Developing Strategic Roadmaps
We design strategies aligned with legal mandates for organisations to effectively engage with local governments and public institutions.
India’s Gram Panchayats (GPs) constitute a vital framework for decentralised governance, possessing significant, yet often underutilised, potential to drive sustainable development. Mandated to oversee 29 crucial subjects, these 250,000+ local bodies are uniquely positioned to enhance service delivery, strengthen local governance, and promote citizen participation.
Anode Governance Lab specialises in developing strategic roadmaps that enable development organisations and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives to collaborate effectively with GPs. By facilitating strategic alignment between these organisations and local governments, we ensure that partnerships are purposeful and well-integrated.
We build the capacities of GPs, strengthening their ability to govern effectively and implement programmes efficiently. This approach leads to better resource utilisation, improved programme execution, and ultimately, a greater impact on development efforts across diverse communities.
What We Do
01
Mapping the Role of Gram Panchayats
We map the roles and responsibilities of Gram Panchayats identifying key points of intervention within specific thematic areas, such as health, education, livelihoods, etc. This includes analysing their mandated functions, role of standing committees, and participation in relevant government programmes.
02
Financial Resource Optimisation
We support development and CSR organisations identify and leverage available funding streams, including Central Finance Commission funds and programmes like NREGA. We align resources with specific objectives, ensuring optimal utilisation and alignment with community needs.
03
Human Resource Development
We analyse the human resource capacity within Gram Panchayats, identifying opportunities for training and skill development to improve their effectiveness and service delivery.
04
Integrating with Localised Sustainable Development Goals
We align programme development strategies with India's nine Localised Sustainable Development Goals (LSDGs), recognising GPs as nodal agencies for their achievement. This ensures that interventions are in line with national priorities and contribute to sustainable, localised development.
Spotlight
x
PRADAN partnered with Anode Governance Lab to PRADAN partnered with Anode Governance Lab to design and operationalise strategies to strengthen 26 Gram Panchayats in Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh between 2016 and 2019. The resulting process document continues to serve as a guide for practitioners working on Gram Panchayat strengthening. This pilot initiative also paved the way for PRADAN to deepen its engagement with Panchayats across five states.
x
Sightsavers India partnered with Anode Governance Lab to develop a strategy for engaging Gram Panchayats in Uttar Pradesh to enhance the reach and impact of their work in eye care, disability entitlements, and inclusive education. By effectively engaging 30 Gram Panchayats, Sightsavers India was able to leverage public funds to expand access to essential services for citizens. Building on the success of this pilot, Sightsavers is now scaling the initiative to 500 Gram Panchayats across eight states. Read the India Development Review feature.
Partner with us to engage Gram Panchayats and ensure that no one is left behind.
Our Work
We collaborate with institutions and individuals, applying Organisation Development principles to build capacity, foster adaptability, and advance responsive governance.
Strengthening Local Governments
Making Gram Panchayats 29 times more effective through our Gram Panchayat Organisational Development approach
Improving Public Systems
Developing processes and frameworks to ensure accountable and efficient service delivery by public institutions
Visit our blog to explore real-world examples of our work.