Panchayati Raj Support and Mobilisation Programme

The PRISMO project was implemented in Araniya Joshi, Jalia, and Badoli Ghata Gram Panchayats of Nimbahera Panchayat Samiti; Devri, Semaliya, and Sahnawa Gram Panchayats of Chittorgarh Panchayat Samiti; & Khodip, Karediya, and Gardana Gram Panchayats of Bhadesar Panchayat Samiti. The population of the proposed project area was about 39000, of which about 40 percent belonged to scheduled caste, scheduled tribe, vulnerable and disadvantaged (nomadic tribes like Gadiya Lohar, Bagriya, Kalbeliya, Kanjar, Banchda, and Bargunda ) sections of the society. 46 percent of the population belonged to ‘other backward class’ and rest 14 percent belonged to the ‘general category’.

Out of the proposed nine Gram Panchayats, three were headed (sarpanch) by persons belonging to ‘Scheduled Caste’, five by people from ‘Other Backward Classes’ and one by a ‘General Caste’ person; among them three were women. There were 51 revenue villages and 92 wards in these Gram Panchayats. Of the 92 wards, 35 were being represented by scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, and vulnerable groups; 51 wards by ‘Other Backward Classes’; and last 6 wards by persons from ‘General Category’. In these 92 wards, there were 11 women ward panchs.

In view of the status of the PRIs in the proposed project area and its socio-cultural scenario, it was evident that these PRIs had not been able to meet either the constitutional obligations or the expectations of people. 40 percent population of the proposed project area belonged to SC, ST, and other vulnerable and disadvantaged section of the society. These people were among the most neglected and needy category of the population. Moreover, they had not been significantly benefited by the PRIs.

Additionally, 87 of the 92 wards were represented by women, vulnerable groups and other backward communities, totaling the representation of these people to 95 percent. It was this segment whose skill and capacity development was of paramount significance so that they would effectively able to execute their roles and responsibilities. The project endeavored specially to facilitate and support the PRIs in fulfilling their constitutional obligations; effectively accomplishing their roles; working for the development of vulnerable and disadvantaged sections of the society; and meeting the expectations of people.