CHAPTER XVIII

PUBLIC LIFE AND VOLUNTARY SOCIAL SERVICE ORGANISATIONS

(a) Representation of the District in the State and Union Legislatures

Historical Background.- The most of the territory of the present Mansa District comprises parts of the erstwhile princely state of Patiala and some portion of the British territory. Before April 1992, Mansa was a subdivision/tahsil of the Bathinda District. Prior to the formation of Patiala and East Punjab States Union (PEPSU), the rulers of the Princely State never countenanced political awakening among their subjects and put down any agitation in the political field with iron hand. In doing so, they had full support of the British Government.

The patriots in the Patiala State did raise their heads and contributed their mite in the national struggle for Independence. For this purpose, they organized Praja Mandals whose ideology was the same as that of the Indian National Congress in this Princely State.

After the formation of PEPSU in 1948 and later on its merger with Punjab on 1 November 1956,many changes have taken place. People are now enjoying the same political, social and economic rights as had been enjoyed by the people in the adjoining areas of the Indian Union. The facility of all self-governments has been extended to the people and they have been brought under a responsible Government headed by their elected representatives both in the States and at the Centre.

General Elections Held Under The Constitution of India.-The Government of India Act,1919 introduced representative Government into India Under the Act, the universal adult franchise had limited role to play. It was based on a high property qualification. The franchise was also bestowed for special personal qualifications such as past or present membership of university senate or legislature. The franchise of Legislative Assembly was also based on property qualification and varied from province to province. This Act, did sow the seeds of communal representation in the country by earmarking constituencies for the Muslim and Sikhs, etc. It created bicameral Central Legislature and Legislative Councils in the Provinces. The first General Elections under the Act were held in 1920 for both the houses. This Act was replaced by the Government of India Act, 1935.

Under the Act of 1935,the right to vote was extended considerably. The women and the depressed classes were also made eligible to become voters. In this way, about 15 percent of the total population of the provinces was enfranchised. It is, however, said that the Act only retained

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the separates electorates for the Muslims, but also extended them to the Sikhs, Indian Christians, Anglo-Indians and Europeans.

A bicameral legislature was introduced in the Punjab. The Legislative Assembly had life of five years. The Punjab Legislative Council was a permanent body, one third of its members retiring every third year.

The First General Elections under the 1935 Act were held in January 1937 and the second and last in March 1946. The second elections were delayed as the Second World War was going on.

The Constitution of India, which came into force on 26 January 1950, has made a clean sweep of the postulate of communal electorates and has substituted in its place common electorate for all adult citizens of India. Article 326 of the Constitution provides that elections to the House of People (Lok Sabha) and to the Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha) of every State shall be on the basis of universal adult franchise. Every Indian citizen, who is not less than 21 years of age, which has now been lowered down to 18 years is entitled to vote, if he is not, other-wise disqualified. Thirteen general elections for Lok Sabha have been held in the country upto 1999. The phenomenal success of these elections characterized by smooth progress of voting, is a proof of the spirit of the masses to adjust themselves to a democratic way of life.

India, under the Constitution, is a Union of States and Union Territories. The Constitution lays down that the members of the Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha) of each State shall be chosen by direct election from territorial constituencies in the State. The constitution does not specify the actual number of seats in a particular State Assembly. It is fixed by the Parliament under the Representation of People’s Act, 1951.

The Punjab State had bicameral legislature comprising Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha) and Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad), but the later was abolished in 1969,for effecting economy in State expenditure. Thus, from 1969,the Punjab Legislature is unicameral. Previously it consisted of 104 members, but its strength was raised to 117 in 1975. No person is eligible to be chosen to fill a seat in the Vidhan Sabha, unless he is citizen of India and not less than 25 years of age and possesses such other qualifications as prescribed in the Representation of People’s Act, 1951,and also does not suffer from any of the stipulated disqualifications. In the State of Punjab10 general elections have been held for Punjab Vidhan Sabha and thirteen general elections to Lok Sabha till 1999, all the general and midterm elections to the Vidhan Sabha were conducted smoothly, peaceful, free and fair.

First General Elections, 1951-52. - After attaining Independence in 1947, the first general elections were held in India in 1951-52. The area of present Mansa District, which was part of erstwhile PEPSU, also went to polls for the first time along with that of country. Franchise was thrown open to every adult not suffering from any disqualification.

