What is Lokraj Andolan?
‘Lokraj Andolan’ is a Hindi term which, translated into English, means ‘movement for citizens’ rule’. It is a campaign for raising awareness about the urgent need for citizens of India to directly take part in governmental decision making and for broad-basing the demand for participatory governance. Currently, people of India have virtually no say in governmental decision making; for instance, they can’t decide whether public funds earmarked for their area should be spent on a decorative fountain or a public toilet. They also can’t do anything against a government official who indulges in corruption. The urgent need is to empower citizens’ assemblies – Gram Sabhas in rural areas and Mohalla Sabhas in urban areas – so that they can decide themselves how they want public funds to be spent in their area and supervise the conduct of public officials.
