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VILLAGE STUDY SEGMENT (MRM 2008-10)
VILLAGE REPORT
VILLAGE: GHATAKA PADLIYA AND KESARPURA DISTRICT: DUNGARPUR
STATE: RAJASTHAN
HOST ORGANISATION: Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA)
SUBMITTED BY: VIKAS RANA (8201040)
RAMAN SHARMA (8201025) VIKRAM SINGH (8201041)
SANDEEP KUMAR (8201075)
School of Rural Management
Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) University Bhubaneswar, Orissa, India
2009
i
Acknowledgement
Our fieldwork Segment provided us with an opportunity to stay in the villages of Dungarpur
District in Rajsthan. It provided scope for us to achieve vast range of experience and huge
exposure to a different culture and society. This improved our insight into the day-to-day
activities of the village life and increased our understanding about the ground realities of rural
life. This stay gave us confidence that we can adjust and adapt in any situation of life.
At the commencement we are grateful to Prof. L. K. Vaswani who showed the direction for our
study on different aspects of Village Study Segment. We also thank Dr.V.Venkatakrishnan, our
Village Study Segment coordinator as well as our VSS guide Prof. Soumya Mishra for providing
us an opportunity to learn about the rural life and rural society. They guided us on our survey and
methodology during our village stay by personally visiting us and clarifying our doubts.
We also thank Prof.AVR Acharyulu for giving valuable information about rural life. We are
grateful to Prof.Jyotirmayee Acharaya, Prof. Rajshree Bedmata, Prof. Sanjit Das and Prof. Rabi
Narayan Subudhi who guided us and took the pain of briefing about the difficulties and
amenities prevailing in the village.
We also thank the members of SEWA for providing us the support, guidance and facilitating our
stay in the village by sparing some time from their busy schedule to apprise us about rural life.
We thank all the villagers of Kesarpura and Gataka Padaliya village who co-operated us heartily
and made our stay successful.
In last we would like to thank all who helped us in achieving our goal directly or indirectly.
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Table of Contents
1. Background……………………………………………………………… 1 2. Objectives………………………………………………………………... 2 3. Source of data…………………………………………………………… 3 4. Research methods……………………………………………………..... 4 5. Geography and social structure……………………………………….. 5 6. Weather and seasonality………………………………………………. 13 7. Natural resources………………………………………………………. 14 8. Infrastructure…………………………………………………………... 17 9. Local economy………………………………………………………….. 23 10. Consumption…………………………………………………………… 31 11. Political and governance system………………………………………. 34 12. Local community based organizations………………………………... 37 13. Relationship with other communities and wider societies…………… 39 14. Village development plan………………………………………………. 40 15. Conclusion………………………………………………………………. 44
iii
List of Abbreviations
1. MRM- MBA in Rural Management 2. VSS- Village Study Segment 3. NREGS- National Rural Employment Guarantee Act 4. FMR- Female- Male Ratio 5. PMGSY- Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana 6. RGGVY- Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana 7. HRD- Human Resource Department 8. MDM- Mid Day Meal 9. PHC- Public Health Centre 10. APL- Above Poverty Line 11. BPL- Below Poverty Line 12. SHGs- Self Help Groups 13. GP- Gram Panchayat 14. PS- Panchayat Samiti 15. ZP- Zila Parishad 16. CBO’s- Community based Organizations 17. PEDO- People’s Education and Development Organization 18. SEWA- Self Employed Women’s Association 19. HYV’s- High Yielding Varieties
Village Report 2009
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1. Background
Village Study Segment forms an inherent part of the MRM programme at KIIT
School of Rural Management (KSRM). The segment requires us to undertake an
uninterrupted stay at the village for almost ten weeks.
We had the opportunity of working with the tribal community of Dungarpur for a
span of about nine weeks and at the same time sharing their social and cultural traditions.
Moreover we also got an insight into the political and economic aspect of their lives.
The village study was done under the rich guidance of our host organisation, Self
Employed Women’s Association (SEWA). We were allotted two villages for detailed village
study i.e. Ghataka Padliya and Kesarpura. We stayed at Dungarpur town because our host
organization didn’t allow us to stay in village. The reasons for this are many but two major
reasons are that there is shortage of water in this area and secondly, the rate of migration
among men is quiet high.
Our report is the outcome of personal experience, research and extension activities
during our village study segment.
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2. Objectives
The objectives of the detailed village study are:
• To get exposure and understanding of the rural environment and the socio- cultural
aspects of the rural life.
• To develop a holistic understanding of rural livelihood and to get an insight on the
lives of the villagers through selected case studies about their livelihood.
• To understand the status of women, their contribution and the role they play in
developing rural entrepreneurship.
• To experience and understand the actual rural scenario after having classroom
sessions.
• To understand with the organization's (SEWA) functioning in the rural areas.
• Identify the problems confronted by villagers, their aspirations, hope and their vision
about future.
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3. Source of Data
In order to conduct any comprehensive and meaningful study the basic requirement is
of accurate and reliable data. In the case of any village the problems with the first hand
information collected i.e. the primary data are of the ignorance of the villagers with regard to
the actual figures and at times manipulations of the data in the hope of getting benefiting by
some government schemes. Thus, the need for the cross checking of the data obtained from
various primary sources arises. In our study we have collected data from both these sources in
order to meet the true purpose of our study.
3.1 Primary Sources
• Unstructured and semi-structured interviews
• Focus group discussions
• Informal group discussions
• Questionnaires
• Case studies
• Field visits
3.2 Secondary Sources
• Records of taluka panchayat
• SEWA
• Anganwadi
• Schools
• Self help groups (SHGs)
• Internet
Village Report 2009
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4. Research Methods
4.1 Rapport Building
We took interest in their day to day activities and we tried to give an impression that we have
come to that village to learn from them. This helped us in taking out their apprehensions and
anxieties as regard to the purpose of our visit.
4.2 Baseline Survey
Under this method we moved around the village trying to get information about the general
micro realities of the village by observing and having informal chats with villagers. This
helped us later in the comparison and the validation of the data we got from the PRA
methods.
4.3 Participatory Rural Appraisal Methods
The PRA tools employed were Time line, Resource map, Social map, Chapatti diagram,
Seasonal diagram etc.
Limitations
• The villagers were quite hesitant to reveal the exact data about the land, the produce
and real income etc. They feared that the data could be used against them at any point
of time.
• One of the primary limitations during the study was that there was a busy schedule for
villagers. The reason was that the NREGS work was in its full swing. So it is not
possible to spare much time with us for discussion. At this moment there is no other
option except going to their site and discussing with them while working.
• During our initial days in the village most of the respondents were not assured about
the purpose of the study and so they may have concealed the correct information.
• There was no accommodation available in the village for us. So we had to stay at
Dungarpur town. So we were not able to discuss with villagers in the evening time
which was free time for villagers.
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5. Geography and Social Structure
5.1 Location and access
The village Ghataka Padliya is located in Sagwada Tehsil of Dungarpur District, 43 Kms
from Dungarpur town whereas village Kesarpura is located in Dungarpur Tehsil of
Dungarpur District, 16 Kms from Dungarpur town. Dungarpur town is located 180 Kms from
Ahmadabad (Gujarat).
