Click here to Login |
fourth EF meeting Role of VDS in promoting good governance at local level Read Also: Executive summary of the fourth EF Background The Phase 2 of the ISPWDK project developed a registered, democratic and non-political institution named as Village Development Societies (VDS). VDS was not envisaged just as a project implementing institution, but also as an institution supporting the long-term development needs of the village in a sustainable manner. The institution was evolved out of learning & recommendations from self-evaluation process of Phase 1. Registered Societies Village Development Societies are registered under the Karnataka Societies Registration Act (1960). Registration was felt necessary to meet the statuary requirements for receiving funds from the government and other development agencies. The VDS is guided by set of byelaws and also governed by certain legal requirements, which are revised / complied time to time. The VDS is vested with the overall responsibility to plan, implement and monitor all developmental activities in the village. Based on the need, different committees are formed by the VDS to execute the programmes. MYRADA and PRAWARDA followed the pattern of General Body, Governing Council. SAMUHA followed the pattern of General Body (Street Groups), Executive committee and Management Committee. Structure, Membership and Work The VDS structure comprises of general body (GB) or Gram Sabha (GS) representing one male and one female member of each ‘permanent’ household in the village, who nominates the governing council (GC) members. The GC has 9-15 members representing different sections of the communities / institutions in the village. About 50% of the governing body members are women. There are 14 VDS established in the three watersheds of ISPWDK Phase-II villages. The VDS formed Watershed Management Committees/PTRG & SHGs / Thrift Groups, for executing the project interventions. The overall planning, monitoring, reporting & accounting are done by the VDS and its members. The project capacitated the members of these institutions & support staff on technical, managerial and social aspects related to the project interventions. They are actively involved in implementation of activities related to watershed, sustainable agriculture, livelihoods promotion and community support programme under the project. Apart from these, they are also mobilizing the resources & services from Gram Panchayat, Taluk Panchayat & Govt. Departments. |
|