Village Revolutionary Committees

The health of a democracy depends on the participation of its citizens, with this in mind Nishan has begun to organize groups of concerned citizens in rural villages who are motivated to make a difference.  The first Village Revolutionary Committee has been set up in the village of Bairsal, in the state of Haryana, by a group of motivated young men.

These committees elect a representative or group of representatives who will be responsible for the recording of incidents of corruption in their community brought to their attention by their friends, neighbours and co-workers.  Considering the level of literacy in some of the villages targeted by this project, the presence of a community member willing to document the concerns of the uneducated is of paramount importance to the empowerment of rural populations.

To further broaden the scope of the project, Nishan has also drafted a survey to be distributed by these committees that will evaluate both incidents of corruption and the attitudes of the public towards what is happening in their specific localities.  Nishan will remain in frequent contact with the committees to provide logistical support and general guidance; however the design of this project is such that the positive outcomes will eventually become self-sustainable.

Nishan's main role after the primary phase of thoroughly explaining the details and goals of the Power to the People campaign to those involved will be the realization of the public hearings where the evidence that has been gathered by the participants will be made public.  Nishan's contacts with serving police officers, public officials and politicians will ensure that the concerns of these communities will not fall on deaf ears during the public hearings.  We also intend to fully involve the media during this phase of the project in order to further inspire like-minded individuals to carry on the momentum of public empowerment.

Photo Gallery

First Revolutionary Committe meets in Bairsal, Karnal District in Haryana

Bairsal Revolutionary Committee acknowledges the work of international volunteers in a special ceremony.