Local Democracy and Welfare Rights

Implemented by: Chinthana Foundation
Supported by: Azim Premji Foundation, Bengaluru
Project Location: Hosadurga Taluk
Commencement: August 2023

Project Overview

The “Local Democracy and Welfare Rights” project was launched in August 2023 by Chinthana Foundation with financial support from the Azim Premji Foundation. The primary objective is to facilitate land entitlement for 1,500 Bagar Hukum cultivators and to support 500 identified individuals in accessing various government welfare schemes for the underprivileged in the region.

Key Activities and Achievements

1. Secondary Data Collection

• Collected 16,204 records from government sources.
• Verified 5,073 records directly with individual applicants at the village level.
• Obtained and properly filed 3,200 acknowledgement copies from Bagar Hukum cultivators.
• Consolidated and digitized 2,500 verified records for further processing.

2. Institution Building and Community Mobilization

• Awareness programs and village-level meetings conducted in 75 villages in collaboration with Village CSOs and Federations.
• Built strong relationships across all 75 villages.
• Formed 40 Village Committees, fostering local leadership and participation.
• Identified and trained 50 grassroots leaders to strengthen village-level advocacy.

3. Engagement with Government Officials and Elected Representatives

• Held regular coordination meetings with key officials:
  • Deputy Commissioner, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Tehsildar, Chief Executive Officer, MLA (Member of Legislative Assembly)
  • Revenue Inspectors & Village Accountants and Panchayath Development Officers , Gram Panchayath Elected members and Ongoing interactions
• Submitted official requests and regularly contact the MLA (Member of Legislative Assembly).
• Organized meetings with the Tehsildar regarding data validation, Land Grant Committee (LGC) formation, and processing applications.
• Submitted a memorandum to the Revenue Minister via Karnataka Bhu Hakkudarara Vedike urging for regular LGC meetings and expedited land grants.
• Consultations held with LGC members including Mrs. Mannamma (Srirampura), Mr. Mallikarjuna (Ailapur), and Mr. Maheshwarappa (Kanguvally).
• Conducting regular meetings with Revenue Inspectors regarding land surveys, sketches, and tabling applications before the LGC.

4. Press Engagement

• Press meet held at Chitradurga on 08.07.2024 attended by:
  • 17 Action Committee members
  • 5 Chinthana Foundation staff
  • 7 media personnel
• Memorandums were submitted to the Additional Deputy Commissioner, and copies forwarded to the Revenue Minister and the Commissioner.

5. Convergence of Social Welfare Schemes

• Conducted 6 capacity-building trainings for BHC members, women farmers, widows, senior citizens, and the differently-abled.
• Created awareness about documentation and the process to avail social welfare schemes.
• Officials from Agriculture, Horticulture, Revenue, and Women & Child Development departments facilitated sessions.
• 857 beneficiaries identified and supported with the following entitlements:

6. Land Grant Committee (LGC) Formation

• LGC was officially formed on 04.12.2023 for Hosadurga Taluk, chaired by MLA Shri B.G. Govindappa and the Tehsildar as the Member Secretary.
• Informal introductory meeting held; formal session expected in August 2024.
• LGC members have been engaged and briefed on the project’s objectives and progress.

7. Gram Panchayat-Level Action Committees

• Conducted 16 GP-level meetings to build capacity on:
  • Legal processes
  • Land classifications
  • Application procedures (Forms 53 & 57)
  • Acknowledgements, RTCs, and LGC roles
  • Build strategies, leadership skills, and unity for land mobilization efforts
• Planted 25 trees at Gavirangapura Government School as part of the initiative.

8. Action Committees

• Formed Constituency Action Committees in Hosdurga constituency.
• In constituency committee comprises 21 executive members, including womens.
• Formed 40 village level  Action Committees in 
• In village committee comprises 9 executive members, including womens.
• Regular meetings held to strengthen leadership and collective organization.

9. Legal Education for BHCs

• Conducted 6  legal awareness training programs at the constituency level.
• Facilitated by Revenue Officers, Senior Social Workers, and the Project Director.
  • Importance of land entitlements
  • Application processes and documentation
  • Legal requirements including land surveys and sketch maps

10. Team Training and Review Meetings

• Organized bi-monthly staff training programs on:
  • Community development
  • Leadership
  • Communication and stakeholder engagement
• Monthly review meetings held at Chinthana Office to:
  • Track progress against targets
  • Address challenges
  • Plan and strategize upcoming activities
  • Verify reports, T.A. bills, and financial documents

11. Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Initiative

• DRR meeting held on 27.03.2024 at Devigere, Kasaba Hobli.
• Discussed drought-related concerns: drinking water, cattle fodder, and basic amenities.
• PRA (Participatory Rural Appraisal) conducted.
• Submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner on 16.04.2024 requesting immediate drought mitigation action.
• DC responded by issuing directives to the Hosadurga Taluk administration.

12. Land Mobilization Prospects

Based on ongoing efforts, land title mobilization is expected soon in the following villages with no legal complications:

Madadhakere Hobli:

• Kenkere, Nagayyanahatti, Timmayyanahatti, Lakkihalli, Shiranakatte, Kerekodihatti, Kabbinakere, Srirangapura, Nirgunda, Rangayanahalli

Shrirampura Hobli:

• Ballalasamudra, Alghatta

Muthodu Hobli:

• Arahalli, Hagalakere

Conclusion

The project has made significant progress in empowering communities through legal awareness, access to social welfare schemes, and support for land entitlements. Continued engagement with government officials and strengthened grassroots institutions are take forward for sustainable development and inclusive governance in Hosadurga Taluk.