Lok Sabha Elections

Since 1951-52, thirteen Lok Sabha general elections have been held in the State of Punjab upto 31 March 2000.There is no parliamentary constituency in the Mansa District. The areas comprising the present Mansa District falls in the Bathinda Parliamentary Constituency.

Vidhan Sabha Elections

Patiala and East Punjab States Union (PEPSU), Vidhan Sabha Constituencies¹

There were 3 Vidhan Sabha Constituencies consisting of 4 seats now forming the part of the Mansa District, viz. Mansa (double-member), Sardulgarh and Budhlada-Bareta.

Mid Term Elections to the PEPSU Legislative Assembly, 1954² .-

The first general elections to the Legislative Assembly of the Patiala and East Punjab States Union (PEPSU) were held in 1951-52,as in the rest of India. Normally, the assembly should have had a term of five years in accordance with the provisions of Article 172 (1) of the Constitution. This assembly was however, dissolved prematurely and this necessitated fresh general elections in the State. The President issued a proclamation on 4 March 1953 under Article 356 of the Constitution, by which the Legislative Assembly of PEPSU was dissolved. The President assumed to himself all functions and powers of the Government. Para (C) (iv) of the proclamation announced that the general elections for constituting a new Legislative Assembly for the State would be held as soon as possible after the Delimitation Commission has finally delimited the constituencies for elections to the Legislative Assembly of the State. The legal framework for these elections was more or less the same as for the first general elections held in 1951-52. No amendment had been made in the meantime to the Representation of the People’s Act of 1951.

The number of seats to which PEPSU was entitled in the House of People on the basis of the population figure of the 1951 Census remained the same, namely 5 seats. The number of seats in the Legislative Assembly of the State also remained at the existing figure of 60 (36 single member and 12 two-member) constituencies which was the minimum under the provision to clause (2) of Article 170 of the Constitution. The two member constituencies were formed to provide representation to the Scheduled Castes.

There were 3 constituencies consisting of 4 seats in the present Mansa District, viz., Mansa, Sardulgarh and Budhlada (double-member).

1 Report on the First General Elections in India, 1951-52

2 Report on the Second General Elections to the PEPSU and Travancore-Cochin Legislative Assemblies (New Delhi,1955).pp.3,5,46-47

From these constituencies, 2 Communist, 1 Akali (Master Tara Singh Group) and 1 Akali (Raman Group) candidates were declared elected. The total number of electors in these constituencies were 1,36,081. The total number of valid votes polled by each of the contesting parties was as under:

Name of the party Total number of valid Percentage

votes polled

Akali Dal (Master Tara Singh Group) 40,119 31.48

Indian National Congress 34,248 26.88

Communist Party of India 26,518 20.02

Akali Dal (Raman Group) 20,724 16.26

Independents 6,831 5.36

Total 1,27,440 100.00

Second General Elections, 1957³.- The present Mansa District had only one Mansa double member constituency (one reserved for the members of the Scheduled Castes) for the Punjab Vidhan Sabha. The total numbers of electors were 1,17,714. From this constituency both the candidates of Congress were elected. The total number of valid votes polled by each contesting party was as under:

Name of the party Total number of valid Percentage

votes polled

Indian National Congress 81,225 65.37

Communist Party of India 38,500 30.99

Independents 4,527 3.64

Total 1,24,252 100.00

Third General Elections, 1962⁴-. There were 2 Vidhan Sabha Constituencies (including 1 reserved for the Scheduled Castes) from the area which has now formed the Mansa District. The Constituencies, were Mansa and Budhlada (S.C). From both the constituencies Akali candidates were declared elected. The total number of electors in these two constituencies were 1,37,897. The number of valid votes polled in favour of each contesting party was as under:

Name of the party	Total number of valid votes polled	Percentage
Akali Dal	32,020	37.28
Indian National Congress	25,158	29.29
Communist	18,439	21.47
Jan Sangh	10,275	11.96
Total	85,892	100.00

1. 3 Report on General Elections in Punjab, 1957(Chandigarh, 1959) p1284 Report on the General Elections in Punjab, 1962(Chandigarh, 1963) pp74-75

