Participatory model of development lays emphasis on involvement of community members to bring about development. Participation includes not just membership of CBOs (Community Based Organizations like Self Help Groups) or providing member contribution in activities, but also in important decision making processes and ultimately the smooth operation of activities. The aim behind this is to ensure such development which is brought about by taking into account the needs of the people and not to impose a top down approach of development.
The idea behind this is very noble but has its own drawbacks. For example, in a subsidy fuelled rural context the willingness of people to step up and take charge is not an easy thing. The habit of getting quick relief just because one qualifies as poor was a quick fix solution. This is one of the reasons why even financially well off families want to feature in the “BPL” list. The handouts and doles given to the poor might not have done much to improve their standard of living but it has sure spelt success for political parties come election season, quite a few times. But participatory development seeks to create a more empowered society for which the rural poor might not be ready. After all, they have never been active players in the development process before, only passive receivers. And the participation required of them is not of a rudimentary nature. For instance, women self help groups are created in the hope that it will lead to women centric participatory development, but attendance is the least of the requirements; what is required from these women is active participation in the day to day affairs of their SHGs (Self Help Groups), making important decisions, ensuring the smooth operation of daily activities as well as taking initiative and suggesting changes which will better their socioeconomic condition. To achieve this some hand holding support must be provided in the initial stage to encourage dialogue. But, it can take a really long time to achieve the desired result since what is being undertaken is very ambitious. For a woman who rarely steps out of her house, who is hardly ever consulted by her family in any household decision, it is unthinkable to take vital decisions about her destiny at a community forum like an SHG. Decades of societal conditioning makes it difficult to actually realize this dream of participatory development. It might be easier in matriarchal societies of South India or north East India, but very difficult in patriarchal societies. Also, as mentioned earlier it seems cumbersome to the people themselves who are more used to getting instant subsidy benefits. The history of rural development initiatives as well as the cultural context makes participatory development a not so easy task.
To cultivate a temperament of decisiveness and drive is a long drawn process. A number of failed government schemes has led to this dependence on participatory approach but the important question is – are the people themselves ready for such a change, are the people ready to become masters of their own destiny or do they want to remain passive receivers?
Prerna Rana (can be reached at: Prerna.rana03@gmail.com)
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