About

Our Story

Building Communities Through Participatory Development

We are a registered society under the Travancore–Cochin Charitable Societies Act, committed to grassroots development and participatory planning. Our journey began in 1998, inspired by the vision of People's Plan Campaign (1996–2000) — a pioneering movement for decentralized governance in Kerala.

1996-2000

People's Plan Campaign launched - a pioneering movement for decentralized governance in Kerala that inspired our foundation.

1998

Grameena Patana Kendram established to support Karakulam Gram Panchayat as a rural study centre, laying groundwork for community empowerment.

2000s

Accredited by Kerala State Land Use Board for Participatory Resource Mapping across Kerala, completing PRM for 120 panchayats.

2010-Present

Embraced cutting-edge GIS technology, implementing GISLB Project in 65 local bodies and becoming a recognized leader in spatial planning.

Our Mission

To actively engage with the community and promote public governance, democratic participation, social solidarity, cultural unity, economic development, sustainable livelihoods, human integrity, gender sensitivity, and environmentally sustainable social development.

Our Vision

To collaborate with the community in building a Community-University — by the people, for the people, of the people — that embodies participatory learning, inclusive development, and grassroots empowerment.

Our Core Focus Areas

Democratic Participation

Strengthening public governance and democratic processes at the grassroots level.

GIS & Mapping

Over 25 years of excellence in participatory resource mapping and spatial planning.

Sustainable Development

Promoting environmentally sustainable social development and resource management.

Capacity Building

Training and empowering local communities through education and research.

25+ Years of Mapping Excellence

Leadership & Governance

Empowering Communities Through Participatory Planning

Grameena Patana Kendram has played a pivotal role in empowering local self-government bodies across Kerala. Our commitment to participatory approaches ensures that communities are actively involved in the planning process, fostering ownership and better decision-making at the grassroots level.

65+ Local Bodies Served

Successfully implemented GISLB Project across Block Panchayats, Municipalities, and Grama Panchayats.

Recognized Excellence

Accredited by Kerala State Land Use Board and empanelled by ILDM for specialized mapping services.

Experiences in the field of PRI Initiatives

1. Extension Training Centre of KILA

Various training programmes organized by KILA are conducted in Citizen Education Centre. About 50 trainees can be accommodated for residential training. Spacious training halls, canteen and parking facilities are also available.

2. Association with Kerala Kudumbasree Mission

Associated with Kudumbasree Mission in evolution of Byelaws for CDS-ADS-SHG units & Balasabha, and hosting orientation programmes in Newspaper Production, Digital Film Production, Animation Film Production etc., at Vellar Tourist Village during May 2011.
Conducts Masonry Training for Kudumbasree members in association with District Mission. Eight batches successfully completed.

3. Training for Elected Representatives of LSGs

Induction training for newly elected representatives, focusing on governance system, powers and functions of LSGIs.
Orientation on Standing Committee election, functions, Citizen Service Charter, Tax Charter, Planning and Budgeting, Project formulation.
Training on PRM, Watershed Masterplan Preparation, Voluntary Health Programme, Road Connectivity Mapping etc.

4. Training for official functionaries of LSGIs

Functional support for different levels of LSG functionaries.
Induction training for Accountants and Head Clerks in association with KILA & IKM.
Institutional Service Quality Delivery and Management Orientation.
Capacity building for labourers in association with KILE.

5. Training for Standing Committee Chairpersons

Finance planning, budgeting and taxation processes.
Orientation on Citizen’s Service Charter, Social Auditing, Grievance Redressal system.
Awareness on community system responsibilities and powers.

6. Training and Faculty Support to IKM & KILA

Provides IT Lab facilities, academic support, infrastructure and hospitality to IKM, KILA, and departments including Rural Development, LSGD, Education, Audit and IT Departments of Government of Kerala.

7. Training Programme for Engineers & Overseers

Conducts training for Engineers and Overseers of Grama Panchayats on estimate preparation software developed by Information Kerala Mission (IKM).

8. Training Programme in association with IL & FS

Domestic Data Entry Operator courses conducted by MORD & Ministry of Minority Affairs successfully completed.
Three batches conducted through ASAP, with internship provision for one batch.

9. Other Trainings

Training for women theatre and choir groups; 10-day campaign for capacity building.
Orientation for adolescents on life skills, Child Rights, Personality Development.
Training for Health Volunteers to support health action programmes.
Training for Harithamithra voluntary agricultural assistants.
Training for Children’s Gramasabha and Panchayat to promote participatory democracy.
Training for Tax Collection Charter to strengthen local revenue.
Training for Institutional Management Committee establishment and governance.