Dialogue on  Building Resilient Gram Panchayats

Odisha has experienced a transformative evolution in areas such as food production, food security, livelihoods, and disaster management. Concurrently, the state is navigating a swift demographic transition, marked not only by the size of its population and growth rate, but also by the composition and distribution of its inhabitants, accompanied by changing behaviours and aspirations. The sustained decline in fertility, combined with rapid economic and socio-cultural transition is delineating a different trajectory for the state.

The evolving demographic transition in Odisha will significantly impact various facets, including education, the labour force, aging, social security provision, maternal and child health, and numerous other dimensions. These implications take on added significance for Odisha as it approaches the commemoration of its centennial anniversary in 2036.

Gram Panchayats (GPs) play a pivotal role in advancing the Government’s human development agenda at the village level. The level of development in a village is evident through the facilities that it provides to enrich human life and sustain the surrounding environment. Key indicators such as water availability, sanitation, housing, the poverty level, energy access, healthcare, environmental sustainability, education, and employment opportunities collectively reflect the development status of a village.

The formulation of Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDP) presents a unique opportunity for Gram Panchayats (GPs) to align their strategies with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Localisation of SDGs means bringing local and regional players like Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Community Based Institutions (CBIs) to a knowledge platform where these entities can recognize how their ongoing initiatives contribute to the realization of SDGs at the grassroots level.

As a prelude to the Odisha Vikash Conclave, this event will explore the theme of localizing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within PRIs and Community Based Organisations. The primary objective is to spotlight and facilitate discussions on the pivotal role of PRIs and community-based institutions in the pursuit of SDGs.

CYSD in partnership with the Mahashakti Foundation, will host a thematic track titled ‘Dialogue with Leaders of the Community Based Organisations and PRI Representatives’ on December 6th at the Development Resource and Training Centre (DRTC), CYSD.

Key Objectives

  • Knowledge Sharing: Participants will have the opportunity to exchange insights, challenges, and successes related to their ongoing initiatives aligned with the SDG framework.
  • Interactive Sessions: The event will include interactive sessions designed to encourage dialogue, collaboration, and the exchange of best practices. It will also identify potential areas of collaboration between the Panchayati Raj Institutions and Community Based Organisations, including Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs).
  • Policy Implications: The outcomes of these discussions will play a crucial role in illuminating the practical aspects of localizing SDGs, offering valuable inputs for policy formulation that directly impact human development at the grassroots level.

Target Participants

The event aims to bring together a diverse group of participants, including Sarpanchs, Gram Panchayat (GP) members, and dynamic ex-Sarpanchas. Additionally, it will include representatives from community-based institutions, encompassing members from Producer Groups (PGs), and Self-Help Group (SHG) federations, and Farmer Producer Organisations.

 Focus Areas

The one-day event will serve as a platform for participants to actively engage in interactions, sharing valuable information and updates concerning their ongoing initiatives in human development, health and sanitation, MGNREGA, social security schemes, and more. The discussions will focus on understanding how these grassroots-level efforts align with and contribute to the fulfilment of SDG mandates, particularly in light of the changing demographic patterns in the state.

 Way Forward

The thematic discussion will not only serve as a prelude to the Odisha Vikash Conclave but also stand as an independent platform where key stakeholders can make meaningful contributions to the discourse on achieving SDGs at the grassroots level. Through knowledge sharing, interactive sessions, and a focus on policy implications, the event will aim to underscore the critical role of local entities in driving sustainable development and fostering positive change in the region.

Discussion Points

  • How to build the local ecosystem with information and capacity building support especially to PRIs & CBOs in realisation of SDG aligned GPDPs?
  • What information system need to be placed at GP level for effective decision making and monitoring of development actions.
  • Convergence of various plans such as Village Disaster Management Plan (VDMP), Integrated Village Development Plan (IVDP), Bio-Diversity Plan and GPDP at Gram Panchayat level.
  • Need of multi-stakeholder collaboration in expediting faster realization of SDGs.