Fourth General Elections, 1967⁵-. The area of present Mansa District had 3 Punjab Vidhan Sabha constituencies. viz. Sardulgarh, Budhlada and Mansa. From these constituencies 1 Akali Dal (Sant Group), 1 Congress and 1 Communist Party of India, candidates were declared elected. The total number of electors was 1,85,271. The total number of valid votes

polled in favour of each contesting party was as under:

Name of the party Total number of valid votes polled Percentage

Congress 50,535 39.78

Akali Dal (Sant Group) 39,144 30.82

Independents 16,456 12.95

Communist Party of India 14,466 11.39

Jan Sangh 4,455 3.51

Akali Dal (Master Group) 1,968 1.55

Total 1,27,024 100.00

Mid Term Punjab Vidhan Sabha Elections 1969⁶.- The area of present Mansa District had 3 Vidhan Sabha Constituencies viz. Sardulgarh,Budhlada and Mansa. From these constituencies 2 Akali Dal and 1 Congress candidates were declared elected. The total number of electors was 1,94,664. The total numbers of valid votes polled by each contesting party was as under:

Name of the party Total number of valid Percentage

votes polled

Indian National congress 61,465 43.54

Akali Dal 54,564 38.66

Communist Party of India 25,130 17.80

Total 1,41,159 100.00

Fifth General Elections to the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, 1972⁷.-The area of the present Mansa District had 4 Vidhan Sabha Constituencies viz. Sardulgarh, Budhlada and Mansa. The total number of electors was 2,09,725. From these constituencies 1 Shiromani Akali Dal, 1 Indian National Congress and 1 Communist Party of India candidates were declared elected. The total number of valid votes polled in favour of each contesting party was as under:

Name of the party	Total number of valid votes polled	Percentage
Shiromani Akali Dal	65,898	42.84
Indian National Congress	41,831	27.19
Communist Party of India	26,006	16.91
Independents	20,094	13.06
Total	1,53,829	100.00

5 Report on General Elections in Punjab, 1967(Chandigarh 1968) pp.86-87

6 Report on the Mid-term General Elections to the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, 1969 (Chandigarh, 1971) pp.68-69

7 Report on the General Elections to the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, 1972(Chandigarh, 1974) pp.78-79

Sixth General Elections, 1977⁸.- The area of present Mansa District had four Vidhan Sabha Constituencies, viz. Joga, Mansa, Budhlada and Sardulgarh. The total number of electors was 2,77,509. From these constituencies 3 Shiromani Akali Dal and 1 Janta Party candidates were declared elected. The total number of valid votes polled by each contesting party was given as under:

Name of the party	Total number of valid votes polled	Percentage
Shiromani Akali Dal	83,313	43.57
Indian National Congress	54,801	28.66
Communist Party of India	21,933	11.47
Janta Party	25,208	13.19
Independents	5,946	3.11
Total	1,91,201	100.00

Seventh (Mid-Term) General Elections, 1980⁹.- The area of present Mansa district had 4 Vidhan Sabha Constituencies ,viz. Joga, Mansa, Budhlada and Sardulgarh . The total number of electors was 3,11,869. From these constituencies 3 Shiromani Akali Dal and 1 Communist Party of India candidates were declared elected. The number of valid votes polled by each contesting party was as under:

Name of the party	Total number of valid votes polled	Percentage
Shiromani Akali Dal	84,303	37.99
Indian National Congress (I)	86,081	38.79
Janta Party (SC)	2,477	1.12
Communist Party of India	29,984	13.51
Independents	19,054	8.59
Total	2,21,899	100.00

Eighth General Elections, 1985¹⁰.- The area of the present Mansa district had 4 Vidhan Sabha Constituencies, viz, Joga, Mansa, Budhlada and Sardulgarh. The total number of electors was 3,62,242. From these constituencies all the four candidates of Shiromani Akali Dal were declared elected. The total number of valid votes polled by each contesting party was as under:

Name of the party	Total Number of valid votes polled	Percentage
Shiromani Akali Dal	1,17,004	45.29
Indian National Congress	86,772	33.59
Communist Party of India	33,903	13.12
Independents	20,665	8.00
Total	2,58,344	100.00

