DPDF
Evolution of DHAN Panchayat Development Foundation
The evolution of the Panchayat Programme within the DHAN Foundation has been a remarkable journey, driven by the vision of promoting grassroots governance and sustainable development. Over the years, this initiative has grown in scope and impact, demonstrating the potential of local institutions and Panchayats in catalyzing synergistic development processes. The Development and Participatory Panchayat Foundation (DPDF) has played a pivotal role in advancing these goals through strategic planning and implementation. This document chronicles the key phases of this evolution and outlines the strategic framework that underpins DPDF's transformative journey.
Phase 1 : Inception and Experimentation (1997 - 2003)
The roots of the Panchayat Programme can be traced back to the successful collaboration between local farmer associations and Village Panchayats in the tank rehabilitation work in Puseri village, Ramnad District, in 1997. Recognizing the potential for convergence between local people's institutions and Panchayats, DHAN Foundation initiated discussions and established a think tank to shape the programme's direction. This led to the launch of the "Working with Panchayats" programme during the Madurai Symposium in 2003.
Phase 2 : Expansion and Disaster Preparedness (2003 - 2005)
Building on the initial success, the programme expanded its reach by piloting projects in Vathalagundu (Batlagundu), Kadamalai, and Alanganallur, focusing on three blocks and five Village Panchayats in each. The significance of Panchayats in disaster preparedness and rehabilitation was highlighted in Coastal regions, particularly in Cuddalore and Nagapattinam, as part of the Post-Tsunami Rehabilitation programme in 2005.
Phase 3 : Strengthening Capacity and Research (2006 - 2012)
During this phase, the Panchayat Programme established C – PAD (Center for Panchayats Development and Advancing Democracy) as a dedicated center to provide extensive capacity-building, research collaborations with institutions like RGNIYD and NIRD, and the launch of distance education initiatives. Notably, research projects and training with the support of Tamil Nadu Rural Development Department and DHAN People Academy enriched the understanding of Panchayat systems.
Phase 4 : Widening Horizons and Grassroots Movement (2009 - 2015)
Expanding its footprint, the programme engaged with select wards of Madurai Corporation and launched the Panchayat Movement, aiming to foster a people's movement by connecting Panchayat presidents. The "Panchayat Thoodhu" newsletter became a valuable platform for sharing knowledge on democracy and Panchayat systems. The programme received financial backing from the European Union to work with women-led Village Panchayats in Tamil Nadu, leading to an expansion to 660 Village Panchayats.
Phase 5 : National Expansion and Collaborations (2015 - 2020)
With support from the United Nations Democracy Fund, the Panchayat Programme extended its reach to other states, including PESA areas, focusing on citizen rights and participation within the Panchayat system. Collaborative efforts with organizations like Hunger Project addressed voter awareness and responsible elections. This phase also saw the establishment of an exclusive institution dedicated to Panchayat Development.
Phase 6 : Governance and Sustainability (2020 - Present)
The most recent phase centers on governance, development, and the creation of Village Sangamam and Sangamam collectives, enabling holistic progress within Panchayats. This approach not only nurtures self-sustainable Panchayats but also establishes them as models for others to emulate.
DPDF emerged from the DHAN Foundation's scale-up efforts, aiming to advance direct democracy and good governance via Panchayat Raj Institutions. Presently operating across 75 Panchayats in various districts, the initiative strives to create pioneering Panchayats. DPDF's primary objectives encompass:
- Advancing Direct Democracy and Good Governance for Poverty Reduction through Panchayat Raj Institutions.
- Integrating Community-Level People Institutions (SHGs, Farmers Groups, Youth Associations, etc.) with local governance for leverage and access to entitlements.
- Fostering the emergence of community leaders within PRI for political involvement.
- Synergizing traditional governance systems with formal Panchayat institutions for cohesive development.
Furthermore, DPDF is creating experimental Panchayats in Kariapatti, Tiruchuli, and Yadgir through the CSR support of SBI Foundation and Karur Vysya Bank.