Educate, Organise & Transform: Tools for Emerging Grassroots Leadership

The case study of Kambur Panchayat in Tamil Nadu highlights the power of grassroots mobilisation in strengthening local governance. Youth-led initiatives have significantly increased participation in Gram Sabha meetings, making them a platform for real change. Using tools like the Right to Information (RTI) Act and PRIASoft, these young leaders exposed financial irregularities and demanded transparency. Their efforts led to greater accountability, improved public services, and higher engagement from women and marginalized communities. The movement, initially sparked by the Jallikattu protests, has grown into a model of democratic participation and self-governance.

Kambur Panchayat, a village in Madurai District, witnessed a transformation driven by a group of young individuals who sought to reclaim their rights through the Gram Sabha. Inspired by the 73rd Constitutional Amendment and the Panchayati Raj system, they educated themselves on governance, transparency, and participatory democracy. The Jallikattu uprising in Tamil Nadu in 2017 served as a catalyst, awakening the youth to the power of collective action.

This group actively mobilized farmers, women, and Scheduled Caste (SC) communities to participate in Gram Sabha meetings, which had previously been mere formalities. They exposed financial mismanagement using RTI and PRIASoft, compelling authorities to take action against corrupt officials. Through persistent efforts, they also resolved issues like electricity shortages, road repairs, and water scarcity, demonstrating that a well-organized community can hold the administration accountable.

Women’s participation saw a sharp increase, as did overall attendance at Gram Sabha meetings, making the village a model for grassroots democracy. The youth’s leadership, despite lacking formal authority, has led to sustainable development and strengthened local governance. Their success is now inspiring other villages, proving that collective action can bring meaningful change to rural India.

Keywords:  Gram Sabha, Kambur Panchayat, Grassroots Leadership, Mobilisation, Participation, Transparency, Social Capital, Right to Information (RTI), Panchayati Raj, Jallikattu Uprising