8 Report on the Lok Sabha and Punjab Vidhan Sabha Elections, 1977 (Chandigarh 1979)- pp.102- 104

9 Report on the General Elections to the Lok Sabha and Punjab Vidhan Sabha, 1980, pp.116-117

10 Report on the General Elections to the Lok Sabha and Punjab Vidhan Sabha, 1985. pp.100-101.

Ninth General Elections, 1992¹¹.- The Mansa District had 4 constituencies, viz. Joga, Mansa, Budhlada and Sardulgarh. The total number of electors were 4,32,144. From these constituencies 2 Indian National Congress, 1 Communist Party of India and 1 Independent candidates were declared elected. The total number of valid votes polled by each contesting party was as under;

______________________________________________________________

Name of the party Total number of valid Percentage

votes polled ______________________________________________________________

Indian National Congress 16,889 39.37

Communist party of India 15,135 35.28

Bahujan Samaj Party 4,932 11.50

Independents 2,292 5.34

Shiromani Akali Dal 1,925 4.49

Communist party of India (Marxist) 1,724 4.02

_____________________________________________________________ Total 42,897 100.00

______________________________________________________________

Tenth General Elections, 1997¹².- The area of present Mansa District had 4 Constituencies,viz,Joga,Mansa,Budhlada and Sardulgarh. The total number of electors were 5,00,263. From these constituencies 2 Shiromani Akali Dal, 1 Communist Party of India and 1 Shiromani Akali Dal (Mann) candidates were declared elected. The total number of valid votes polled by each contesting party was as under:

Name of the party	Total number of valid votes/Polled	Percentage
Shiromani Akali Dal	1,49,996	39.57
Indian National Congress	26,765	7.06
Shiromani Akali Dal (Mann)	80,224	21.16
Communist Party of India	81,696	21.55
Independents	33,547	8.85
Janta Dal	2,917	0.77
Communist Party of India (ML) (L)	1,758	0.47
Communist Party of India (Marxist)	2,164	0.57
Total	3,79,067	100.00

11 Reports on the General Elections to the Lok Sabha and Punjab Vidhan Sabha, 1992,pp.100-101

12 Statistical Report on the General Elections 1997 to the Legislative Assembly of Punjab, pp.153-154

(b) Political Parties and Organisations

A political party is a voluntary organisation joined by persons more or less sharing common aims and objectives and seeking to gain control of the Governmental apparatus with a general view to furthering them. In fact, political parties are the lifeline of modern politics. These parties came into existence with the growth and development of representative institutions. These are no longer confined to democracies alone but operate under different political systems. But their role is far more extended in the modern day democratic governments. Political parties enlist widespread popular support for policies and programmes of government. Besides formation of policies and programmes the political parties exercise control over the government in many ways. In a parliamentary government the ruling party takes charge of the machinery of government and runs it in accordance with its policies and programmes while the opposition parties keeps a healthy watch on the Government. Political parties also integrates an individual into the political system through participation, socialization and mobilization. Parties bring together sectional interests, mobilise diverse cultural and linguistic groups and weld them within a common frame work.

In India, political parties both national and regional have been in existence for quite sometime. The adoption of the parliamentary system of government after the Independent however was a step to promote the reorganisation of party system on sound footing. Before 1947,there existed Praja Mandals in the Princely State of Patiala of which the most of the area of present Mansa District forms a part.

All India Parties

Indian National Congress.- This party is the oldest national political party and the most powerful representative body of the people of India. When the idea of the setting up of an All India Organisation was in the air, Mr A.O. Hume, a retired member of the Indian Civil Service, took the much needed initiative. He addressed a open letter on 1 March 1883 to the young graduates of the Calcutta University in which he made an appeal to form an association for moral, social and political regeneration of the Indians. The Indian National Union was formed towards the end of 1884 and Mr. Hume was made in charge of the same. About a year after the formation of the Union, the delegates from all over the country met at Bombay on December 1885 and the Indian National Union was renamed as Indian National Congress. Its first session was held in Bombay on 25 December 1885.

