Manthan’s theory of change – of demand by citizens and supply of citizens’ needs by government and private agencies – is applied in all areas of socio-economic development, such as Education, health, literacy, skills, livelihood, conservation of and access to water, hygiene practices and sanitation in households, preventing violence against women, and transparency & accountability in public services etc.

Manthan’s work with the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) has actively addressed necessary Electoral Reforms. Jharkhand Election Watch relates to lobbying for the disclosure of information relating to the criminal antecedents and assets of candidates in the elections. Activities included holding workshops, advocacy, media monitoring and scanning the profile of those standing to reveal data such as educational background and assets and liabilities. This led to progress in achieving greater transparency of those in power and crucially, was carried out from the voter’s perspective.

Manthan is actively involved with PRIs in several manners like capacity building training to EPRs, handhold support, model creation and campaign for entitlements of poor and marginalized communities. Manthan is the lead organization of Jharkhand Panchayat Resource Centre (JPRC), a network of 150 CBOs and NGOs dedicated in the field of strengthening LSGs. JPRC is actively involved in pre election voter’s awareness campaign (PEVAC) in 2015 Panchayat election. Under the PEVAC campaign the following activities were performed:
                   Aware & empower communities about their voting rights, Voters engagement in free & fair election & Role of PRIs in Social development and citizen’s entitlements. Through campaign several activities had been performed in about 1500 Gram Panchayats.

During PEVAC the use of social media especially mobile technology was realized and recognized. WhatsApp group created in the name of Panchayat Chunav Live was emerged as helpline and most reliable source of information and knowledge sharing platform. The use of social media and mobile technology assumes manifold significance in terms of participation, transparency and accountability and cost effective solutions when applied in strengthening PRIs.

With this background, the Manthan Yuva Sansthan would like to initiate and rolled forward the concept of ‘A project to transform Gram Panchayats of Jharkhand into a informed and empowered society’ across the state. It means – a mobile technology based dynamic digital interface created for Gram Panchayats, providing bi-directional flow of information. The objective is to facilitate and improve Panchayat functioning on day-to-day basis, through two way flow of information and content. The digital platform aims to bring out the local voices and issues by empowering the local communities. Moreover, the mobile and web-platform would act as a multipurpose information and communication platform to showcase local content, culture, best practices, advocate local issues; complain register and grievance redress mechanism.

Enabling effective delivery of basic services in rural areas, focusing on efficient and equitable delivery of water and sanitation.

A project has been initiated with the support of DWSM, Garwah & east Singhbhum, which include: