Published 2025-11-10
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Abstract
Local Self Government (LSG) institutions in Kerala have played a pivotal role in strengthening decentralised governance and citizen-centric service delivery. Among the various initiatives implemented, Vaathilpadi Sevanam has emerged as a significant reform aimed at ensuring timely, transparent, and doorstep delivery of essential government services. ASHA workers, as frontline community health volunteers, often serve as key intermediaries between citizens and local governments, particularly in rural and marginalised communities.
This study examines the functioning, effectiveness, and challenges of LSG Sevanam services with a specific focus on the role of ASHA workers in selected districts of Kerala. Using a mixed-method research approach, data were collected through structured questionnaires, interviews, and field observations. The findings reveal that ASHA workers significantly contribute to enhancing accessibility to LSG services by facilitating communication, supporting documentation, and guiding citizens through service procedures.
The analysis underscores the need for strengthened institutional support, capacity-building programmes, and streamlined digital service platforms to improve the efficiency of Vaathilpadi Sevanam. The study concludes that empowering ASHA workers within the framework of LSG service delivery can substantially enhance community outreach, ensure inclusive governance, and promote effective decentralisation in Kerala.