Voices from the Village

"Voices from our project areas in Basavakalyan taluk, Bidar district, Karnataka"

Mrs. Chayabhai, Hanumanthwadi: Women are involved in measurement, supervision, but not while payment. Before project, women wages in agriculture was Rs. 12, now it is Rs. 25. The landlords are facing labour problem as most of them get better wages in project activities. Migration has also reduced

According to the villagers present in a meeting, one good impact of Village Development Society (VDS) is that Mr. Tukaram, ex VDS president, Bandenawazwadi VDS has got a good image, respect & importance in the village because of his position in the VDS. Earlier, since he was from lower caste and he did not have work, he did not have much of a standing in the village.

The villagers of Nirgudi village, feel that VDS is important as it is transparent in accounts & activities, one can review / discuss freely, activities are visible and of benefit to all. Gram Panchayat is useful for NOC, VDS office construction, information on any schemes sanctioned for the village, tax collection etc. Two VDS members are also Panchayat members.