Rights and Entitlements
Raising Awareness
Village-level Adhikar Samitis are formed in each village as forums to raise community issues and put forth demands. Monthly meetings are organized to create awareness among community members about government schemes, rights, and entitlements. The Samitis also play a key role in strengthening linkages with Panchayati Raj Institutions and government functionaries to ensure access to schemes and to raise the concerns of women and marginalized groups. They not only address individual concerns but also take initiatives on village-level and broader social issues.
Adhikar Samitis are strong women’s collectives at the village level that support communities in accessing government scheme benefits, raise community-level issues on appropriate platforms, and work actively and collectively against social issues and evils.
Strengthening Local Self Governance
We work to strengthen local self-governance from both demand and supply sides by ensuring that women actively participate in local governance processes. Specifically, we facilitate women’s attendance in monthly Panchayat meetings to voice community needs, encourage and support their involvement in ward sabhas to develop village proposals and promote their presence in Gram Sabha meetings to contribute to and submit proposals for the Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP). Additionally, we conduct capacity-building programs for PRI representatives including workshops, training sessions and exposure visits to reinforce their effectiveness.
Community Cadre
Ibtada promotes and trains a cadre of leaders, known as Adhikar Sakhis, to negotiate with government functionaries and PRIs on issues of community rights and entitlements. Adhikar Sakhis also serve as points of contact for village members, providing help and support in accessing government schemes, Rights and Entitlements. They mobilize members, share knowledge and lead collective action within the community to fight social issues and demand accountability from the government. In addition, Adhikar Sakhis create awareness through handholding support to individuals and facilitate training sessions with community institutions such as SHGs, clusters and federations.
