grassroots governance—Gram Sabha, Palli Sabha, village-level committees and Panchayatraj Institutions—to manage their resources, to demand the implementation of and monitor various government schemes and initiatives, and to protect and ensure the viability of the community against external threats such as economic exploitation, social and political marginalization, and discrimination.

With the support of Concern Worldwide India, PREM is implementing a project called Promotion of Self Rule in Tribal Areas, in 1700 Adivasi villages of Gajapati, Ganjam, Sundargarh, Kandhamal and Rayagada districts of Odisha. The goal is to empower the Palli Sabha institution through implementation of the Panchayats Extension to the Scheduled Areas (PESA) Act in its true spirit. Presently the major areas of work include proper implementation of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MG-NREGA),

A rally to raise awareness of forest rights issues

Decision making at a Self Help Group Meeting

Children in Governance & Advocacy

Forest Rights Act (FRA), and food and social security entitlement. This project makes further impact through capacity building of Panchayatraj Institutions (PRIs) at the community level, and by networking and building alliances with other Adivasi groups at state and national levels, to lobby and advocate for the rights of the Adivasi people.

With the support of PAC Bangalore and funded by Partnership for Transparency Fund (PTF-USA), PREM is implementing an innovative project called Citizens Against Corruption in 12 Gram Panchayats of Nuagada block in Gajapati district, Odisha. The goal is to reduce corrupt activities by local government employees, Panchayat functionaries and local contractors in three key public service provisions through direct monitoring and exposure of corrupt activity. The project empowers people’s organizations and communities to use Right to Information (RTI) as a tool to raise awareness of their entitlements and strengthen the linkage between community and local government for closer collaboration on sustained action against corruption. PREM has helped established RTI Clinics in rural areas for access to information.

In its governance programmes PREM remains committed to mainstreaming Child Rights and Child Participation across all of its activities and interventions. By facilitating and strengthening Child Protection Cells, Social Watch Monitors, peer-educator groups and parents’ groups to monitor the protection of child rights and develop child participation in development, PREM is committed to ensuring safe, joyful and positive learning and living environments for children. Emphasis is also pla ced, in all of PREM’s programmes, on Gender Equality and encouraging girl child participation and opportunities.

PREM also works to train and empower Village Development Committees, Village Education Committees, Parent-Teacher Associations, Youth Clubs and other citizens groups to monitor the functioning of schools, government schemes and other areas of development.