5.2. History
The village Ghataka Padliya has a very interesting history. The village was more than 200
years old. The village was started with only 5 families. Initially, the people use to consume
Village Report 2009
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forest products only but later on they got their land levelled for practicing agriculture. The
King of Dungarpur opposed for the establishment of the village, but the families forcefully
established the village. Later on, during the formation of governing body, a common
panchayat was formed for Village Gata ka gaon and Ghataka Padliya. Since then there is
common Panchayat for both the villages consisting of 7 members.
The village kesarpura is 90 years old. The Village is inhabited by tribal settlers. Initially, the
village was started with only 7 families. There was no agriculture at that time. The reason for
no agriculture was due to lack of water and awareness. Till now most of the population of the
village is available for migrant labour but this tendency of migration is decreasing due to
intervention by different institution and SEWA is one of them.
5.3. Demography
5.3.1 Population
The census data about the demographic details of the Villages Ghataka Padliya and
Kesarpura are as follows:
The survey of the Ghataka Padliya village gives following details:-
• Total Population – 1074
• Male Population – 514
• Female Population – 560
• Children ( 0-5) - 135
• Female-Male Ratio – 1089
• Total Households – 148
• Average Household Size ~ 6-7 approx
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The survey of the Kesarpura village gives following details:-
• Total Population – 843
• Male Population – 408
• Female Population – 435
• Children ( 0-5) - 116
• Female-Male Ratio – 1066
• Total Households – 125
• Average Household Size ~ 5-6 approx
5.3.2. Caste Structure
Among the scheduled Tribes, the highest concentration is noticed, according to 2001 census,
in Dungarpur district where their proportion to the total population of the districts comes to
68.46 per cent.
Bhils, along with their sub-groups, Damor, Pargi, Parmar etc. constitute the major tribal
groups found in the Village Ghataka Padliya and Kesarpura.
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5.4. Social Life
The Tribal family does not represent in any way the joint family system of the Hindus. When
a grown-up son marries, he is separated from his parents and establishes a new family. The
separation is complete in that the son and the father do not work on the common farm but a
separate piece of land is allotted to the son for his maintenance on which he along operates.
The Tribal family, therefore, is essentially a family of procreation. It consists of a male head,
his wife or wives and unmarried children. It is governed by the father or the eldest male
member of the family in the absence of father
5.4.1. Position of Women in the Family
The position of a daughter-in-law in the family creates a problem of accommodation. As the
consequence of the exogamous nature of marriages, and Tribal villages being clusters of one
or two or three clans, she usually comes from a different family of a different village and is,
therefore, confronted with altogether new sets of social interactions. Unlike caste Hindus who
normally live in joint family, the Tribal daughter-in-law is subjected to lesser difficulties of
adjustment, for she remains in her in- laws' house only for a short period. As soon as her
husband is able to plough the fields independently, she shifts to another house made by her
husband.
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An unmarried daughter is supposed to be sacred, for she symbolizes fertility and thus,
because of the symbolization, is potent with enormous powers. At the time of crops she is
always given the first raw grains, for it is supposed to result in prosperous fields. During
marriage celebrations she welcomes the bride-groom; she carries an earthen pitcher over her
head on the occasion. She also ties and unties the garments of the newly wedded couple
during the marriage rites. Her crossing a street is, to a man going for some important work, a
good omen.
The position of the wife conforms to the form of the marriage. In a polygamous family, the
position and status of a wife are accorded in relation to the degree of preference she gets from
her husband. However, if she be the senior most, she enjoys a better say in family affairs
relating to rites and ceremonies and other social matters, for otherwise she often quarrels with
the husband or with her other co-wives. The relationship between co-wives is often strained.
For the wife who receives greater affection from her husband exercises greater dominance in
relation to domestic matters. As mother, her position is happy and strong. The father is
usually busy in the field and it is she who controls the children. No family ritual can be
performed in her absence. At the time of marriage when the bridegroom strikes the toran- the
wooden arch- she goes with pitchers on her head and taking the bridegroom's garments in
hands, drags him to mandva - the marriage place. Actually all rites from birth to death are
performed by her. She is highly revered by her children and more so by the daughter, to
whom she imparts most secret things of her life.
For a woman, the widows do not have to suffer for they take to remarriage (natra) after the
period of mourning. Only old women, who do not remarry, remain as widows. As a widow,
she is revered by the family. Often she is given the place of a family counselor. The
traditional Hindu attitude towards widow is absent among tribals and she is not considered to
be inconspicuous. She joins marriage parties and attains all ceremonies.
5.4.2. Adoption
A person having no male issue may adopt a son to perpetuate his line of succession. The act
of adoption is completed with a religious ceremony. It is officiated at by the Brahmin who
offers oblations to fire. It confers upon the adoptee the same rights and privileges in the
family of the adopter as those of the legitimate son including the right of inheritance. All his
rights and liabilities are terminated in the natural family of his birth.
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5.4.3. Kinship System
The kinship may be related through the members of the family, namely, father, mother,
brother, sister and other blood descendents. Among the Tribals the addressive terms are
limited and the other terms are mere extensions of these terms to denote various relationships
through them. They show the following relationship:
Ba (Father)
Aii (Mother)
Kako (Uncle)
Mota Ba (Grandfather)
Baba (Maternal grandfather)
Bhai (Brother)
Maho (Mother's sisters husband)
Mamo (Mother's Brother)
Phupho (Father's sister's husband)
Soro (Son)
Hau (Mother-in-law)
Haharo (Father-in-law)
5.4.4. Marriage
Marriage among Tribals is not a sacrament, Like the Hindu marriage it is not indissoluble.
For a Tribal, both male and female, getting married is a mark of adulthood and maturity. As
agriculturists they require the assistance of helpers whom they get in the form of wife and
children. Young or old, a Bhil must have a wife and he does obtain one either through a
Village Report 2009
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negotiated marriage or through nata or though elopement. Economic hardships which abound
in his life, never prove to be unsurpassable hurdles to cross in the way to matrimony, for be
never hesitates to run into debt to procure a wife. House, wife and children stand for one's
prospects in the Bhil way of life and tradition. They also bestow on him an enhance status
which every Bhil endeavors to attain through marriage.
5.4.4.1. Selection of Marriage Partners
The Bhils pay first consideration to the amount of bride price. After having decided this,
there are several other considerations which receive their attention. The status of the family
carries immense weight. For Tribals, the status of a family consists in its economic and social
well being. The family should be in a position to serve guests and fulfill other obligations. In
the selection of a girl, importance is attached to a few of the qualities of her body and to her
ability do house hold and other work properly. A beautiful girl is supposed to be one who is
like the flames of the Holi-hori-ni-jhar or the lightening of the clouds - bijali, a girl of
medium stature is liked more and a tall one or one of short stature-dubli is supposed to be
dishonest and worthless. Further, long face is preferred to the flat-head and black and large
eyes to the blue. A person with green-yellow eyes- majari is considered mischievous and full
or power of magic. A long nose is given preference and a hairy body is looked upon with
disfavor. The Tribals do not attach any importance to the virginity of the girl.
