Achievements
The success of SUGRAMA has been widespread and significant. Using the information gathered in federation meetings and other training programmes, Elected Women Representatives of SUGRAMA have been able to inspire other, non-represented women in their Taluks to take up issues and solve them. Some of our major achievements are:
STRENGTHENING LOCAL GOVERNANCE
- Successfully lobbied and achieved 50% reservation to women - 2015
- Advocated successfully to increase the tenure of GP President and Vice President from 30 months to 5 years – 2015;
- Dialogue with Government to prevent any disqualification clauses
- Lobbying as a gatekeeping body to ensure coercion for removal of Presidents prior to the completion of their tenure
- Continue to lobby to ensure that No-Confidence Motion is not passed before 30 months or – coercion for removal of Presidents prior to the completion of their tenure - 2020-2025
- 10 years (2 terms) reservation
- Successfully advocated for increase in honorarium and ensuring proper disbursements– 2017
- Proper disbursements of sitting fees
- Formation of standing committees and sub-committees in GPs and service providers
- Formation of Sexual Harassment Complaints Committee at GP Level– Section 58 C
- Advocated for formulating state rules for new PRI state act (2015)
- Advocated for inclusion of SUGRAMA members in quarterly KDP meetings
- Proper implementation of provisions of Child Marriage Amendment Act
- Non-interference of non GP representatives (MLA/MP/ZP) in the decisions of Grama Panchayats in selecting beneficiaries
- Lobbied for the rightful implementation of Section 43A of state PRI act (monthly meetings)
DEMANDING ACCOUNTABILITY, PROMOTING GOOD GOVERNANCE
- PDS: Stalling of cash transfers against the distribution of food grains – 100s of post cards and letters forwarded to the Government
- Continue to work towards effective implementation of Grama Swaraj – Karnataka Panchayat Raj Act, 2016Working towards effective implementation of Grama Swaraj – Karnataka Panchayat Raj Act, 2016
- Ensuring the conduct of Ward Sabha, Grama Sabhas, Mahila Grama Sabhas and Childrens Grama Sabha and seek accountability and transparency in the decisions taken
- Grama Sabhas and Panchayat meetings to be video recorded – circulars issued
- Ensuring effective implementation of government social security and other schemes – health, education, MGNREGA, Public Distribution System, water and sanitation and poverty alleviation (housing and pensions schemes)
- Ensuring effective functioning of local child crèches- Anganawadis
- Maintaining cleanliness, sanitation & hygiene in the Gram Panchayats
- Ensure proper access to housing entitlements specially amongst the marginalized
GENDER AND SOCIAL JUSTICE
- Participation of EWRs in increasing transparency in social audit (Grama Sabha, Social Audit, GPDP) and ensure its proper planning and effective implementation
- Successful lobbying for separate toilets for women in public and private spaces including GP premises
- EWRs facilitate the GPs to follow guidelines with regard to budgets earmarked for excluded sections of the population – SCP/TSP, Disability and pensions
- Addressing issues of violence and backlashes in GPs and the community – support of media and CBOs
- Sensitizing community on alcoholism; dowry; female feticide,
- Emphasize on girl child/adolescent girls in continuing their education/career guidance to pursue their education or opt for other opportunities towards skill development and self-employment
- Stopping child marriage, child labour & child trafficking and regular coordination with sahayavani/women’s helpline
RAISING SUGRAMA’S PROFILE
- Building capacities of members – ensuring participation in training programs of Government, NGOs and other Civil Society Organizations
- Empowered, vibrant and successful Taluk Federations
- Successfully held four Annual General Body meetings (SAMAVESHA)
- Smooth transfer of powers from old to new members
- Disseminating government circulars, information & success stories through newsletters
- Collaborating with other civil society organizations and networks to bring change in grassroots governance
- Developing & distributing pamphlets, posters on its own aims & objectives, for fair & violence free elections.
BUILDING ALLIANCES WITH
- With State Government (recognized by the Government as an advocacy platform for GP EWRs and as the only EWR collective – (5 year tenure, 50% reservation, Housing and Public Distribution System).
- Regular interfaces with government officials, Member of Legislative Assembly/ Member of Legislative Council/ Member of Parliament (MLAs/MLCs/MPs)
- Local journalists & newspapers
- Developing and sharing of IEC materials and expertise on Local Self Government with District & Taluk administration
- Increased coordination with Karnataka State Women’s Commission and Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (KSCPCR)
