Village planning is crucial to the planned and desirable development of Goa in terms of preserving its culture, identity, pace and quantum of desirable development. People should decide what the future Goa should look like – not political leaders or land sharks. Village planning helps allocate resources efficiently, prioritize infrastructure projects, and improve living conditions for villagers. Effective village planning looks at local needs, such as education, healthcare, sanitation and agriculture, contributing to improved quality of life.
It empowers communities to have a say in their development, creating a sense of ownership and accountability. Furthermore, it can preserve cultural heritage, protect the environment and promote sustainable practices. In sum, village planning is vital for holistic and sustainable rural development, promoting prosperity and well-being in these essential components of any nation.
Villages are the foundation around which Goa was created. These rural settlements are not just repositories of tradition and culture but are also integral to the state’s socio-economic fabric. Therefore, it becomes crucial to ensure that the process of planning and development in these villages is participatory, inclusive and truly reflective of the local needs and aspirations. The crucial question therefore is who should do village planning. The Gram Sabha which is at the heart of grassroots democracy should do village planning, but not the Town and Country Planning Department or any govt department.
The Gram Sabha is referred to as the ‘village assembly’ and is a constitutionally mandated body in India. It comprises all eligible voters in a village and serves as the cornerstone of decentralised governance. Despite their significance, Gram Sabhas have often been overlooked or sidelined in the planning and decision-making processes, leaving room for top-down approaches that may not always align with the ground realities.
One of the most compelling reasons for empowering Gram Sabhas in village planning is the principle of local ownership and empowerment. No one understands the unique challenges and opportunities of a village better than the people who live there. When the Gram Sabha is actively involved in the planning process, it ensures that decisions are rooted in the ground realities, leading to more effective and sustainable development outcomes.
Moreover, involving the Gram Sabha in village planning promotes transparency and accountability. When villagers are engaged in the decision-making process, they become active stakeholders and are more likely to demand accountability from their elected representatives. This, in turn, can help curb corruption and ensure that development funds are utilised for their intended purposes.
Presently, all the development process in the villages is vitiated as the MLA decides what development needs to be done and in which village, and his supporting sarpanchas and panchas merely bow their heads as obedient school boys and girls.
The involvement of Gram Sabhas in village planning fosters social cohesion and community-driven development. When villagers come together to discuss and plan for their village’s future, it not only leads to better outcomes but also strengthens community bonds. Such cohesion can drive collective action, leading to the resolution of local issues and fostering a sense of pride and ownership in the village’s development.
Critics may argue that Gram Sabhas lack the technical expertise required for complex planning and that central or state authorities should play a more dominant role. However, this viewpoint overlooks the potential for capacity building at the local level. Training and support can be provided to Gram Sabha members to enhance their understanding of various aspects of planning, including infrastructure development, health services, education and agriculture.
Additionally, it is important to acknowledge that the Gram Sabha should not work in isolation. It should be seen as a collaborative partner with government agencies, local NGOs and experts. These stakeholders can provide technical guidance and resources while ensuring that the decisions remain community-driven.
The concept of village planning by the Gram Sabha is not just a matter of governance, it’s a matter of empowerment, accountability and sustainable development. The Gram Sabha represents the voice of the people at the grassroots level, and its active involvement in village planning is not a mere choice but a necessity. When the Gram Sabha is at the forefront of decision-making, Goa’s villages can truly prosper and thrive, reflecting the dreams and aspirations of the villagers. It’s time to empower the Gram Sabha and unlock the true potential of Goa’s rural areas.
