LEGAL LITERACY & ADVOCACY
The Challenge
Rights are meaningless if people don’t know they exist. Across Melghat, tribal communities were systematically kept in the dark about laws designed to protect them—from PESA (Panchayat Extension to Scheduled Areas) to the Right to Information to the Employment Guarantee Act.
This information gap allowed exploitation, corruption, and denial of basic entitlements to continue unchecked.
Our Response
Knowledge is power. Our legal literacy programs ensure communities understand their rights and have the tools to demand accountability.
What We Do
Legal Literacy Workshops: Regular training sessions on key legislations including Forest Rights Act, PESA, Right to Information, MGNREGA, and more.
Gram Sabha Strengthening: Supporting village assemblies (Gram Sabhas) in understanding and exercising their decision-making powers under PESA.
Right to Information Training: Teaching communities how to file RTI applications to demand transparency from government departments.
Legal Support Services: Providing guidance and representation for communities facing legal challenges—from land disputes to rehabilitation issues to accessing government schemes.
Policy Advocacy: Engaging with district, state, and national-level policy discussions to advocate for people-centered development policies.
Transparency Campaigns: Demanding transparent and participatory processes in major decisions affecting Melghat, particularly village rehabilitation from sanctuary areas.
Our Impact
1,000+ community members trained in legal literacy
200+ RTI applications filed, increasing government accountability
Strengthened Gram Sabhas in 35+ villages, restoring genuine self-governance
Successful advocacy for transparent rehabilitation processes and educational access