Bharanickavu
Block Panchayat

History of Bharanikkavu Block Panchayat

The concept of the Block Panchayat is relatively recent. With the emergence of this concept in its concrete form, another significant milestone was achieved in the growth of democracy. The democratic ideal gains a new dimension when people themselves formulate and implement development plans for their communities. The Block Panchayat system, established between the Gram Panchayat and the District Panchayat, is widely recognized as an innovative system and an important step towards Gram Swaraj (village self-governance).

The 73rd Amendment to the Constitution of India in 1992 and the Kerala Panchayat Raj Act, 1994, passed by the Kerala Legislative Assembly, laid the foundation for the three-tier Panchayati Raj system in Kerala. Bharanikkavu Block Panchayat is one of the Block Panchayats that came into existence as part of this system.

Beginning of Bharanikkavu Development Block

Community Development Blocks were introduced in India on 2 October 1952 as part of the implementation of the Community Development Programme during the First Five-Year Plan. In the initial stage, the programme was implemented on an experimental basis, and therefore, development blocks were established only in selected areas. Subsequently, National Extension Service (N.E.S.) Blocks were also introduced. The first phase, known as the pre-extension period, came to an end in 1962.

In 1962, the Bharanikkavu N.E.S. Block came into existence and was formally inaugurated by the then Chief Minister, Shri Pattom A. Thanu Pillai.

The Name “Bharanikkavu”

There is no need for extensive research to understand how this development block came to be known as “Bharanikkavu.” When a Legislative Assembly constituency was established in this area, there was little disagreement about naming it “Bharanikkavu.” Therefore, when a Development Block was established at Bharanikkavu, it was natural that it too came to be known as “Bharanikkavu.”

Early Activities

The Bharanikkavu Development Block began its operations in a rented building in the fourth ward of Bharanikkavu Panchayat. Its initial activities were conducted in a house known as “Kakkad.” The Block faced several limitations during its early years. It had to wait for a considerable period before it could move from the limited facilities of the rented premises to a building of its own.

Several early attempts to realize the dream of having a permanent headquarters for the Block were unsuccessful. Many people were reluctant to provide the land required for the purpose. The limited understanding of Development Blocks that existed at that time may also have been one of the reasons.

It was in these circumstances that Shri Jamaluddin Sahib (Valiyavilayil) came forward with a helping hand. The present Block Panchayat Office stands on the land provided by him. With the completion and inauguration of the main building on 28 July 1966, the Bharanikkavu Development Block began functioning more effectively from its own headquarters.

Administrative Growth of the Block

In its initial phase, the Bharanikkavu Development Block comprised four Panchayats: Bharanikkavu, Vallikunnam, Thamarakkulam, and Chunakkara.

With the formation of Pathanamthitta District, Pandalam Block became part of Pathanamthitta District. The Panchayats of Nooranad and Palamel, which were part of Pandalam Block, became part of Bharanikkavu Block in 1989. As a result, the jurisdiction of Bharanikkavu Block expanded to include six Gram Panchayats.

Today, the jurisdiction of Bharanikkavu Block Panchayat comprises six Gram Panchayats: Bharanikkavu, Vallikunnam, Thamarakkulam, Chunakkara, Nooranad, and Palamel.

There are seven revenue villages in this area. The area associated with Bharanikkavu Panchayat is divided into two villages, Bharanikkavu and Kattanam. The names and boundaries of the other Panchayats and their corresponding villages are also generally aligned with each other.

The present Bharanikkavu Block Panchayat Office is located in the fifth ward of Thamarakkulam Gram Panchayat.

Progress of People-Centred Development

Over the years, Bharanikkavu Block Panchayat has grown by undertaking activities in various areas of rural development. The Block Panchayat has played an important role in ensuring people's participation through local self-government institutions and in addressing areas such as social justice, infrastructure development, welfare activities, agricultural and livelihood development, education, and healthcare.

Today, Bharanikkavu Block Panchayat functions as a people-oriented system of governance that identifies the needs of the people and formulates and implements development projects suited to those needs. By giving priority to people's participation, transparency, social justice, and sustainable development, the Block Panchayat continues to lead the overall development of the region.