The objects of the Indian National Congress were;" The promotion of personal intimacy and friendship amongst the workers in the cause of country in the various parts of the Empire; the eradication by direct intercourse of all possible race, creed or provincial prejudices amongst all lovers of the country and the fuller development and consolidation of those sentiments of the national unity that had their origin in their beloved Lord Ripon's memorable reign; The authoritative record of matured opinions of the educated classes in India on some of the more important and pressing social questions of the day; and the determination of the lines upon which during the next twelve months it was desirable for native politicians to labour in the public interest".

These objects of the Congress, however, changed with the passage of time. Since Independence, the Congress Party has been making strenuous efforts for the setting up of a socialistic pattern of society; to raise the standard of the downtrodden; to defend secularism; to provide basic requirements to the people and narrow the gap between the rich and poor. In every election manifesto it makes some additions and alterations to the framed policies according to the changed circumstances and public opinion.

There is a District Congress Committee at Mansa, and the City Congress Committees in the different towns in the district.

Bhartiya Janta Party.- It is recognized national party which came into existence in April 1980.It is in fact a revival of Jan Sangh which was merged in the Janta Party in 1977.The objective of the Jan Sangh was the rebuilding of Bharat on the basis of Bhartiya sanskriti and maryada and as a political, social and economic democracy guaranteeing equality of opportunity and liberty of person to all its citizens so as to build up a prosperous, powerful and united nation-progressive, modern and enlightened, able to withstand the aggressive designs of others and to exert herself in the comity of nations for the establishment of world peace. Besides, pursuing the above principles and policies of Jan Sangh, the Bharatiya Janta Party is also thriving for nationalism and national integration; democracy in all spheres of life, positive secularism; Gandhian Socialism and value based politics. The party is of the view that moral values must be restored their place in public life and a new society on the basis of the values like tolerance, contentment, simple living hard work and brotherhood is to be build, It believes in building a society free from exploitation and discrimination. Politics is to be based on certain values and principles; only lust for power should not be the aim. The party has accepted the concept of Gandhian Socialism after due deliberation. Gandhian Socialism regards decentralization as the basis of its political system. Gandhian Socialism is totally against State monopoly of economic power. Both communism as well as capitalism has generated a new kind of inequality, inhumanity violence, Selfishness, greed, unrestrained consumerism and alienation.

Communist Party of India.- The Russian Revolution of 1917 left a deep influence on the minds of the Indian youth and they came to believe in using revolutionary methods to solve the political, economic and social problems of India. As a result, many organisations came into existence in India, which were opposed to the methods adopted by the Indian National Congress for the attainment of freedom and favoured the adoption of new methods based on Marxist principles. These different organizations assembled together at Kanpur in December, 1925 and formed the Communist Party of India. The party actively participated in the national movement. After the Independence, it became one of major opposition parties in India. The party enjoys influence among the labourers and small peasants. There was split in the party in1964 and new party viz. Communist party of India (Marxist) was formed.

Communist Party of India (Marxist).- The Communist Party of India(Marxist) was the result of the spilt which occurred in the Communist Party of India in 1964.It stands for communism and socialism through the establishment of State of dictatorship. State dictatorship of the proletariat in all its activities the party is guide by the philosophy and principles of Marxism-Leninism.

State Parties

Shiromani Akali Dal.-Shiromani Akali Dal is an important regional party of Punjab. The party came into existence in1920 as representative body of the Sikhs. During the Gurdwara Reforms Movement 1920-1925,it played significant role in bringing about major reforms in the management of Sikh Shrines and bringing them under the control of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee. It actively participated in the national freedom struggle in collaboration with the Indian National Congress and emerged as vanguard of the Non-Cooperation Movement in the Punjab during 1931-32. It emerged as full-fledged political party in the State during 1936-37 elections held under the Government of India. Act, 1935.The party continues to function as religious and social organisation.

The party got split into two groups in 1962 viz. Master Tara Singh Group and Sant Fateh Singh Group. These groups reunited after the death of Master Tara Singh in November 1967.In August 1980 the Akali Dal saw another split; it was divided into two factions Akali Dal (Longowal) and Akali Dal (Talwandi). On 1May 1985 both the factions of the Akali Dal were dissolved to form United Akali Dal but Akali Dal (Longowal) did not agree to join it and maintained its separate entity. On 8 May 1986 there was a split in the Akali Dal (Longowal), when some legislators formed new Akali Dal (Badal). In 1993, Akali Dal (Longowal), Akali Dal (Badal) and Akali Dal (Mann) all merged into one Akali Dal(Amritsar).But after few months Akali Dal (Badal) and Akali Dal(Longowal) separated and formed Shiromani Akali Dal(SAD). Mann Group retained the Akali Dal (Amritsar). Shiromani Akali Dal again got splitted in 1999 with Tohra faction coming out of it, and formed its own party.

