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Consensus Decision-making/32 In Mendha, the forum for decision-making is the Village Community Council (Gaon-Samaj Sabha). All the adult villagers participate in it. Such participation is possible because the number of the members is limited. Everybody knows everybody else. The geographical area of the village is such that the villagers can assemble at any time with short notice. These, then, are the key factors. The number of the persons in the group and the geographical area in which they live should be such that active participation by all is possible. The villagers in the Mendha have resolved to take decisions by consensus only. Everybody is aware of it. So consensus is not tried half-heartedly and abandoned at the slightest pretext. Participation of those with different views is not only tolerated or encouraged, but deliberate efforts are also made to ensure it, and their views are respected. Such persons know this. This serves in preventing the formation of groups. Mendha has resolved that at least one male and one female member of each household must attend the meetings of the gaon-samaj-sabha. If they fail to do so, they are fined. Par. ticipation of women in the village affairs is at best token everywhere. Reservation for them in the panchayat bodies have hardly made any difference. That Mendha has made participation of at least one woman from every house compulsory is significant in this context. Decisions are taken in the village assembly. But it is nou possible to debate all the issues thoroughly there. Sometimes, help from outside experts and knowledgeable friends is necessary to know the relevant facts and different facets of the issue. So Mendha has complemented the village assembly with a study circle. Alongwith the villagers having an appetite for knowledge and interest in debating various issues, friends from outside the village too can participate in the study circle; and, at times, their participation is sought to know more about the
