Chapter IVVSS and other Institutions / Programmes
VSS and Panchayat Raj Institutions
Though primarily an institution for forest protection and management, VSS is also a local democratic institution of the people, empowered to take care of community development. Its activities in this end, lead to local self reliance. The Hand book for PFM procedures, emphasizes this. The participatory process prescribed for the functioning of PFM ensures grass root level governance. The Micro Plan is prepared to address the local needs based on site - specific realities . Systems have been built up for internal check and balances, for ensuring quality of all activities for executed by the VSS. It is therefore proper and legitimate to recognize the Micro Plan activities of VSS as locality specific people's plan and financially support them through the PRI's. Suitable strategies towards this end need to be evolved to promote the basic welfare interests of the forest community. This will eventually lead to grater levels of forest protection. To quote the experience of Nellimala VSS of Ranni Division, a drinking water scheme was included in their micro plan. The core fund was not sufficient to implement the project. In these circumstances, the District Panchayath fund was utilised for the completion of the project .An NGO named Malanad Development society, contributed to the construction of water tank. The water source is inside the forest. Hundred families benefit from the scheme. Similar activities could be taken up in this manner and managed by the VSS. Panchayat member being the ex-officio member of the VSS such development endeavours could be explored. VSS members can present their proposals the Grama Sabha and get approval for projects. The Secretary of the VSS may take necessary initiatives in this regard. The Panchayat and the VSS may function complementary to each other. Panchayat Secretary is the ex officio member of the FDA. The development activities undertaken by the Panchayat or any other line department inside the Forest may be entrusted to the VSS through FDA. Panchayat may provide financial assistance to VSS for undertaking these activities through the FDA. The activities thus taken up are to be in accordance with Forest Conservation Act of 1980. The VSS may ensure the participation of the elected functionaries of the Panchayat in its Review/ General Body Meetings. The Panchayat may also invite the VSS Executive Committee Members in their important meetings and functions.