(c) Newspapers and Periodicals

In a democratic set up, print media plays a vital role in the dissemination of news. Today Indians have a wide range of newspapers/ periodicals reaching at their doorsteps. These come in different languages and at different intervals. Also, there is a variety of newspapers/periodicals catering to the different tastes of readers on a plethora of subjects.

There is only one periodical viz. Punjab Haryana Wakaltnama published in the Mansa District*.

(d) Voluntary Social Service Organisations

For the development of community life and maintenance of social solidarity of state, Voluntary Social Service Organisations play a vital role. These organisations are run by the people and work for the people. The voluntary social service is an activity of a self-governing body of people working together for the betterment of the society in particular and the community life as a whole. In the present era of freedom and equality, the States are inclined towards the concept of Welfare State. This orientation of welfare concept has increased the scope of voluntary social service organisations.

In the present day life the needs of the people are increasing day by day and they are relying more on the State for the fulfillment of their needs. Owing to the burden of administration it has become impossible for the State to attend, each and every need/problem of the people. Where the State is unable to look into the burden of the individual, the voluntary social service organisations step in.

There are number of voluntary social service organisations in the Mansa District serving the social needs of the people in a variety of ways. A brief account of the important organisations functioning in the district is given below:

General Welfare Institutions

Environment Society, Mansa.- It was established on 15 March 1997. It had 30 members as on 31 March 2001.The main objective of the society is to create awareness for the environment among the people of the district. The society organised a “flower show” in which the school and college students participated. The various events viz. baby show, fancy dress, declamation contest, solo dance, group dance, mono acting and best couple of the day were organised in this show. Eminent speakers also delivered lectures regarding environment awareness. Various plants and flowers were exhibited.

* Press in India, 1999, 43^rd Annual Report of the Registrar of Newspapers of India under the Press and Registration of Books Act, (New Delhi)

Environment society aware the people about cleanliness and hazards of pollution. Leaflets are distributed and seminars are organised in schools and colleges for this purpose. People are requested to use dustbins and not to litter the garbage on streets and roads. Clean Mansa and Green Mansa' is slogan of Environment Society, Mansa.

Shri Shiv Shakti Sewa Mandal, Budhlada.- Shri Shiv Shakti Sewa Mandal, Budhlada was established in 1996.It had 14 members as on 31 March 2001. It has been providing free langar at Pahalgam and Baltal on the way to Shri Amarnath Shrine since 1996. The construction of Barfani Ashram in Budhlada City was started during 1999-2000,which is still going on. The Mandal also helped to solemnize the mass marriages of the poor girls.

Shri Lok Kalyan Sewa Samiti, Budhlada.- Shri Lok Kalyan Sewa Samiti, Budhlada came into existence in 1989. It had 19 members as on 31 December 2000. The Samiti has organised free eye operation camps, distributed free medicines and spectacles to the patients. It also maintains a ambulance and runs a free homeopathic dispensary. During the floods, the samiti had distributed food, medicines and clothes to the needy persons. In 1994 when plague broke-out, the samiti had sprayed insecticides in and around Budhlada. The samiti also arranges water coolers at the bus stand and railway station of Budhlada during summer.

Organisations of National Or International Repute

There are number of other organisations of national or international repute which have been established else where, but have their branches in the district.

