Was there a problem with the BPL
list that the Gram Sabha was
Analing what was this problem?
2. Why do you think Soorajmal kept
quiet even though Saroj asked him to
speak?
Have you seen any similar
incidents when people are unable to
speak for themselves? Why do you
think that happened and what
prevented the person from speaking
4. How can the Gram Sabha prevent
the Panchayat from doing what it
Answers
Yes, there was a problem with the BPL list that the Gram Sabha was finalizing. The problem was that :
(1) Natwar who had just bought a color T.V. and his son had sent him a new motorcycle, had been included in the BPL list.
(2) Birju’s name was also included in the BPL list although he had so much land. On the other hand, Om Prakash, who was a landless laborer and who could barely make both ends meet was not included in the BPL list. The other villagers wanted his name to be included in the list.
2.Soorajmal kept quiet even though Saroj asked him to speak because they were afraid of Amirchand. He was a big landowner and still had control over a lot of lands
3.
In the earlier incident given in the book. Bhagwan Mahadev Lad wanted that the water from the water tanker should be emptied into the storage tank so that everyone could use it. But the people said that water was meant for upper castes only. When he protested, he was severely beaten and had to be hospitalized. This was the main reason why people kept quiet. This type of thing happens because some people are in a better position. They have money power as well as muscle power and people do not want to enter into conflict with such kinds of people.
4.
The Gram Sabha is the main factor in making the Gram Panchayat play its role and be responsible. It is the place where all plans for the Gram Panchayat are placed before the people. The Gram Sabha prevents the Panchayat from doing wrong things like misusing money or favor certain people. It plays an important role in keeping an eye on the elected representatives and making them responsible to the persons who elected them.