Governance where people matter

"Enabling hitherto excluded and marginalized sections of the society to proactively engage with the forces and structures that exclude and marginalise them has been the central mission of PRIA over the past twenty years. The perspective of Participatory Research made PRIA's practice the central principle, "Knowledge is power" in all its actions. As processes of learning and organizing were facilitated, the people were empowered and enabled to address their issues of discrimination and oppression. Access to and control over natural, physical and intellectual resources has been the central theme of PRIA's efforts at promoting participation and participatory development.

As women, dalits and adivasis began to assert their rights to participate in and manage the development projects and resources, it became clear that larger structures of governance need to be reformed. As liberal democracy gained roots in India (and other parts of the world), it became clear that democratic governance is more than periodic elections in a multiparty system. Processes and structures of decision making about mobilization and use of public resources for common public good is the essential meaning of governance. It goes beyond governments alone and includes all institutions of society.

Participation of all citizens, including the poor and marginalized, in public spheres on an ongoing basis results in sustainable, effective democratic governance. When tribals have access to and control over forests, when workers have influence over technology and organisation of the work place, when women have control over their bodies and assets, when dalits are assured physical safety, self dignity and economic justice then, and only then, can participatory development contribute to the general well being of the society. PRIA's experiences suggest that a strong, effective and autonomous civil society can contribute towards the realization of such a dream. It is in collaboration with other institutions in society (like academica, media, private business etc.) workers organizations, community based groups, that voluntary organizations and citizens associations can and do play meaningful roles in realizing 'governance where people matter. This does not happen merely in terms of benevolent leaders and patriarchs 'doing good' for the masses, but it also implies ordinary, invisible and hitherto voiceless individuals and groups voluntarily playing active, informed and sustained roles. It is this vision of society that PRIA rededicates itself to on the occasion of its 20th anniversary.