5.4.4.2. Forms of Marriage
Normally, a Tribal resorts to marriage by purchase or exchange for service. Other forms of
marriage are not recognized by the society. Should an unengaged girl take a fancy to run
away with some man, her father and brothers, as soon as they find out her whereabouts, either
attack the man and his family or put his house on fire. The same procedure is followed by a
husband if his wife has eloped with someone. Elopement leads to enmity and even to murder.
If the injured side is weak the quarrel is settled not by the sword but through the mediation
and realization of compensation from the offender. There are cases of marriage by capture;
most of them with the full consent of the bride, but all against the will of her father or
husband. In such cases war- drums are beaten to announce the abduction of the woman or
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girl. All available men of village assemble with bows, arrows and swords to capture or track
down the offender. If they succeed in capturing the culprit he is beaten black and blue and the
abducted woman is recovered. If he is found out, he must pay over twice the amount of "the
would have been" bride-price of the girl in question, but this is never realized without a great
deal of talking, threatening and quarrels.
5.4.4.3. Marriage with Elder Brother's Wife: DEWAR VATTA
Yet another kind of marriage widely prevalent among Tribals is the marriage with the
deceased elder brother's wife. It is called Dewar Vatta or marriage with the husband's
younger brother (Devar). A wife is the possession of the family, especially entrusted to the
husband. In case her husband dies, it, however, in no way affects the ownership. The family
would like to see her remarriage to the deceased's younger brother. This marriage would not
mean any loss to the family. However, it shows the property concept involved in woman.
5.4.4.4. Natra Marriage
Quite unlike the high caste Hindus, another Tribal form of marriage is Natra or marriage by a
widow or a woman who has left her husband or has been abandoned by him. The Tribal
widow marries after the mourning period of the deceased husband is over. The natra is
solemnized without the usual pomp and show and the bride-price taken is not very high.
Normally it varies from Rs.1000 to 2000. The amount of bride-price is divided between the
parents, widow and the relatives of the deceased husband.
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6. Weather and seasonality
The climate of the area is dry and temperature peaks in May with mean daily maximum of +
41.50c and maximum +450c. The coldest month is January with temperatures falling to
around +50c during night but with day temperatures still above +200c. The following graph
shows the rainfall in Dungarpur and Sagwada tehsil (and surroundings), which can be safely
assume true for the subject villages.
Source: DRDA office
The average rainfall of District is 710 mm and occurs with great variations from year to year
and drought situation is the normal condition. This area falls under arid to semi-arid climate.
Rainy Season: July to Mid Sept, and very humid (upto 90%)
Village Report 2009
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7. Natural Resources
7.1. Land
Total Geographical area of the Village Ghataka padliya and Kesarpura is 234.27 (2928 bigha)
and 148.36 Ha (1854 bigha) respectively.
NOTE: 5 bigha = 1 Acre
77.8% of the total land holdings fall under the category of marginal and small holdings. High
scope for non- crop land-based activities. Food security is a major challenge due to low share
of area under plough (Net Sown Area). Coverage of pasture and grazing land is more in the
tribal areas, which prompts the scope for developing animal husbandry as a potential source
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of income and employment in the tribal area. There exists potential for forest based
livelihood system in the tribal belt of Rajasthan.
The soils are red and yellowish. The soils on very steeply sloping side slopes are shallow,
excessively drained, and coarser in nature, whereas the soils of gently sloping pediment and
undulating plains are deep, finer in texture and have better structural development. Sand/silt
ratio is greater than 0.2mm. Though, a larger tract is parched and dry.
7.2. Water
Water resources in Village Ghataka padliya are:
Water Resource Number
Pond 2
Total Well 60
Dry Well 30
Community Well 1
Tube-Well 2
Hand pump 15
Water Resources in Village Kesarpura are:
Water Resource Number
Pond 1
Total Well 15
Dry Well 4
Community Well 1
Tube Well 1
Hand pump 9
45% of the wells are going out of use in both the villages when taken together. The ground
water level in Village Ghataka padliya and Kesarpura is ranging between 30-70 feet. Quality
Village Report 2009
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of water in all the hand pumps is good and there are no chances of water born diseases in the
villages, but the scarcity of water for irrigation is the major problem for the villagers. The
level of the ground water is gradually going down.
7.3. Forestry
Against forest area of 15.2% at the district level, the forest area is relatively less in the
Village Ghataka padliya and Kesarpura collectively i.e. 11%. Rich in teak, mahua, mango,
neem, seesum, cactus, ber, bamboo, saras, kikar, kajri, sagwan and date trees, also plays
residence to a wide variety of wildlife including the jackal, jungle cat, Indian fox, hyena,
monkey, porcupine, and mongoose. Thick forests also have a substantial aviary population
like eagles, vultures, peafowls, partridges, quails and cuckoos. Apart from the flora and
fauna, the terrain here is perfect for trekkers and for those who would love to take a walk in
the jungles. Illegal cutting of trees is prevalent and government has taken many steps to
prevent illegal cutting of the forest.
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8. Infrastructure
8.1. Roads and Transportation
There is good connectivity of roads to the village; the roads are made up of RCC. Village is
connected both by district head quarter and Tehsil. The condition of roads and transportation
is relatively same in both the villages. There are both types of roads in the villages; kuccha
and pucca but pucca roads are limited. The means of public transport was a bus which was
run by the government. There are some private buses also for public transportation. The
villagers have to walk 2-5 Kms to come to the bus stand. Pukka roads are made under the
Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). Besides this, the personal vehicles in Village
Ghataka padliya and Kesarpura are as follows:
Ghataka Padliya Kesarpura
Cycle(15) Cycle(60)
Scooter(20) Scooter(2)
Jeep(1) Jeep(2)
Tractor(3) Tractor(NIL)
Bullock Carts(1) Bullock Carts(4)
8.2. Electricity
Village Ghataka Padliya was electrified in 1995 whereas Kesarpura in 2006 under the Rajiv
Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana (RGGVY). All the 148 households were electrified in
Ghataka Padliya whereas out of 125 households only 14 households were electrified. Basic
infrastructures such as distribution transformer and distribution lines are provided in the
Village Keaspura. Electricity is provided to public places like schools, panchayat offices,
health centres, dispensaries, community centres etc. During our stay we found through FGD
that electricity remained there only for 8-10 hours per day, which is also not scheduled.
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8.3. Communication
Telecommunication facilities are available in the villages. There is a STD shop in the village
Ghataka Padliya. Many young people have mobile set in both the Villages. Number of
landline connections in Village Ghataka Padliya and Kesarpura are 3 and 1 respectively. All
vernacular news paper is available in village according to their demand. The distance of Post
Office from the Village Ghataka Padliya and Kesarpura are 2 and 6 Kms respectively.
Besides this, the Village Ghataka Padliya has:
• 10 Televisions
• 8 Radio
• 12 Tape-
And, the Village Kesarpura has:
• 15 Radio
• 10 Tape-recorders
8.4. Social Infrastructure
8.4.1. Education
When it comes to availability of educational infrastructure Ghataka Padliya have one
Primary and one Middle School. Both the schools are co-educational. Primary School was
established in 2000 whereas Middle School in 1975.
