The village of Gokhur Gram Panchayat in Panna district, Madhya Pradesh, with a voter base of about 2,100, stands as a testament to the potential of local governance in achieving economic development and social justice. With only one upper-caste family, the majority of the population comprises Yadavs and Kushwahas who rely on dairying and vegetable farming for their livelihoods, working on small landholdings. Despite these efforts, the community has historically faced economic struggles and social backwardness, compounded by low educational standards and inadequate facilities.

Dadu Ram Kushwaha, a former Sarpanch, was deeply concerned about the lack of educational attainment in his village. The situation was so dire that no woman in the village had completed Class 10, a requirement to qualify as an Anganwadi worker. However, the village also has a legacy of visionary leadership: in the early sixties post-independence era, Gauri Shankar Yadav, a benevolent leader, donated land and constructed a primary school along with a dug well, a structure that still exists within the school premises today.

When Dadu Ram became Sarpanch, he was determined to improve the quality of education in his village. He actively engaged with the administration to secure transfer postings for competent teachers to the local government primary and secondary schools. Later, he embarked on a relentless journey to establish a high school in Gokhur, seeking support from politicians and bureaucrats with remarkable humility. His perseverance paid off in 2007 when the village was sanctioned a high school.

Dadu Ram fondly recalls the district collectors and politicians who supported his mission. His close collaboration with teachers ensured that the school offered quality education. Today, this high school is among the best in the district. Many students receive means-cum-merit scholarships, and alumni have secured jobs in the government sector, such as in the police and postal services, as well as in the private sector in large cities.

Having served as Sarpanch for two terms, Dadu Ram also supported his wife when she held the Sarpanch position under a reserved seat. Known for his selflessness, he led by example, living frugally and walking through the Panchayat as he never owned a vehicle.

Mauzi Lal Verma, the current Sarpanch, continues this legacy, upholding the values passed on to him. The Gram Swaraj Bhawan, the Panchayat office, operates daily to address citizens' concerns. By converging various departmental programs, the Panchayat is tackling pressing challenges such as water scarcity and climate change.

Modern farming practices have also taken root in Gokhur, with farmers adopting multi-cropping methods to cultivate vegetables alongside rice and wheat. These innovations have transformed Gokhur into one of the largest vegetable suppliers to nearby towns, enabling farmers to earn decent incomes from small plots of land.

The leadership in Gokhur demonstrates the transformative potential of decentralized governance in addressing grassroots challenges. While many such leaders exist, they often remain ineffective without mentoring and support to translate their vision into action. The localization of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) requires identifying genuine leaders, nurturing their potential, and providing the necessary support to achieve their dreams for their villages.

This vision demands a significant shift away from the top-down development model, which imposes goals and instructions without consideration for local realities. Instead, there must be serious investments in the capacity building of elected leaders and grassroots functionaries. Along with a clear roadmap for devolving funds, functions, and functionaries, this approach will not only ensure the realistic attainment of SDGs but also foster democratic participation among citizens.

Submitted By: Yogesh Kumar | Date: 17-Dec-2024