Urban Governance
The SETU concept was extended to the urban area and the first BHUJ SETU was set up in 2010 as it was strongly felt the need to support and strengthen the Urban Local Body (ULB) in Bhuj, enhance the capacities of the Councilors, improve the quality of engagement between the ULB and the ward area citizens, and promote the participation of area sabhas and through that the spirit and outcomes of participatory democracy.
Promoting Bottom Up Planning
Each citizen should have a voice while developing the ward plan – that was the idea. Bhuj SETU accompanied the councilors and Ward committee members to develop the ward development plan and a budget for the same. While the Councillors and Ward committees are playing an active role, the citizens of these wards have begun taking responsibilities for the development of their slums and their area.
Bhuj SETU facilitated the Ward Councillors of Ward no. 3 to develop the Ward Development Plan. The ward councilors in discussion with the Ward Committee members prioritized the need of their Ward and have developed their plans. The Councillor after dialoguing with the Ward Committee members initiated discussion with the Municipality with regard to the demand for a road. The demand got approved and the road is getting constructed for the first time in the past 40 years.
The Ward Committee members have started meeting on a monthly basis. Each meeting is updated in the minutes register |
Bhuj Bole Chhe – Voice of Citizens
BBC has made efforts in training and motivating the youth of Bhuj recognized as the “Ambassadors of Bhuj” who have been engaged into proactive town development initiatives and could be available as volunteers to the ULBs and the wards.