The Indian Red Cross Society (District Branch), Mansa

The Indian Red Cross Society was established in 1920 under Act XV of the Government of India. The district branch of Indian Red Cross Society, Mansa was established on 13 April 1992. The number of members of its executive body was 34 as on 31 March 2000 and it had 158 life members. The main functions and activities of the society in the Mansa District include the providing of financial help to poor needy persons. Grants are given to poor patients for medicines and treatment. Besides, artificial limbs, tricycles, wheel chairs and hearing aids are provided to poor and deserving persons. Grants are also advanced to charitable institutions. A modern computer center is being run to impart education in information-technology to the local youths with special emphasis on those belonging to Scheduled Castes. Dai centres are run to make available medical services to ladies and children in rural areas. Sewing centres are run to give training in embroidery and stitching. It is maintaining ambulance to take patients out of Mansa in case of need. First aid and home nursing training is imparted to students, conductors and factory workers, etc. Blood donation camps, melas and fetes are also organised by the society. A canteen to provide catering service to the patients, their attendants and hospital staff is being run in Civil Hospital, Mansa. The society has constructed a beautiful Bal Bhawan where playing equipments and an electric train has been provided for the amusement of children. A green park is added to this Bhawan. A creche-cum-balwari is being run to provide services for the children of working women. National and other important days are also celebrated by the society.

The main sources of income of the society are rents, medical stores, donations form public, grants from central and state governments, collection from membership fees and income from melas, fetes sand cultural programmes, etc.

Lions Club

It is an International Organisation, whose motto is 'Make Your Fellow Man Feel Needed'. It creates brotherhood to serve the humanity at large .Its activities are dedicated to the needy and the poor. The main sources of income of club are individual subscription and public donation. Lions club has only one branch functioning at Mansa, in the district. The details of the clubs is given below:

Lions Club, Mansa.- Lions Club, Mansa came into existence in1977. It had 42 members as on 31 December 2000. The main activities of the club are tree plantation camps, dental check-up camp and skin check-up camp. Pulse polio camps are also organised by the club. The club is also running an ambulance van on 'no profit no loss’ basis.

Rotary Club

The Rotary Club is worldwide organisation with its headquarters in the United States of America. Its motto is ‘Service Above Self' It is a type of international brotherhood to serve to humanity as a whole in all walks of life. The various branches of the Rotary Club in the Mansa District are at Mansa, Budhlada and Sardulgarh. The activities of each club are described below:

Rotary Club, Mansa.- Rotary Club, Mansa came into existence in 1974. It had 20 members as on 31 March 2001. The activities of the club are to organize tree plantation camps, patriotic songs competition and eye operation camps. The club has constructed toilets at 20 different places in the Mansa town. It has also organised flowers show and a camp for heart diseases.

Rotary Club, Budhlada.- Rotary Club, Bhudhlada came into existence in 1979. It had 23 members as on 31 March 2001. The club had collected Rs 18000 for the victims of Orissa Super Cyclone and Rs 25000 for Kargil Heroes and handed over the amount to Deputy Commissioner, It has organised E.N.T camp and skin treatment camp in which the patients were given free medicines, jerseys, shoes and socks were distributed to poor children in primary schools. The club also organised polio camps. It is running an ambulance on 'no profit no loss 'basis. It celebrates 'Vanmahotsav'. It is maintaining 100 planted trees. The club has made an arrangement of cold water at the railway station.

Rotary Club, Sardulgarh.- Rotary Club, Sardulgarh came into existence in 1987. It had 18 members as on 31 December 2000.The main activities of the club are to organize pulse polio camps, medical check-up camps and to organise free eye operation camps.

Rotaract Club, Mansa (Star).- This club came into existence in December 1998. It had 17 members as on 31 December 2000.The main activities of the club are to organise blood donation camps, free E.N.T and medical check-up camps, free eye operation camps and pulse polio camps. The club also celebrates ‘Vanmahostav’.

Rotaract Club, Budhlada (Central).- Rotraract Club, Budhlada (Central) came into existence on 10 December 1999. It had 20 members as on 31 December 2000.The important activities of the club are to organise pollution check up camps and to distribute pamphlets regarding road safety.

Rotaract Club, Sardulgarh (City).-Rotaract Club, Sardulgarh (City) was formed on 15 April 1993.It had 18 members as on 31 December 2000. The club provides financial aid for the marriage of poor girls, organise rallies and pulse polio camps in the town and its nearby villages. Refreshment is provided to the staff and children during these camps. The club has constructed a shed at the cremation grounds. Free medicines are distributed among poor patients. The members of the club also donated blood. The club has distributed woollen sweaters to needy girls in a school, and also distributed tri-cycles to handicapped students on the Republic Day.

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