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Middle School Details (as on 2nd Feb’09)
Number of students 135
Boys 65
Girls 70
Number of teachers 7
Teachers to Pupil ratio 1:20
Total number of teaching days/year 210
Effective number of teaching
days/year
150
Teacher training days/year 20
Vacations (days/year) 30
Government duties by teachers
(days/year)
5
Functions (days/year) 5
Drop-out rate 0 %
Pass Percentage 100%
Average Attendance 70%
Source: Middle School Records, Ghataka Padliya
Primary School details
Number of students 38
Boys 17
Girls 21
Number of teachers 2
Teachers to Pupil ratio 1:20
Total number of teaching days/year 210
Effective number of teaching
days/year
150
Teacher training days/year 20
Vacations (days/year) 30
Source: Primary School Records, Ghataka Padliya
Village Report 2009
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Kesarpura has only a co-educational Primary School.
Primary School details
Number of students 62
Boys 35
Girls 27
Number of teachers 2
Teachers to Pupil ratio 1:30
Total number of teaching days/year 210
Effective number of teaching
days/year
150
Teacher training days/year 20
Vacations (days/year) 30
Source: Primary School Records, Kesarpura
Teachers told us that the villagers due to one or the other reason don’t send their wards to the
school and irregularity of student is the reason they lost their appetite for teaching. Even the
govt is spending a lot of money in the name of Sarva Sikhsa Abhiyan but till now the
household don’t have the information about the importance of education. The schools have a
course for the migrant family children but we don’t find anyone in the village that have the
information about it, except the school teachers who does not belong to the village.
Educational Status of Village Ghataka Padliya:
Total
Population
Male Female
No. of literates 322 216 106
No. of illiterates 752 320 432
Village Report 2009
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Educational Status of Village Kesarpura:
Total
Population
Male Female
No. of literates 253 170 83
No. of illiterates 590 238 352
Both the Villages have access to Anganwadi having 25-30 Children each. The Anganwadi
provides the following facilities:
• Provides weekly meals to pregnant women.
• Daily meals to Undernourished Children.
• 6 Kg/ month wheat is provided to underweight young girls between 11-19 Years.
8.4.1.1. Schemes and Scholarships
There are a number of schemes and scholarships that are offered by the central and the state
governments, these include the following:
• Sarv Shiksha Abhiyaan: The school gets a grant of Rs. 16500 annually from the
central government (Ministry of HRD), which is either utilised for the purpose of
strengthening the existing school infrastructure through provision of additional class
rooms, toilets, drinking water etc. and most importantly it is made sure that every
child in the village gets access to quality elementary education.
• Jan Jyati Chatravriti: Under this scheme the central government provides scholarship
to boys and girls belonging to Scheduled Tribes.
For Boys Rs 15/ Month
For Girls Rs 20/ Month
• Aap ki beti: This scheme of State Government provides Rs 1100/month as scholarship
to those girls whose father or mother passed away.
• Mid-Day-Meal (MDM) Scheme: This program is being run by the central
government all over the country for the students of primary schools. This scheme was
started to keep a check on the cases of malnutrition or under-nutrition in kids. It has
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22
been running successfully in all the schools since 1995. A contractor from the village
has been selected by the government for providing the required food to the children
on daily basis.
8.4.1. Health
The health facilities available in Village Ghataka Padliya are:
• There is no private and govt. hospital facility available in the villages.
• PHC is 3 Kms away with sub-center at the village itself. It was established in
February 1992. The staff nurse here is Ms. Geeta Pattidar. The catchment area of the
sub-centre is 300 sq. Km. Only 44% people have visited to the PHC. In rainy season
when there is problem of seasonal diseases; it’s very difficult for the patient because
of poor road and lean period in employment to avail the timely facilities.
The Health facilities in Village Kesarpura are:
• PHC is 6 Kms away. There is no sub-centre in the Village.
• In the village some diseases like diarrhoea, cough, general fever; they use their
traditional method for treatment. For the example in the diarrhoea they give lemon
juice and curd for treatment.
Government Hospital is at Dungarpur town which is 16 Kms from Ghataka Padliya and 43
Kms from Kesarpura. The people in Villages are aware of government scheme Janani
Suraksha Yojana in which government provides rupees 1700 to rural maternity if delivery is
done in government hospital, it will bring reduction in child and maternal mortality rate.
8.4.2. Sanitation
Latrine facilities are very poor in the village. People use open space for it. There are only few
private lavatories in the whole village, but they also not in use. When we ask the reason
behind it most of them told that they like open space for latrine, because they are habitual of
it. Women are aware of sanitation benefits they use to keep clean their household and nearby
area regularly, on special occasions they also wash their households.
8.4.3. Drinking Water
The source of drinking water is through Hand pumps only. There are 15 hand pumps in
Village Ghataka Padliya and 9 in Kesarpura. The quality of water is average with excess of
fluoride content. Fluoride content is responsible for yellow stains on teethes.
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9. Local Economy
9.1. Income Sources and Livelihoods
9.1.1. Agriculture
Villagers grow crops in Kharif and Rabi season only. The kharif crops are grown in the rainy
season, in the months of June to November whereas the Rabi crops are grown in the winter,
October to April. In both the season their farming depends on the monsoon, if the monsoon is
favourable and there is no natural calamities it turn in to good yield, if it is adverse they
suffer a huge loss. Kharif crops are totally rainfed while Rabi crops are somewhat irrigated.
In summers temperature exceeds up to 45 degree Celsius on the other hand in winters it goes
down up to 4 degree Celsius. But matter of the concern is the intensity of rainfall which is
decreasing gradually by the influence of deforestation, resultant annual rain fall of this area is
limiting up to 710 mm. The following graphs give a snapshot of the distribution of land under
major crops grown in this area.
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24
Crop Sector Features in District Dungarpur:
1. Crop production is dominated by Cereals (maize & wheat), Pulses (black gram &
chickpea) and Oilseeds (soyabean & groundnut) in the southern tribal belt.
2. Food grains account for 92.7 per cent gross-cropped area in Dungarpur indicating that
food for human population and fodder for livestock population are the main
consideration of the cropping pattern.
3. Share of kharif cropped area to gross cropped area is 79.2 per cent in Dungarpur
indicating that the tribal belt is a kharif dominating rainfed area.
4. Kharif crops are grown under rainfed condition and share of irrigated area in kharif is
very low in the tribal belt.
5. By and large, the tribal belt is deficient for pulses, oilseeds, vegetables and fruits.
6. The yield level of crops is poor in tribal belt as compared to other area.
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7. The chance of substitution of area of food crops by non-food crops is very low in the
tribal belt in view of the concern for food security of people and fodder security of
animals.
Against 66 per cent of work-force depending on agriculture at state level and 75.2 per cent at
district level, the dependence of work-force on agriculture, as cultivators or agricultural
labourers, in the Village Ghataka Padliya and Kesarpura is relatively high. With limited land
resources, too much dependence of work-force on agriculture makes the return to labour,
non-remunerative.
