Model Building at Grassroot Level
Samarthan has deepened its field experimentation with increased models of participatory planning and citizens’ monitoring of basic services. We have further conducted social audits using Semi Structured Interviews (SSIs) and Focussed Group Discussions (FGDs) on the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA), water and sanitation at the grassroot level. We have also initiated community monitoring alongside common interest groups such as Self Help Groups (SHGs) and youth groups to promote model examples in participatory planning, monitoring and evaluation. Our micro plans for decentralised governance also help to support the Panchayats to deliver what is necessary on the supply side.
People Centred Research
Samarthan has addressed the ground realities and reviewed service provision in both rural and urban contexts, through evidence based and action orientated research from different stakeholders to review the expectations of the Panchayats and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs). We have further promoted the Right to Information Act (RTI) by conducting status reports to identify ways forward and the NREGA by carrying out a study at the state and national level, to strengthen lower levels of governance to deliver such programmes.
Strengthening Civil Society
We aim to strengthen the Panchayati Raj representatives Network to allow them to contribute and carry out decentralised development and governance. Samarthan has collaborated with political targets to achieve this, alongside grassroot organisations to promote the RTI campaign. We have conducted and facilitated trainings for Panchayats and their representatives on micro planning, gender governance, social audits and decentralised governance, to thus engage with the state to strengthen their capacity. Samarthan further promotes a network of civil society by conducting trainings on participatory project planning, monitoring and evaluation, documentation and participatory rural appraisal.