First official Gram
Sabha at Allapur - contd

2. Approval of loan proposal & interest rate

Later on it was informed that though the loan proposal and interest rate was discussed in the earlier meetings, this is being put forth as agenda for final approval. The loan proposal was approved and related to interest rate, there were few discussions on to reduce the interest rate, but finally consensus was developed to retain interest @9% per annum for the benefit of corpus. The interest will be applicable for only watershed, agriculture and livelihood interventions. It was agreed that the amount has to be paid in one installment per year during Tur harvesting season for three years. When probed that in case the Tur crop fails, it was agreed that they would repay from other subsidiary crops like Jowar, Bengal gram and also from wage labour.

3. Formation of WMC

As per the requirement, the WMC has to be formed comprising of 15 members. The composition was decided as 8 women & 7 men. The criteria was explained to the villagers that the members should be middle aged, active & supervise activities in the field, should attend meetings regularly and attend capacity building events when called for, convene Gram Sabha, self less motive etc. The person should be representative from various caste/class/profession categories. There were long discussions on deciding the suitable person for WMC. Women nominated 8 persons (4 from SHG and 4 from outside SHGs). Men also followed the caste / class criteria to nominate 7 representatives for WMC. The villagers welcomed the representatives and approved through claps. It was noticed that few members nominated were not present in the meeting or need to discuss with the family members. It was informed that the members could change and re-nominate in the next WMC meeting, when the roles & responsibilities of WMC members will be much clear.

4.Registration of WMC

Mr. Kalyanshetti informed that WMC will be registered under KSRA, 1960 Act as done for VDS. MYRADA will initiate the process with WMC in the next meeting.

5.Membership Fees

It was informed that membership is only to develop community ownership towards the project interventions and also help to build corpus fund. The scenario in VDSs was presented, for which the villagers agreed. It was decided that membership of Rs.10 per household will be collected every year. The WMC representatives agreed to pay Rs. 50 each initially for registration and opening the bank account.