Communities making difference through Jan Sunwai  

The Fundamental Rights in India enshrined in the Part III of the Constitution of India guarantee civil liberties such that all Indians can lead their lives in peace and harmony as citizens of India . These include individual rights common to most liberal democracies, such as equality before law, freedom of speech and expression, freedom of association and peaceful assembly, freedom to practice religion, and the right to constitutional remedies for the protection of civil rights by means of writs such as habeas corpus. Violations of these rights result in punishments as prescribed in the Indian Penal Code, subject to discretion of the judiciary. The Fundamental Rights are defined as basic human freedoms which every Indian citizen has the right to enjoy for a proper and harmonious development of personality.  

Now, these constitutional provisions came lively to the villagers from Dhirai Majuli Village, Sonitpur District, Assam on July 25, 2007 as they had their first Jan Sunwai-Public Hearing Meet in which they not only put forth their grievances but also demanded corrective measures with prompt action from the government. SWARAJ – The People’s Organization (PO) and North East India DBSS accompanied by the CNI’s Synodical Board of Social Services (SBSS) assisted them in this process, sensitizing the people about their rights and entitlements. This mass-event, widely covered by the media has not only shaken the district officials but has also attracted the attention of the State forcing them to have a look into the matter. This empowerment has boosted the morale of the people giving them a new confidence and strength to fight against the corrupt social & political structure for the equalization of power and basic rights.

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