Entitlements and Governance
Chaupal strengthens grassroots governance in northern Chhattisgarh, empowering tribals to claim rights, manage resources, and access entitlements.
Adivasi communities in the Scheduled Areas of northern Chhattisgarh have traditionally managed their lands, forests, and natural resources through strong community institutions and customary practices. However, changing administrative systems and development processes have, in some areas, reduced the role of these institutions in local governance and decision-making. While laws such as the Forest Rights Act and the Panchayat (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act recognize the authority of Gram Sabhas over natural resources and local development, their implementation on the ground remains limited. Many Gram Sabhas are not fully empowered, community forest rights are yet to be recognized in several areas, and local institutions often lack the awareness, technical capacity, and administrative support needed for effective governance. Access to livelihoods and welfare schemes also continues to be uneven, with challenges such as limited work opportunities, delays in wage payments, and barriers in accessing essential services due to documentation gaps and administrative complexities. These issues are further compounded by geographical isolation and low awareness levels. In this context, Chaupal works to strengthen grassroots governance, enhance community awareness, and improve accountability in public systems, enabling Adivasi communities to better access their rights, livelihoods, and social protection entitlements.
Current Project
The Local Self-Governance Project
Chaupal’s Governance and Entitlements Initiative work across nearly 400 villages in the northern districts of Surguja, Surajpur, Balrampur, Korea, and MCB in Chhattisgarh, reaching Adivasi communities such as Pahadi Korwa, Oraon, Gond, Kanwar, Pando, Korwa, Manji, Majhwar, Saunta, and Nageshia. The initiative focuses on strengthening inclusive local governance and improving access to rights and public entitlements. It supports the effective implementation of key laws and schemes, including the Forest Rights Act, PESA, MGNREGA, and the Public Distribution System. Through community-based support mechanisms, the program helps households address challenges related to welfare schemes and documentation, enabling better access to social protection, food security, and public services. It also facilitates the recognition of individual and community forest rights, strengthening tenure security and community-led forest governance. Additionally, the initiative promotes access to wage employment and strengthens Gram Sabhas and local institutions to play a more active role in planning, natural resource management, and monitoring of public programs, leading to more responsive governance, stronger institutions, and improved livelihood opportunities for Adivasi communities.
Chaupal has been working with vulnerable communities in northern Chhattisgarh to improve access to government entitlements. In 2019, it set up Jan Adhikar Sahayata Kendras across six blocks to support remote and underserved populations. These Kendras help people obtain essential documents and access welfare schemes like pensions (widow, old age, disability), scholarships, PDS, PM-KISAN, and other social security schemes like PMJJBY and PMJSBY, making it easier for marginalized groups to secure their rights and benefits.
