JUDAV recognizes the decisive and revolutionary role of Gram Sabhas and Peoples’ Organizations (POs) for total social transformation. Hence, JUDAV serves as a conduit to help empower and strengthen Gram Sabhas and Peoples Organizations by capacitating, arousing, organizing and mobilizing them so they can establish self-rule.

                   JUDAV has ensured to promote and strengthen people and local self-governance at village and Panchayat level to achieve self-governance through Gram Sabhas, Community Based Organizations (CBOS) and POs.

                   In order to capacitate Gram Sabhas POs and CBOs, JUDAV has been organizing regular study circles with them, to develop a conceptual understanding on social issues that affect their lives. Dialogue and discussions with local institutions, women and youth were carried out in intensified ways. Conscious efforts also have been taken for gender sensitization and development within Gram Sabahs, POs, CBOs and in the organization.

                   To inculcate  the concept of micro level planning in  members of Gram Sabhas, POs, CBOs and other actors of civil society various capacitation programmes have been organized.  Gram Sabhas consistently monitored the development programmes implemented by government agencies.  SHGs have been made to function as gender sensitized women organizations so that they can serve as venue for a gender-friendly environment.

                   Gram Sabhas and POs were also oriented to understand and internalize the spirit of the 73rd and 74th amendments, the theory and practice of self-rule, the concept of local economy, the meaning of Gram-Swaraj, theory and practice of participatory planning, formulation of perspective plan for the village and realization of sustainability etc.  Along with that members are given training on agriculture, animal husbandry, cottage and small scale-industries, horticulture, aquaculture education, health and transport etc.

              It has     also advocated constantly for community rights over natural resources Jal, Jungle and Jamin (Water, forest and land).It

has opposed globalization and policy of industrialization in many states, national and      international platforms that destroys ecological balance in the society.

             Jharkhand Hulgulan Mahila Manch and Jharkhand Ulgulan Manch, the two biggest Peoples Organizations in Jharkhand have identified that rising communalism, devastation of natural resources, state sponsored atrocities and loss of         livelihood opportunities are some of the threats before Indigenous society. But there are some lights of hope which we consider as opportunities. The network of village institutions, Gram Ganarajya Parishad, alliance with democratic and progressive forces and nurtured youth groups against      reactionary elements are some of the opportunities which can serve as a social force for the positive transformation of the state. 

             In the preceding period three major activities were launched by the peoples’ organizations. The Jharkhand Ulgulan Manch and the Jharkhand Hulgulan Mahila Manch conducted their conventions on separate occasions. The POs saw the critical need to hold the conventions in order to rally and unite the people at the juncture wherein the onslaught of Capital forces were heightening in Jharkhand.  The events thus served as a crucial avenue for people to ventilate their issues and at the same time craft their programs to thwart and frustrate these Capitalist forces that sought to destroy their land. 

             Another such activity is the celebration of the International Women’s Day. Villagers from all over the District comprising women and children with minimal presence of men gathered the whole day at the Indira Gandhi Place at Madhupur. Discussions on women issues which they said continue to arise unabated were tackled the whole morning.

               In the afternoon, the women and children took a break to participate in games organized by JUDAV. Some women went home happy with the prizes they won. It was truly a women’s day out- for struggle and for fun.          

                         

• Annual Convention of Jharkhand Ulgulan Manch

 

The Annual Convention of Jharkhand Ulgulan Manch was held at Hosir in Bokaro District.

The Representatives at the Convention were critical of the continuing attack of Nature and natural resources.

Magsaysay Awardee and noted conservationist, Rajendra Singh in his inaugural speech        cautioned that if the ‘raping’ of nature and natural resources continued the war on this occasion would be on the issue of water.

ABHIYAN Coordinator, Siddheshwar addressing the Convention pointed out to the critical situation in the state due to signing of a       spate of MOUs. At this rate the adivasis and other poor would be further impoverished and displaced in thousands. However, the people who would be adversely affected have decided to stand up and fight.

 

In his address, Ghanshyam pointed out that Jharkhandis gave away 12,000 acres of land to Bhudaan when Vinobaji came into the    region. But they gave away the land when after talks with the Bhudaan leader held discussions with the adivasi leaders who told him that they believed in self-rule. Did Vinoba believed in it? Only after an affirmative reply they complied with him and gave the land. Land        given away in Bhudaan cannot be taken away or hi-jacked by the government and given away to Corporates under the law, he added.

 

The Convention elected Joint Coordinators – Charan Kumar and Somwari Deogam – and the state core group.

     

• Jharkhand Hulgulan Mahila Manch Convention

 

Jharkhand Hulgulan Mahila Manch had its convention at Madhupur

 from 10th to 12th September 2006.

About 200 women participated in the convention.

The Convention discussed the adverse impact of male dominated

society and of fundamentalist forces on women.

 

     

• Celebrating International Women’s Day

 

                        Around 200 women from various villages gathered at the Indira Gandhi Place at Madhupur for a day- long celebration of the International    Women’s Day. The organized mass listened   to the speeches of the women leaders which talked about the upsurge of       violence against women. It was followed thereafter with games and fun. For the women, it was a welcome holiday and respite from the grueling day of domestic and productive work at home.