DHAN Panchayat Development Foundation (Subsidiary of DHAN Collective for Enabling Democratic Governance)

Mission

Building Direct Democracy and Good Governance in Local Governments and People’s Institutions for Poverty Reduction, Social Justice, and Self-Reliance.

Vision

To Advance Direct Democracy and Good Governance for Poverty Reduction through Panchayat Raj Institutions.

To Integrate Community Level People Institutions (SHGs, Farmers Groups, Youth Association, etc.,) with local governance system to leverage and access entitlements.

To Create Space in PRI for graduation of Community leaders in political sphere.

To link traditional governance systems with formal Panchayat institutions for synergy.

Purpose

The purpose of DHAN Panchayat Development Foundation (DPDF) is to empower grassroots communities by deepening democratic practices and enabling responsive, inclusive governance at the village level.

DPDF works to transform Panchayats into vibrant spaces of people’s participation, transparency, and accountability, thereby ensuring poverty reduction, social justice, and self-reliance through strong local institutions.

Core Values

People-Centeredness
We believe that sustainable development begins with empowered communities. Our work is grounded in people’s participation and leadership.

Democratic Engagement
We are committed to strengthening participatory democracy, civic responsibility, and informed decision-making at the grassroots.

Social Justice
We prioritise equity, inclusion, and the upliftment of marginalised voices in governance and development processes.

Transparency and Accountability
We uphold integrity in all actions and foster mechanisms that promote openness in local governance.

Synergy and Collaboration
We strive to build bridges between traditional systems, community institutions, and formal Panchayat structures to create a holistic governance ecosystem.

Capacity Building
We invest in nurturing community leaders, local institutions, and field functionaries to drive sustainable change.