Program Title: “Role of Youth in Local Governance & Development”
Basic Module VI: PARTICIPATION AND ACCOUNTABILITY
Place: Roshni Trust, Hangal, Haveri District, Karnataka
Dates: 12 – 14 December 2025
Partner Organization: Roshni Trust, Loyola Vikasa Kendra, Young vision, Akka Mahadevi Mahila Mandala Hangal.
Resource Persons: Manjunath Kudari (Mob:9480028148),
Sr.Anita Disoza Moble No :9945368152.
Youth Participants: 36 (Male 26, Female 10,)
The three-day training on “Participation and Accountability” provided an enriching platform for 36 youth participants to explore the functioning of Gram Panchayats and the significance of Gram Sabhas. Mr. Manjunath Kudri, resource person shared his experiences about Lok Manch highlighting leadership and developmental initiatives within the Panchayat Raj system. As part of a practical exposure visit, the participants visited Savasagi Gram Panchayat. The Panchayat Secretary explained the different types of Gram Sabhas, available government schemes, and the role of digital libraries in youth development. Participants gained knowledge on financial support for development activities, the functioning of Primary Health Centres, distribution of sanitary pads to adolescent girls, vaccination programmes for children (1–15 years), and preventive measures against epidemic diseases.
One participant, Kantesha, expressed that this training has significantly increased his confidence to actively participate in Gram Sabhas. Marking a direct outcome of the training, he submitted application addressing youth-related issues in his village to the Gram Panchayat Office.
Sr. Anita D’Souza focused on participatory and theme-based learning. She covered the history of Panchayat Raj Institutions, the Panchayat Raj Act, 1992, the 73rd Constitutional Amendment, Gram Swaraj, reservations, and the structure and functions of Panchayat committees. She explained the importance of General, Special, and Emergency meetings, noting the mandatory participation of women (minimum 30%). Participants were divided into two groups to model a “good” and a “poorly functioning” Gram Panchayat. This exercise stimulated critical discussions, questions, and clarifications.
Youth participants exhibited their learnings through skit performance addressing Panchayat-level issues, women’s concerns, and access to welfare schemes across Gram, Taluka, and Zilla Panchayat levels.
Mr. Vasanthkumar, state facilitator spoke on the practical use of the Right to Information (RTI) Act. Although many participants had prior exposure to RTI, they lacked clarity on drafting applications. The session provided step-by-step guidance on writing RTI applications, seeking information through simple formats, and understanding appeal procedures under Section 19(1) and Section 19(3), including approaching the Karnataka State Information Commission, Bengaluru.
Participant Sanjana shared that fear of bureaucratic processes had earlier prevented them from filing RTI applications. The training helped clarify doubts and built confidence to use RTI practically.
The training strengthened youth confidence, practical skills, and democratic engagement laying a strong foundation for informed participation and leadership in local governance.
Vasantkumar P
Facilitator, Karnataka
Social Inclusion and Democracy