| Date 20-Jul-2010 to 20-Jul-2010 |
Location Patna |
Format Sub National |
PRIA is working for social inclusion of dalits in developmental programmes in three states (Rajasthan, Haryana and Bihar), supported by dvv International. Under this programme, in Bihar, PRIA is working in 5 districts to strengthen the engagement of civil society organisations (CSOs) and bring all the civil society networks working on dalit issues on one platform to work together on grassroots leadership of dalit communities. By analysing local realities and ways of constructive engagement in policymaking and programme implementation, the project works towards solutions to ensure that dalits access opportunities for their social, political and economic development. PRIA along with partners in Bihar is promoting the role of community-based organisations (CBOs) to play a more complementary and constructive role to help realise the democratic rights of dalits in panchayats.
As part of the project, PRIA organised a state level workshop, ‘Capacity Building Needs of Community-Based Organisations for Social Inclusion’, on 20 July 2010 in Patna, Bihar. The objective of the discussion was to bring all stakeholders together to explore opportunities to collaborate, complement and replicate initiatives for strengthening CBOs. The workshop follows the Training Needs Assessment (TNA) study undertaken by PRIA, Bihar to understand the strengths, weaknesses, advantages and opportunities of CBOs in Bihar in order to identify their capacity building needs.
Discussions and deliberations at the workshop centred on the issues and concerns of dalits at the national, state and local levels and current working methodologies. Key findings of the TNA study were also shared. The gaps in the functioning of CBOs working on dalit concerns, such as absence of resource generation mechanism, poor inter-organisation communication, isolated mode of functioning at the organisational level and lack of leadership capacities, no legal affiliation and vulnerability to external vested interests, were highlighted as the factors impacting the effectiveness of the CBOs.
The workshop was attended by representatives of 5 CBOs, 50 CSOs, dalit elected representatives, the Bihar Maha Dalit Ayog, Bihar Maha Dalit Vikas Mission and All India Dalit Mahila Adhikar Manch (ADMAM). The panel was chaired by Mr. Rajendra Kumar Nat, Member, Bihar Maha Dalit Ayog. Other panelists included Mr. Promod Kumar Singh, Convener, Hunger Free Bihar Campaign, Ms. Devjani Kar, SPO, Bihar Maha Dalit Vikas Mission, Ms. Poonam Devi, Pramukh, Punpun, Patna and Mr. Promod Kumar, Senior Sub Editor, Dainik Jagran, Patna.
The objectives behind the TNA study conducted were to prepare a specific training strategy to build capacities, share information on the identified training needs with CBOs/CSOs/other agencies working on scheduled caste issues to develop a perspective on the issues identified and also to understand the factors and conditions affecting the functioning of CBOs. Keeping the objectives of the study in mind, the study targetted some CBOs, CSO networks, donors, implementing agencies and the Bihar Maha Dalit Commission.
Preliminary findings from the study reveal that divergence of issues and duplication of work not only weakens the penetration of CBOs but also makes their efforts scattered. More organic linkages with other agencies and stakeholders can provide adequate space and options to act.
The main purpose of the TNA was to make the CSOs, CBOs and other institutions better equipped with information and strategies to translate government policies and programmes targetted at dalit welfare into action, with the broader goal of assuring a more dignified life to dalits for a just society.