Due to less rainfall for the 3 consecutive years, the present season is dry and there is shortage
of water in the villages even for drinking. Half of the wells and ponds were dry.
9.1.2. Livestock
The tribal belt is basically a cattle dominant area with non-descript cattle specially to meet
the animal power requirement for farm operations. It is a goat belt also due to grazing
potential and low capital requirement. Poultry enterprises are also common.
The Village Ghataka Padliya has:
Livestock Number
Cow 150
Buffalo 200
Bullocks 150
Sheep 100
Goat 300
Camel 0
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The Village Kesarpura has:
Livestock Number
Cow 59
Buffalo 51
Bullocks 200
Sheep 50
Goat 150
Camel 0
Coverage of pasture and grazing land is more in the tribal dominated villages, which prompts
the scope for developing animal husbandry as a potential source of income and employment
in the tribal area.
9.1.3. Migration
It is found that about 50 percent of the households send at least one of their family members
to earn to some cities/towns (Household Survey of 286 Households in both the villages).
Remittances from out-migrating persons provide vital economic support for up keeping the
families and meeting various socio-economic needs given underdevelopment of agriculture in
the district and lack of alternative income opportunities. It is found that about 50 percent of
the total out-migrating persons stay less than 90 days at their respective out-migrating places.
Literacy and business status of family and distance of village from district headquarter are
positively affecting the outmigration, while service status of family and intervening income
opportunities are negatively influencing the volume of out-migration.
Out of the total 286 surveyed households in both the villages collectively, 50.3 percent of the
households send at least one of their family members outside to earn: 30.1 percent of the
households send one member, 15.4 percent send two members and 4.9 percent of the
households send 3 members for earning. Out of the 144 households, which send at least one
Village Report 2009
27
of their family members for earning in some cities / towns, 32.6 percent get yearly remittance
below Rs.5,000, 17.4 percent get remittances between Rs.5,000 and Rs.10,000, 11.8 percent
get between Rs,10,000 and Rs.15,000, 6.3 percent get between Rs.15,000 and Rs.20,000, 8.3
percent get between Rs.20,000 and Rs.25,000, 13.9 percent get between Rs.25,000 and
Rs.40,000, and the rest get between Rs.40,000 and Rs.60,000. Thus, the remittances provide a
vital economic support to people in this economically underdeveloped district.
There is a seasonality of migration in the district. Migrants generally return to their respective
families during rainy season or during kharif season. However, during rabi season they
generally stay at their migratory places, for lack of rain and irrigational underdevelopment
there is hardly sufficient agricultural activity to provide employment in this season. Holi and
Diwali are two other occasions when most of the out-migrants return to their respective
families. From the surveyed data it is found that out of the total 216 out-migrating persons
from 144 families 50 percent stayed at their migrating place less than 90 days, 25 percent
stayed between 90 to 180 days, and rest of the persons stayed between 180 to 300 days.
Examining places of out-migration, we find that Ahmadabad is the most preferred place
followed by Mumbai. Out of the total 216 out-migrating persons, 41.5 percent go to
Ahmadabad, and 34.0 percent go to Mumbai. Dungarpur town attracts 15.0 percent of the
total out-migrants.
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9.1.4. NREGS
The tribal-dominated Dungarpur district of Rajasthan has bagged the prize instituted by the
Union Ministry of Rural Development for outstanding performance in implementation of the
National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS). External Affairs Minister Pranab
Mukherjee gave away the prize to the three districts at a function in New Delhi marking the
completion of three years of the Centre’s flagship scheme on Monday. United Progressive
Alliance chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Union Rural Development Minister Raghuvansh
Prasad Singh were among those present. Dungarpur Collector Arushi A. Malik and previous
Collector Neeraj K. Pawan, received the certificates of merit from Mr. Mukherjee. Dungarpur
district achieved the first position in the online muster roll feeding scheme and got the highest
average score in providing 100 days’ employment to NREGS.
About 50 per cent of all the families in the Village Ghataka Padliya and Kesarpura now have
at least one member employed under the scheme, at least 25 per cent have two. 80 per cent of
the sign-ups were women. The average wage earned by the NREGS labourers in Village
Ghataka and Kesarpura is Rs 65/day for 100 days.
Lighting up their lives: A CASE
Hardship is a habit for Dungarpur’s tribals. But work in their own villages is scripting a new
story
EIGHT months after the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme took off in
Dungarpur; it brought unforeseen rewards into the poorest tribal homes of the district: Sweets
during Diwali. Some families bought new clothes, others actually had money spare for diyas.
A little over 40, Devilal Hujaji Rout saw a dream come true when he plastered the walls of
his mud hut with cement. “I worked as a mason under the NREGS for more than 70 days and
earned an extra Rs 5, 000,” says the skilled worker. “That’s how I managed to fulfill this
long-cherished ambition of mine. We celebrated Diwali like never before.”
Before NREGS came to the district, says Devilal, local tribals had no option but to move to
Gujarat or Madhya Pradesh in search of work. “There was no work here, except for some
Village Report 2009
29
seasonal farming. But running two establishments—one in Gujarat and one here—was
expensive and ate into whatever we earned,” he says.
Poor and uneducated, the most the tribals could hope for work as unskilled labour.
Construction work was hard, but usually earned just about enough to meet daily expenses.
And for those who could not migrate, the sole annual source of sustenance was the earnings
from seasonal farming, which was never much.
For the first time in living memory, the festival of lights saw actual celebration in this
impoverished district.
9.1.5. Shops
The Village Ghataka Padliya has two retail shops and two general stores. On the other hand,
Village Kesarpura has five general stores and one Public Distribution Shop. All the Shops are
run by local people. The Public Distribution centre sells all items including rice, wheat,
kerosene, oil, sugar and other ration items at subsidized rates. It is a common shop for three
villages. They had divided the families in to two broad categories, APL and BPL. The centre
gets all the items from Dungarpur godown.
9.2. Services
Number of Government employees is very few. And a handful of people are working in
private sector.
Status of Village Kesarpura:
• 1 School teacher
• 1 Retired employee from Irrigation department.
• 3 Employees serving in Irrigation department.
Status of Village Ghataka Padliya:
• 3 School Teachers
• 1 Sub-Inspector in Rajasthan Police
• 2 line man in Bijli Board
School and Anganwadi also provide employment to atleast 6 and 4 persons in Village
Ghataka Padliya and Kesarpura respectively.
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9.3. Market Linkage
• The nearest market is at 16 km and 43 Km away from Village Ghataka Padliya and
Kesarpura in Dungarpur.
• Generally, 90% of the farmers do not sell their output (the produce is only enough to
sustain their own needs for half a year)
• The price of the output is decided on the basis of quality of the output.
• Rest 10% of thefarmers bear the transportation cost themselves and take their output
to Dungarpur.
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10. Consumption
10.1. Food Security and coping strategies
Sustainable food security is defined as ‘physical, economic, social and ecological access to
balanced diets and safe drinking water, so as to enable every individual to lead a productive
and healthy life in perpetuity. The smaller the farm, the greater is the need for marketable
surplus to ensure cash income. For many indigenous farmers, reducing risk from droughts is
more important than maximizing production. Work is not just about earning a wage. It brings
with it a way of living, a sense of security and dignity. To local people, knowledge is of
importance only if it is necessary for their survival and for coping with daily problems.
