Benefitting zone: India

STORY : Initiative for transparent and accountable governance systems in Jharkhand

"The trainings have been immensely helpful, I now make sure that all eligible residents of my Panchayat are enlisted and receive benefits under the pension schemes. I also monitor the performance of the service providing centres in my village."

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Agatha Bhengra

CONTEXT

Jharkhand is one of the poorest states in India. According to the United Nations, almost 40 percent of the state's population lives below the poverty line and almost one in five children is malnourished. The majority of the population lives in rural areas with only limited access to public services like health care and education. The literacy rate in Jharkhand lies at 70 percent, which is below the national average of 75 percent. The state has a high proportion of people belonging to Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes who often face discrimination and social exclusion.

OBJECTIVES

• Contribute to social inclusion and reduced poverty through improved public services and programs in selected districts of Jharkhand.

RESULTS

• Strengthened the dissemination of information, by developing and promoting participatory processes and Management Information Systems (MIS).
• Enhanced capacities of public service providers and functionaries for a better service delivery, transparency and accountability in education, health & nutrition, and rural employment.
• Empowered the local self-governance bodies and youth leaders.

TESTIMONY

Putul Murmu: Inspiration for peer groups!

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Putul Murmu is a young, enthusiastic Santhali girl of Sukhwadi village in the Jama block. Having received training herself under the Initiative for Transparent and Accountable Governance Systems in Jharkhand’, the 25 year old is a master trainer for Participatory Learning and Action (PLA). She builds capacity of community members on village level micro planning, school development plans and community monitoring.  

Passionate about her job, Putul says she loves working for her community. "I feel proud when I see any positive change in the village, especially when it is related to maternal and new born health." 

The job is not without challenges: "Sometimes men do not take interest in the trainings. Convincing them can be difficult. But I tell them about the importance of the trainings for the overall community and keep on persisting until they join," says Putul.

Working as a Field Supervisor under the good governance programme supported by European Union, Putul is very firm when she deals with corruption at the local level and works like a bridge between community and service providers.

An inspiration to her peer group as well as her community, Putul has continued her study as well. She is currently in the final year of an undergraduate programme.