Elections have been declared for the 5476 Gram Panchayats in Karnataka in two phases - viz. May 8 and 12, 2010. Gram Panchayats are basic units of Indian Electoral Democracy and have been consitutionally empowered with the 73rd Amendment to the Constitution. As regards health is concerned the GPs have to play a pivotal role in ensuring the social determinants of health such as water, sanitation, housing, drainages, waste management, monitoring Primary Health Centres & Subcentres, overseeing Public Distribution System, ICDS centres etc. The standing committee on social justice, educaton and health is the constitutionally empowered committee in the Gram Panchayats. Even in ensuring effective implementation of the NRHM programme and related schemes such as JSY, utilisation of untied funds, functioning of the Village Health & Sanitation Committees (VHSC), the Gram Panchat members individually and GP as an institution have to play a critical role.

Keeping this in mind JANA AROGYA ANDOLANA - KARNATAKA  (JAAK) has drafted the people's health manifesto on three aspects of basic services - viz. Health, Food (Nutrition) and Employment. The pamphlet urges the people of Karnataka to be aware of and also to make the contesting candidates aware on their responsibilities regarding the three major issues. Second part of the people's manifesto asks 7 questions to the contesting candidates if they will take effective steps on the three issues once they get elected. The candidates are supposed to sign the manifesto copy and give it back to the JAAK activists.

In State General Body meeting of JAAK held on 25th April, 2010 at CYCD, Bangalore attended by the JAAK district committee members from 12 districts, the district activists took responsibility for the same. It was decided that JAAK will reach 48,200 families in 72 Gram Panchayat jurisdictions which will consist of 224 villages in more than 35 talukas of 10 districts. Attempt will be made to individually contact 1193 electoral constituencies (nearly 6000 contesting candidates @ 5 candidates per ward).  This is the first ever biggest involvement of JAAK in the democratic electoral process to educate the people and the candidates on their roles and responsibilities.

Please CLICKHERE to view the JAA - K Manifesto - GP Election - Letter to Citizens

Please CLICKHERE to view the JAA - K Manifesto - Questions to GP Candidates