Adaptation strategies based on indigenous knowledge are largely concerned with natural
systems including agriculture, forestry, water resources etc. Food security is generally
understood to mean availability of eatable food at affordable and reasonable prices. Food
availability is affected by various natural and artificial factors such as failure of monsoon,
non availability of water for cultivation and other conditions including drought and other
natural disasters. On the other hand taking advantage of the low production the traders tend to
create artificial scarcity and hike prices of concerned food items. These sorts of situation with
lack of employment create difficulties for the people particularly belonging to socio-
economically weaker sections to manage their day to day feeding requirements. Therefore, to
avoid such adverse situations it is necessary to have a system where food could be procured
easily and at reasonable cost by the people specially belonging to poor sections of the society.
Food security thus becomes a priority area not only for the Government but for the
community at large. Along with ensuring availability of food it is necessary to see that
nutritional requirements of different age groups are also met.The local panchayati raj
institutions or other forms of local bodies should be fully involved both in identifying
constraints that limit production and in removing them.
Coping strategies are the specific efforts, both behavioural and psychological, that people
employ to master to minimize stressful events. The farmers have evolved and put into
practice anticipatory as well as response strategies to live with natural hazards over centuries.
There have been a number of development interventions that have contributed, both
positively and negatively, in enhancing or weakening the coping strategies of farmers against
natural hazard-induced disturbances.
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We have tried to classify the risks faced by the farmers into production, marketing, legal,
social and human aspects.
• Production risk is the random environmental variability associated with the farming
process and includes the variability in yield and quality due to weather, soils, diseases
and pests.
• Market risk is due to the uncertainty of prices in buying inputs, selling crops or
livestock, and the accessibility of inputs.
• Legal and social risks are due to the uncertainty of governmental policies influencing
production practices, such as ownership of land and other production factors, changes
in price and income supports, tax, credit and environmental policies of the
government. Since almost all the farmers in this village require credit to carry out
their agricultural operations, any change in the interest rate of loans would affect the
farmers.
• The human sources of risk are those due to poverty (social class), labour, education,
health and input management factors present in agricultural production.
10.2. Housing
Most of the houses in the village are thatched made up of sand, clay and stones. The pakka
houses in the Village Ghataka Padliya and Kesarpura are 11 and 1 respectively. The size of
the houses also depends upon the economic and social status of the people. The Tribals
ordinarily have thatched houses only. The villages are spread over the distance of 5 to 8 kms,
Tribals love to live in huts either set up on a hillocks, overlooking their fields or where
hunting and fishing is possible. Formerly their indulgence in anti-social activities like
committing thefts, lifting animals and molesting women, motivated them to live in isolated
houses. A Tribal living in a hilly country is called Palwi Bhil. The Tribal houses have low
roofs, hardly six feet high, mostly thatched, or, in some cases, tiled, supported by four mud
walls with no windows' holes or apertures for light and air. They are walled with bamboo
matting. On an average, such a house measures about 19'x 8'.
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10.3. Credit
Poor people need and use financial services all the time like everyone else. The financial
services available to the poor, however, often have serious limitations in terms of cost,
security, and convenience. The poor rarely access services through the formal financial
sector. They address their need for financial services through a variety of financial
relationships, mostly informal. Credit is available from money-lenders but usually at a very
high rate of interest. SHG (Self Help Group) approach is becoming very popular these days
as it serves dual purpose of Women empowerment and providing financial services. The
access to credit is mainly through the membership of SHG Program run by SEWA in Village
Ghataka Padliya whereas in Kesarpura the SHG formed was only few days old (recently
formed as a part of our Rural Action Component). We can say that most of the
moneylender’s chunk has been replaced by SHG loans as deducted from FGDs. This can be
considered as the biggest impact of the program as women have developed their own source
of easy credit. All the SHG members have a bank A/c on their name and they have deposited
money continuously into this account in the past one year as savings. They themselves
manage the A/c i.e. deposit or withdraw money.
The average loan taken from SHG is increasing gradually with every loan. This shows that
credit absorption capacity of members is increasing. Many people are taking loans for
agriculture and daily needs. This can be seen as a prudent investment, which may lead to
good returns after some time. People are also taking loans for rearing cattle, health needs and
Social events very frequently. Almost all the women are using the loan for the same purpose
for which it has been taken except for some cases. The amount of loan sanctioned by the bank
is primarily based on first grading which is done one year after the SHG’s is formed. The
amount of loan sanctioned is directly proportional to the no. of grading done. There is also
provision of inter-loaning within the SHG’s.
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11. Political and Governance Systems
Gram Panchayat is the primary unit of Panchayati Raj Institutions. Each Gram Panchayat
comprising some villages. The election of Sarpanch, Upa-Sarpanch & members are
conducted according to the provisions of the Rajasthan Panchayat Election Rules. Sarpanch
as the head of the GP is elected by the G.P. members.
The Gram Sabha is the most powerful foundation of decentralized governance by ensuring
elected representatives are directly and regularly accountable to the people. The aim of the
government has been to strengthen the Gram Sabha by introducing favourable policy
changes. However, the Gram Sabhas are yet to become operational entities and to do justice
to their potential for making the Panchayat system truly self-governed and a bottom-up
structure.
Some of the key features in relation to Gram Sabhas are as follows:
• The quorum for a Gram Sabha meeting remains one tenth & it is essential to have
one-third of the quorum as women members.
• The Gram Sabha will work as a supervisory body and audit and regulate the
functioning of Gram Panchayats.
• Recommendations of the Gram Sabha will be binding on the Gram Panchayat.
• The Gram Sabha can approve as well as audit expenditure up to three lakhs.
• The Panchayat Karmi (Panchayat Secretary appointed by the Panchayats but drawing
salary from the state government) can be removed from his/her post only if the Gram
Sabha approves it.
• All the villages within a Gram Panchayat can have separate Gram Sabhas.
• The Gram Sabha will have the right to recall the Sarpanch after two and a half years
of commencement of his/her tenure.
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The key roles entrusted to the Gram Sabha are microplanning, social audit of Panchayat
functioning, ratification of Panchayat accounts, balance sheets, identification and approval of
beneficiaries, and supervisory and regulatory functions.
The following indicators were chosen for assessing the prevailing situation in the field:
• Participation and level of awareness of the Gram Sabha.
• Issues of discussion and the process of decision-making.
• Pattern of leadership.
• Capacity of Gram Sabhas.
• Transparency and accountability of the three tiers (GP, PS & ZP) to the Gram
Sabha.
Fig. 11.1. Governance System
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12. Local Community based Organizations (CBO’s)
All such organization, institutions or congregation of people, which have local area/ village-
based presence, maturity and structural arrangements. These are owned and managed by
members. They are formal, legal entity or informal registered organizations maintaining
separate books of accounts, systems & ways of working. They have group identity-
membership. They should not be affiliated to any religious, political or separatist’s parties/
groups.
Why CBO’s?
• Provides more grassroots democratic experiences, although the Panchayats-
(represents people’s democratically elected bodies).
