On the 4th Saturday of May 2025, Kolkata Mary Ward Social Centre (KMWSC) facilitated a Gram Panchayat Meeting at Bipradaspur GP, under the Climate Action and Biodiversity (CAB) project in Gosaba, Sundarbans. These monthly meetings are vital touch points in promoting community participation, transparency, and accountability in local governance.

The meeting brought together community members, Panchayat representatives, and CAB volunteers to engage in meaningful dialogue on ongoing local issues, service delivery, and resource allocation. Matters related to healthcare access, child protection, water supply, and housing schemes were discussed openly, with participants voicing their concerns and Panchayat officials taking note for follow-up.

This regular platform is helping bridge the gap between marginalised rural communities and local governance structures. It empowers villagers to raise their voices and claim entitlements, fostering a culture of responsive leadership and active citizenship.

KMWSC, through the CAB Project, continues to advocate for inclusive governance, where each citizen is not just a passive recipient but a stakeholder in development. These Gram Panchayat meetings are a testament to the transformative potential of democratic engagement at the grassroots.

“When communities speak, change begins.”

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