Strengthening Local Self Governance

The 73^rd and 74^th Constitutional Amendments has provided an opportunity for participation of citizens in the issues of local self-governance. Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRI’s) and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) are the constitutional bodies and have been recognized as the first units of development in rural and urban areas respectively. These institutions for local development provide a platform and space for the local people to participate in the decision-making and development processes. Empowering these institutions of local self-governance and strengthening grass root democracy is one of the major areas of interventions of HARC. 

HARC’s concept of strengthening Local Self Governance is, that the   institutions of local self-governance should be strengthen in such a way that they act as strong, active and effective institutions of local development and provide a platform to citizens for articulating their voices, concerns, priorities, problems and issues which are directly and indirectly affecting their life. This means, making   these institutions transparent, responsible and accountable to the people by increasing the leadership qualities, awareness, knowledge and functional skills of elected representatives. Effective voice of citizens, including women and other marginalized sections of the society, in governance is essential to make these institutions responsible, accountable and transparent. 

Following is the functioning approach of HARC:

Intensive Mode - Intensive interventions towards strengthening Panchayat Raj Institutions are being carried out through Panchayat Resource Centre (PRC) established at block level and District Resource Centre at District level.

Extensive Mode - To share the experiences and learning gained through PRCs and DRC to different actors of development at various level. For scaling   up the coverage, extensive interventions are being carried out by establishing State Resource Centre (SRC).

Centre for Local Self Governance of HARC with its partner organization is involved in strengthening local democratic governance and promoting participatory development in Uttaranchal.