SUTRA’s Longstanding Commitment to Strengthening Democracy at the Grassroots

 SUTRA believes that true democratic governance is possible when collectives at the grassroots are empowered through an integrated approach. For over two decades, SUTRA has worked towards strengthening local self-governance by enhancing the capacities of individuals and communities. Through training, access to legal information, and leadership development, SUTRA empowers individuals—especially women—to actively participate in governance. As individuals grow in confidence and understanding, communities become capable of advocating for their collective rights and ensuring accountability from local institutions. 

 SUTRA's engagement with Panchayats began in the mid-1980s, during Legal Literacy Camps for women. It became evident that the pursuit of justice remained elusive due to the lack of gender sensitivity among members of the Nyaya Panchayats. Recognizing this, SUTRA began direct engagement with Gram Panchayats to support their democratization and equip elected representatives—particularly women—with knowledge of their legal roles and responsibilities.

The work deepened after the 73rd Constitutional Amendment in 1993, which significantly expanded the role of Panchayati Raj Institutions. SUTRA took a leading role in developing training material for women elected to these bodies, aiming to increase their effective participation and strengthen decentralized governance.

A network of workshops, seminars, and collaborations with voluntary agencies laid the foundation for a deeper understanding of governance challenges. Booklets on the Himachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj Act, 1994 and the structure of Nyaya Panchayats were published, demystifying legal procedures for the public. Panchayati Raj Resource Centres were established across five locations, supporting Zilla Parishad members in building coordination with Gram Panchayat and Block representatives. Panchayat Mandalis were formed in 1997 to promote transparency, community involvement, and peer support among elected leaders.

Despite growing participation by women in Gram Sabha meetings, their concerns were often overlooked and excluded from official records. To counter this systemic marginalization, SUTRA and its partners initiated the idea of exclusive Mahila Gram Sabhas (MGS). These meetings offered women a safe and focused space to express their issues and collectively seek solutions.

A massive campaign followed: over 9,000 women signed a memorandum addressed to the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh. Rallies and submissions of the memorandum were organized across districts. As a result of this persistent advocacy, the state government issued a notification mandating that a Mahila Gram Sabha be held on September 23, 2007 in every Gram Panchayat of the state.

Since then, SUTRA has consistently supported the functioning of MGSs, enabling women to voice their concerns effectively and strengthening their role in local governance.

With the enactment of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, SUTRA confronted the practical challenge of implementation in Himachal Pradesh’s rural context. The question was clear: where could women turn for timely, accessible, and affordable justice?

The answer lay within the traditional institution of the Nyaya Panchayat—established as early as 1952 in Himachal Pradesh and absorbed into the Gram Panchayat framework in 1978. Historically, these institutions provided the first line of resolution for community-level disputes. SUTRA recognized their potential to deliver accessible justice if properly empowered and made functionally autonomous.

Through research, field studies, and dialogue, SUTRA evaluated the structural and conceptual strengths and weaknesses of Nyaya Panchayats. This culminated in the publication of the report “Nyaya Panchayats and Justice Delivery.” The report advocates for the reinvigoration of Nyaya Panchayats as community-based forums capable of ensuring justice for all—not only through legal mandates but also through community trust and participation.

 Today, SUTRA continues to explore and build on the potential of community justice institutions. In partnership with organizations in Bihar and Madhya Pradesh, it is engaged in comparative research on Gram Nyayalayas, Nyaya Panchayats, and Gram Kachaharis. The objective is to generate evidence, inform policy, and strengthen local justice mechanisms so they can better deliver socio-economic rights to marginalized populations.