Awareness and Training of Village Leaders on Government Schemes
To strengthen grassroots governance and improve access to public welfare schemes, BGM Foundation, in collaboration with Navnirman Savitribai Phule Foundation, conducted a focused capacity-building initiative for elected Gram Panchayat members and community leaders. The project aimed to bridge the knowledge gap that often prevents rural families from availing their rightful entitlements.
A series of interactive workshops were conducted across 25 villages in Jawhar and Mokhada talukas, reaching over 75 elected leaders, SHG heads, and informal influencers. The training covered key government schemes including PMAY, PDS, MGNREGA, scholarships, pensions, and livestock development.
Conducted in Marathi, the sessions were participatory and practical, incorporating group discussions, case studies, and implementation checklists. Participants received printed reference materials and a directory of local helplines for continued support.
Post-training feedback revealed a significant increase in awareness and a strong interest among participants to proactively assist villagers. In fact, several case examples emerged of leaders taking follow-up action to help families access housing and pension benefits. The project sets the stage for district-wide scale-up and the development of a Rural Governance Toolkit by the Foundation.