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People in rural India coming together, raising their voices and claiming their rights boldly...is it too good to be true?

Well, the reports in this ‘newspaper’ are not entirely accurate. The facts are true, but people in our villages still have to be encouraged, convinced and even pushed before they can stand up to the forces that oppress them. Nevertheless, rural India is changing quickly. With so many people’s movements demanding justice and rights, taking on strong opponents and—quite often—winning, it’s only a matter of time before a ‘dream newspaper’ like this one actually hits the stands!

So, we and our people in our project areas in rural Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh are now focussing on three issues—

1. Securing the correct implementation of the NREGA
2. Working towards the smooth functioning of Panchayat Raj Institutions and full participation in their processes
3. Ensuring community control over educational programmes like the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan

Employment, education and good governance—these are the most urgent needs of our people and their basic rights, and they are already proving that they are ready to fight for them. Stories like those in Deepapura and Bodgaam are only the beginning, signs that people are no longer willing to live in silence. The times they are a-changing!

To know more, to work with us on these issues, or to share your experiences, contact us at dbdsmumbai@gmail.com  Our phone number is (+ 91-22) 24180314/16/17.