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Consensus Decision-making/33 issue at hand. The study circle is not a formally structured body; it has no definite membership. Participation in it is voluntary, not compulsory, unlike that in the village assembly. It can meet as many times as the people want; as the situation warrants. And it meets at a public place openly. When consensus eludes the village assembly, the issue in question is referred to the study circle for review and more in-depth discussion. The study circle is not supposed to take any decision; that is clearly the prerogative of the village assembly. Its function is to help the village assembly in taking proper decisions. Knowledge Outside Friends SY Decision Action While consensus model is adopted for decision-making, it logically follows that implementation should also ensure maximum possible participation. In fact, it is an essential corollary. Mendha is aware of it. The system of Bank account operation may be mentioned in this context. The community authorises two persons to operate the account, a third person to keep the pass book, and a fourth one to keep the accounts. This authorisation is not for any specific period; any time it can be changed. This also ensures transperancy in financial matters and obviates corruption which is the bane of the present democratic and bureaucratic structures.
