Key Training Programmes
Panchayat BOSS Course (Training at Your Doorstep)
In Maharashtra, 1,00,000 women have been elected as local self-government representatives. Women from all levels are now increasingly participating at the center of power in village development. To help these women develop a broader perspective on overall village development and to strengthen their leadership abilities, Savitri Academy has launched the "Panchayat BOSS Course" (Doorstep Training Programme).
Features of the Panchayat Raj BOSS Course:
- The training is a one-year course conducted from 1st July to 30th June.
- During the training period, five subject-based study booklets and a village planning guide are provided to the members.
- The study material is delivered to the trainees through field facilitators.
- Each batch will have a one-day village-level Panchayat training session.
- At the end of the year, participants will undergo an evaluation exam, and successful candidates will be awarded a certificate of participation.
Course Curriculum:
- Paper 1: Introduction to the Panchayati Raj System
- Paper 2: Budget (Gram Nidhi)
- Paper 3: Orders (Government Resolutions and Orders)
- Paper 4: Services (Essential Services at the Village Level)
- Paper 5: Schemes (Government Schemes and Programmes)
- Guidance: Village Planning and Evaluation
Eligibility:
- The following women can participate in the BOSS Course:
- Women elected as local self-government representatives (Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti, Zilla Parishad).
- Leadership-oriented women members actively involved in village development committees.
- Women working as Panchayat-level leaders or facilitators.
Course Fees: Annual training fee: 500/- per participant.
Training Monitoring & Evaluation Method:
- Participants must read the study booklets, answer the attached questionnaires, and send them to the state office after every module.
- Annual evaluation at the district level will be conducted at the end of the course.
- Only those who have participated fully in all modules will be awarded certificates of completion and appreciation.
Additional Benefits: Women representatives completing the BOSS Course will get opportunities to participate in state-level networks, meetings, and programmes.
EKLAVYA TRAINERS’ COURSE
Savitri Academy launched the Eklavya Trainers’ Course to address the consistent lack of updated information on Panchayati Raj and training methodologies for trainers working in Panchayati Raj institutions.
In today’s technological era, social media, print media, and electronic media have a strong influence on public perception. These mediums have become an inseparable part of people’s lives. This training aims to introduce these mediums and develop skills to use them effectively.
Features of the Eklavya Training:
- Priority will be given to trainers working in rural Maharashtra in the field of Panchayat training.
- Social workers will get an opportunity to pursue a career as trainers.
- Emphasis will be on self-experience, spontaneity, learning through participation, and collective action.
- Participants who successfully complete the course will receive certificates from reputed institutions.
- Experts and experienced resource persons in Panchayati Raj will guide participants.
Curriculum:
- Identifying training needs in Panchayat training
- Designing participatory training
- Training methodologies
- Training evaluation techniques
Eligibility:
- Women and men aged 18 to 45 with an interest in social work
- Basic communication skills
- Minimum educational qualification: 12th pass
Course Fees:
Rs.1,000/- per participant (Travel costs not included)
Duration:
10 days training, to be conducted in three phases throughout the year.
Outcome:
Participants will develop an inclusive perspective as Panchayat trainers.
They will learn various training skills and media tools for Panchayat-level capacity building.
PANCHAYAT TITHE TRAINING (Training at the Panchayat itself)
Post the 73rd Constitutional Amendment, Gram Panchayats have gained autonomy as local self-government institutions, responsible for preparing and effectively implementing village development plans.
Savitri Academy started the Panchayat Tithe Training to help Gram Panchayats use available resources and CSR funds effectively for need-based village development.
Features:
- Panchayat-centric training conducted at the Gram Panchayat level.
- Open to Sarpanch, Deputy Sarpanch, all Gram Panchayat members, and committee representatives.
- Training will be conducted six times a year, each session of one-day duration.
Curriculum:
- Preparing a need-based integrated development plan for Gram Panchayats
- Updates on changing policies and regulations
- Information exchange on state and central development schemes
- Roles of government and semi-government agencies in village development
Fees (Annual):
- 8–10 members: Rs.5,000/-
- 12–14 members: Rs .7,000/-
- 16–18 members: Rs .10,000/-
Outcomes:
- Members will gain detailed knowledge of various development schemes.
- Awareness of different village development institutions.
- An integrated development plan for the Gram Panchayat.
- Identification of real needs and challenges at the Gram Panchayat level.
KRANTIJYOTI PANCHAYAT TRAINING
Maharashtra took a progressive step by implementing 50% reservation for women in local self-government through the 76th Constitutional Amendment.
Savitri Academy introduced Krantijyoti Panchayat Training, a government-approved programme, to enhance decision-making, leadership, and socio-political competence among women representatives at the Gram Panchayat level.
Features:
- Participatory introduction to Panchayati Raj
- Focus on need-based, socially committed, and participatory training
- Practical discussions on social issues and governance challenges
- Use of games, songs and demonstrations as training tools
Curriculum:
1. Introduction to Panchayati Raj
2. Functioning of Gram Panchayats
3. Personality development & breaking social myths
4. Financial management in Gram Panchayats
5. Success stories of women representative
6. Discussion on local issues & solutions
7. Development schemes
INTEGRATED PANCHAYAT TRAINING (Finance, Functions, and Functionaries)
Gram Panchayats are now key institutions for village development – responsible for infrastructure, agriculture, livestock, watershed development, water supply, sanitation, health, education, and personal development schemes.
Planning integrated village development requires synchronizing finance, functions, and functionaries (the 3Fs). Savitri Academy introduced the Integrated Panchayat Training to strengthen the participation of Gram Panchayat members in effective planning and implementation of development schemes.
Curriculum:
- Assessing and prioritizing village needs
- “Village wisdom” – learning from local practices
- Concept and vision of village development
- Sources of village development funds
- Roles and partnerships of village-level development committees
- Understanding Gram Panchayat records
- Roles and responsibilities of government and semi-government staff
- Information on individual beneficiary schemes & CSR funds
- Preparation of a Village Development Action Plan
Eligibility:
Elected Gram Panchayat representatives, village development committee members, and Panchayat workers
Outcomes:
- Development of a holistic perspective among representatives
- Knowledge of available funds & administrative mechanisms
- Preparation of integrated village development plans
- Understanding roles and accountability of local officials
- Information on awards and incentives for Gram Panchayats
WALL (Women as Local Legislature) Training
The WALL Training module is a gender and local governance-based capacity-building initiative designed for Elected Women Representatives (EWRs) in South Asia. Developed by CLGF and RSCD in 2021-22, the module uses simple, visual, and participatory techniques to strengthen women’s leadership in local self-governance.
Built through a bottom-up approach and a rigorous Context and Training Needs Assessment (CTNA), the training addresses the cultural, social, political, and economic challenges faced by EWRs. It consists of 32 practical lessons and 11 digital tools that provide immediate solutions to issues faced by women as individuals, family members, community leaders, and proactive representatives in local governments. This innovative approach maximizes reach, builds partnerships, and enhances women’s participation and decision-making in local governance.