West Bengal's villagers will not only set the development agenda they will also correct defects in the panchayat system.

West Bengal is making what could be another step towards village self rule, where villagers, including women, will decide what is best for them, but hunger for power and male hegemony may set things back.

Campaigns by women have been successful in curbing alcoholism among their menfolk in Manipur and Andhra Pradesh, but similar efforts have failed in Haryana and drinking there has increased.

A story in an adult literacy primer inspired women in Andhra Pradesh to take up the anti arrack drive.

A Haryana panchayat is trying to reopen a liquor vend, ostensibly to curb illegal alcohol consumption in the village.

1973 • Chipko is born when villagers of Mandal, near Gopeshwar, led by Chandi Prasad Bhatt and the Dasholi Gram Swarajya Mandal, stop contractors of an Allahabad-based sports goods company,

In 20 years, Chipko has acquired many facets, primarily as a conservation endeavour by the poor, a struggle for local control of natural resources and an effort by women to protect their environment. Chipko influenced the world, but have its local object

A non govemmental organisation attempting to help women in Haryana's and Rewari district is hampered by caste factors and male chauvinism.