• Alternate mechanism to registered bodies/ institutions, more sustainable and internal
way of managing.
• Promotes management and operating systems locally-- through communities.
• Builds local awareness, capacities, ownerships and benefits. People allocate resources
to capability. Finally they feel recognized and take pride.
• Avoids conflicts, by people’s localized resource allocation and use.
• Enhances capacities to plan, develop and manage resources effectively and overcomes
“time-lags” as people are central at all levels and the decisions are taken by them.
• Wide variations in research can be carried out and workload can be efficiently
managed, results shared and uptake is enhanced
• Avoids misuse and better regulation of resources, maintain transparency and
accountability. Effective use of resources finally leading to good governance.
• Reduced mismatch between the real needs and the gapss between people and
institutions, leading to quick decisions.
• Greater insights and experience in the local ecological, environmental knowledge.
This wisdom needs to be exploited
• Challenges the local power structures/political systems for more responsive way of
working.
• Priorities people’s sensitivities in terms of poverty-focus, equity, gender relations.
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The Villages Ghataka Padliya and Kesarpura have no other CBO’s except SEWA. Two
SHG’s are working in Ghataka Padliya whereas in Kesarpura the SHG formed was only few
days old (recently formed as a part of our Rural Action Component). In Ghataka Padliya the
two groups include 28 women which were saving Rs 50/month. Each group has a leader
(Agewan). The eligibility criteria for being an Agewan is that-
• The women member must be greater than or equal to 21 years of age.
• The women member must be able to do signature.
• The women member must be active and holds the capability to motivate others.
Following are the main objectives of the SHG’s:
• To provide loan to its member when they need the most.
• To increase a spirit of self reliance among women.
• To reduce dependency of women on their men for financial support.
• To increase awareness about saving habits in women.
• To bring women in the decision making process of all village activities.
Rs.5 is taken as entry fee for joining this group after this all members have to pay Rs 50 as
monthly saving deposit.
One more Organization People's Education and Development Organization also known as
Jan Shiksha Evam Vikas Sangathan came into existence in 1980 in the Bichchiwada block of
Dungarpur District with the objective of working with the poor and socially deprived,
especially the women of the area. Its mission is to promote value based people's institution to
utilize the existing resources for poverty alleviation and environmental degradation. There is
no intervention of PEDO in our treatment villages.
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13. Relationship with other communities and wider societies
The breaking down of caste barriers is not yet a noticeable phenomenon in the area. Tribes
are very lenient towards marriage and most of the marriages are love marriages. Polygamy is
the common practices among bhils and grasiyas. Dapa is the tradition of marriage practiced
in both the tribes in which in-laws of girl gives money to the in-laws of boy. There are many
types of marriage practised in the bhils community. The bhils who cannot afford to give
money, forcefully kidnap the girl and make marriage with her with all the traditions and
customs of the society and the parents of the girls are informed. Death funeral is done
according to hindu traditions. Only males take part in the funeral. The ashes of the dead body
are thrown in the river. The shock of the condolence is continued till the first festival arrives.
In this period of condolence the male wears white safa. The end of the condolence is done by
the son-in-law or the brother-in-law. On this occasion males drink liquor and talks about the
dead person.
Baneshwar fair: This is a religious festival with simple and traditional rituals. On this
occasion, tribes from the neighbouring states of Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Rajasthan join
together to offer prayers to lord Shiva. The baneshwar fair is predominantly a tribal fair with
more than half of congregation consisting of bhils. The bhils attending Baneshwar fair sing
traditional folk songs in high pitched voices sitting around a bonfire every night. Groups of
villagers are also invited to participate in the programme. The fair resounds with a gaiety of
songs, folk dances, magic shows, animal shows and acrobatic feats. Adding to the excitement
are the joy rides on merry-go-rounds and swings.
Relations among all the communities are friendly. The communities are using the available
resources in better and efficient manner without discrimination to a particular community.
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Indicators of Village DevelopmentTechnology Capital
Diesel pumpTelephoneHYV’sFertilizersTractorsHarvesters
Long term (Land, equipment, Machinery, Basic Infrastructure)Operating (Fuel, Fertilizer, Seeds, Other raw materials)Public (Road, School, Hand pumps, Wells, Forests, Pasture land)Private (Seed, Fuel, Fertilizer, Cultivable land, House, Livestock)
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Based on the various village level indicators of development we have tried to develop a
village level plan. When we started thinking on it we arrived at a conclusion that until and
unless we brace ourselves with the ground level realities it is not possible to come with a
concrete village development plan.
General Welfare
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First we tried to identify the vulnerabilities of the villagers. The threat of crop failure due to
adverse climatic condition and pest attack, health issues, burden of interest payments and no
constant and reliable source of income were some of the most prominent vulnerabilities of the
people. Coming down to their securities their savings in the SHG’s, the co-operation among
the villagers, their insurances are their most important securities.
In the table below, we have put forward the present and aspired states of the people in our
treatment Villages:
Present state Aspired State
• Low income • Higher income
• Disruption in family life due to migration
• Food security throughout the year
• No high school • High school in the village
• No primary health centre • PHC in the village
• No permanent source of income • Better and certified inputs to reduce vulnerabilities at the hands of nature
• Inadequate supply of agricultural inputs
• Regular supply of irrigation
If keeping these things in mind, strategies are made the villages will for sure traverse the path
of success.
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15. Conclusion
The village stay definitely has been an experience of lifetime. Probably, an opportunity that
may never return. Simply put, it has been an eye-opener of sorts. Exposing us to the harsh
rural realities, it has inculcated in us a deep sense of respect for the villagers. We strived hard
to be able to do justice to our understanding of the multi-dimensional folds of the village,
form understanding farming practices to the present political scenario; from the stated ground
provisions to actual quality of life; from people’s aspirations to their issues of concern, we
attempt to encompass this entire gamut into one of the most enriching learning’s of our lives.
We believe that the field work segment has paved a way towards greater sensitivity in each of
us and this should only contribute to preparing us for the challenges ahead as rural managers
and making us better human beings.
Annexure 2
HOUSEHOLD SCHEDULE
FOR A SURVEY OF THE
SELF EMPLOYED WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION
PILOT IN DUNGARPUR DISTRICT,
RAJASTHAN, INDIA.
JANUARY 2009
STUDENTS MRM (2008-10)
SCHOOL OF RURAL MANAGEMENT KIIT UNIVERSITY, BHUBANESWAR
ORISSA, INDIA.
District: Tehsil/Block: City/Town/Village: Date of Interview: Interviewer: Time Interview begins: My name is …………………… and I am working with SEWA. We are conducting a survey about women’s employment and household decision making. We would very much appreciate your participation in the survey. I would like to ask you some questions about your household, your employment status, and how you make decisions in your home. This information will help plan future services for women. Participation in this survey is voluntary. If you decide to participate, you may stop answering questions at any time. Whatever information you provide will be kept confidential. We hope that you will participate in the survey since your views are important. Do you want to ask me anything about the survey before we begin?
1. Household Composition
Name What are the names of the people who live in your house, beginning with yourself?
