Empowering Villages in Rural India

Dear Friend,

Strong village institutions are the nucleus for all of Seva Mandir’s work. For over 50 years, Seva Mandir has slowly built its alternative village governments into spaces where people are able to participate actively and ethically in the decisions which affect their lives. Our Village Development Forums and Village Development Funds manage local development projects, co-fund projects and act as pressure groups on the state. At a deeper level, they build community ownership of the development process, unite communities and ensure the long-term sustainability of Seva Mandir’s work.

Nayakheda is a small village, which is located under Kelwara zone of Kumbhalgarh block in southern Rajasthan. There is only one Government primary school in the village, which provides basic education for the local children hailing from class 1 to class 5. Seva Mandir has been associated with this village for nearly 8 years. Village committee formed by Seva Mandir is very much proactive in raising local issues as well as addressing it. Recently a re-election was held in the village where the newly elected committee representatives complained about the irregularity found in the proper functioning of school. Nearly 60 students are enrolled in the school, but very few students appear for attending the classes. This was negatively impacting their education. The village children usually complained to our newly re-elected committee, about the absence of teacher in their school. The committee approached Seva Mandir with this issue. We have helped them to draft and send an application letter to the Block Education Officer (BEO) mentioning current irregularity found in their Government school. The BEO has responded the application letter with taking strict action against the concerned principal and class teacher. Now the school is running smoothly and children are attending the classes regularly. The villagers and children have appreciated the effort of village committee and Seva Mandir and are more confident about their education facilities.  

We would like to thank you for letting us meet our commitments at the field.  All this has been possible due to your consistent support and trust in us.

Remember, together we can make a difference for these villages.

Best Wishes,

Atul Lekhra and Seva Mandir Team
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Links:

• Seva Mandir's Website
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