The Panchayati Raj system in India, introduced through the 73rd Constitutional Amendment in 1992, stands as a testament to the country's commitment to grassroots democracy. This 3-tier system- comprising Grama Panchayats at the village level, Block Panchayats at the intermediate level, and District Panchayats at the apex level - is pivotal in empowering local communities, fostering participatory governance, and promoting decentralized development. By bridging the gap between policymakers and the public, this framework ensures that decision-making and resource allocation suits to the unique needs of local communities. In theory, the 3-tier Panchayati Raj system is a cornerstone of Indian democracy, amplifying the voice of the common man.
However, despite its lofty ideals, the Panchayati Raj system faces several challenges that hinder its effectiveness. In reality, the system which was supposed to champion the democratic ideals of equality, justice, and conflict resolution, by encouraging citizens to play an active role in shaping their own destinies and nation building has fell short of its mark. One could argue that the system's downfall lies in its inability to maintain a seamless connection between grassroots stakeholders and higher-tier institutions. Public awareness of funds and welfare schemes remains alarmingly low, primarily due to a communication disconnect. People's representatives often struggle to disseminate critical information about developmental programs and startup-friendly initiatives to their constituency.
Meanwhile, the media, often considered the fourth pillar of democracy, fails to fill this void. Instead of focusing on content that could enhance the productivity and quality of lives of common citizens, it frequently prioritizes sensationalism over substance. This glaring content gap leaves communities ill-informed and underprepared to harness the benefits of a decentralized governance model. Here the lack of effective information delivery shakes the very essence of a democratic system- informed citizenry. Imagine a redefined platform that channels information- know how’s, where to’s from authorities and government and also pushes content that enriches communities with actionable knowledge and transformative opportunities- This is Kerala LSGD’s visionary project-‘WeOne’
Addressing this critical gap in the 3-tier governance system, Kerala LSGD in collaboration with Intia OPC Pvt Ltd created ‘WeOne’, a platform that integrates the decentralized information streams from various state departments to closed communities of specific interests to empower society. WeOne is intricately connected to the Local Self-Government Department (LSGD) of Kerala, embodying a structure that mirrors the state’s 3-tier system. At its core, the platform assigns ward councilors(member) as administrators of ward-level closed groups. Residents of each ward can join these groups by sending a membership request through their profile, subject to the councilor’s approval. Once part of the group, residents gain access to information about schemes, funds, and programs aimed at community welfare. This closed-group model ensures that information flows directly to the grassroots, fostering awareness and participation at unprecedented levels. By simplifying the dissemination of government initiatives, WeOne helps bridge the content gap between local representatives and their constituencies, revitalizing the democratic process.
WeOne’s impact extends beyond governance; it also serves as a catalyst for economic growth. Startups and small businesses, essential for the state’s development and revenue generation, find a supportive ecosystem within the platform. The integrated marketplace feature enables the marketing and sale of locally produced goods, promoting self-reliance and economic empowerment. This secure, inbuilt marketplace not only boosts local industries but also encourages innovation and entrepreneurship at the community level- With WeOne, financial empowerment, with the concept of a business for each and every family is possible. This will have exponential impact on the GDP of India. Women empowerment units like ‘Kudumbasree’ has already tapped on to the benefits of ‘WeOne’ which is still in its primary phase by effectively marketing, selling and providing sustainable solutions to its customers acting on constructive feedbacks.
The possibilities with WeOne are endless. From nurturing professional networks and connecting job seekers with providers, fostering mentorship programs to communities, and supporting local industries, the platform is a beacon of hope for thriving communities. By addressing critical gaps in information delivery and creating opportunities for growth, WeOne redefines participatory governance and economic empowerment, ensuring that Kerala’s 3-tier system truly serves its people. If narrative is of inclusive progress , WeOne emerges as a transformative chapter, proving that informed and empowered communities are the foundation of a thriving democracy.