.Head of Household
Is this person the head of the household?
1: Yes 2: No
(choose only one member as head of household)
Relationship How is the person related to the respondent? 1: Spouse 2: Sibling 3: Parent 4: In-law 5: Child 6: Other
Sex 1: F 2: M
Age How old is this person in years?
Education How much education have they completed? 1: None 2: Some Primary 3: Primary 4: Some secondary 5: Secondary 6: Other
Marital Status 1: Married 2: Unmarried 3: Widowed 4: Divorced
Current Employment Status 1: Self-employed 2: Employed by someone else 3: Unemployed
Was member a migrant worker or absent from household for more than 3 months in the last year? 1: Yes 2: No
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
2. What is the highest level of school completed by the following individuals? 2.1. Your father?
• None • Some Primary • Primary • Some Secondary • Secondary • Other (specify...............)
2.2. Your mother?
• None • Some Primary • Primary • Some Secondary • Secondary • Other (specify...............)
3. In general, how would you describe the present living condition of your village?
• Very bad • Fairly bad • Neither good nor bad • Fairly good • Very good
4. In general, how would you describe your own present living conditions?
• Very bad • Fairly bad
• Neither good nor bad • Fairly good • Very good • 5. Looking back how you would rate the following compared to 12 months ago:
5.1. Your village’s living conditions?
• Much worse • Worse • Same • Better • Much better
5.2. Your own living conditions?
• Much worse • Worse • Same • Better • Much better
5.3. Today, what are the two most important issues facing your village? (Rank 1st, 2nd)
• Lack of drinking water • Lack of sewage and sanitation • Poor conditions of roads and transportation • Lack of electricity • Lack of maintenance of school and education • Limited access to health care • Few opportunities for work and employment
6. Over the past month, how often, if ever, has you or your household members gone without: 6.1. Clean water
• Never • Just once or twice • Several times • Many times • Always
6.2. Electricity
• Never • Just once or twice • Several times • Many times • Always
7. Do you feel that you know what authority to go to when you experience the following problems? 7.1. Problems with clean water/ sewage
• Yes • No
7.2. Poor quality of roads
• Yes • No
7.3. Lack of electricity
• Yes • No
7.4. Limited access to healthcare
• Yes • No
8. In the last seven days did you or anyone else in your household go to sleep hungry because there was not enough food?
• Yes • No
9. Respondent’s employment in past 12 months (general questions)
Over the past 12 months, what work did you do? Codes: 1: Own-farm activities 2: Non-farm self-employment (collection, foraging etc) 3: Casual labor (farm and non-farm) 4: long-term agricultural employment
During which months did you do this activity? How many days in each of these months did you do this activity? (begin with month 11 months before survey date)
How many hours per day did you do this activity?
Where did you do this work? 1:At home 2: Own Village 3: Another Village 4: Urban Area
# Description Code J F M A M J J A S O N D 1. 2. 3.
4.
5.
10. Source of Income
Copy from general section all activities
Was this work done as part of the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme? 1: Yes 2: No
How were you compensated for this activity? 1: Piece rate (including money from sale of goods) 2: Daily wage 3: Salary 4: In kind 98: Was not compensated 99: Other
How much were you paid in cash per day for this work? If piece rate, estimate cash earned per day. If salary estimate cash earned per day
What did you get In-kind per day? Codes: 1: Paddy 2: Wheat 3: Barley 4: Maize 5: Gram 6: Other Leave blank if no In-kind payment was received
Were you provided with any of these by your employer while doing this work? A: Meals B: Snacks C: Childcare 1: Yes 2: No
# Description Rupees Code Quantity Unit A B C 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
11. Do you yourself own land?
• Yes • Do not own land, Go to 14
12. What best describes your ownership of your land?
• I own it independently • I share ownership with my spouse • I share ownership with another household member • I share ownership with another person outside the household
13. Do you use your land for agricultural activities?
• Yes • No, Go to 24
14. If you use more land than you own for your own agricultural activities, how do you get this extra land?
• Land rented • Land mortgaged • Land received from employer • Does not use more land than what is owned
15. How much of the land that you farm is irrigated, as opposed to rain-fed?
• Less than one-quarter • Less than one-half • More than one-half • No land is irrigated
16. What is the way you irrigate your land?
• Tube well
• Canal • Pond/Tank • Another natural source • Mixed methods
17. What example do you think better describes your access to water for farming:
• My access to water is bad. It is always time consuming, expensive or inconsistent. • My access to water is adequate. It is sometimes difficult to obtain and unavailable. • My access to water is good. It is easy to obtain and reliable.
18. Have you ever paid a side payment or bribe to gain access to water for farming?
• Yes • No
19. Do you own a pump for irrigation?
• Yes • No
20. How is your land compared to other land in your village for agriculture?
• Better than average • Average • Worse than average
21. In the last 2 years have you ever rented out your land?
• Yes • No
22. Use of seed and fertilizer
Have you used the following in the past 12 months? 1: Yes 2: No
How much have you used in the past 12 months?
How much did you for this amount?
Quantity Unit Rupees Seed KG Urea KG DAP KG Phosphate KG Complex or other fertilizer KG
IF NO TO ALL, GO TO 23
23. Farming equipment Do you own
any of the following items? 1: Yes 2: No
How many do you own?
How much would it be to buy one of these?
Do you ever borrow this item from another person? 1: Yes 2: No
What is the fee associated with borrowing this item? If no fee, enter 0.
Quantity Rupees Rupees Borrow period Tractor Plowing implements
Cart Thresher Trolley Fodder cutter
Other (specify)
24. Whose decision was it for you to work to earn income?
• Respondent’s decision • Respondent’s husband/partner • Respondent and husband/partner • Someone else (specify……………) • Do not work, GO TO 26
25. What do you do with the money you earn? • Respondent gives all of it to husband/partner/other household members • Respondent gives some to husband/other member • Respondent keeps it all
26. If you are/were not working, why are you not working?
• Husband/partner/in-laws will not allow • Society doesn’t like it • Do not want to • Do not need to • Unable to work due to illness • Unable to work due to impairment or disability • Unable to find work • Other (specify……………) • Does not apply (working)
27. I would like to ask a few questions about how you manage your household items and finances. Who in your household decides whether to buy the following items? 27.1. Vegetables or fruits?
• You alone • You with someone else • Someone else alone • Do not buy this item
27.2. Clothes for yourself?
• You alone • You with someone else
• Someone else alone • Do not buy this item
27.3. Medicines for yourself?
• You alone • You with someone else • Someone else alone • Do not buy this item
27.4. Cosmetics such as soap, toothpaste, shampoo or perfume for yourself?
• You alone • You with someone else • Someone else alone • Do not buy this item
28. Please tell me if you alone, or jointly with your husband or someone else, own any of the following: 28.1. Any house or dwelling
• Does not own • Owns jointly • Owns alone
28.2. Jewelry or gems
• Does not own • Owns jointly • Owns alone
28.3. Livestock • Does not own • Owns jointly • Owns alone
29. Do you have a bank account or an account in other savings institution in your own name or jointly with someone else?
• Yes own name • Yes jointly • No, GO TO 33
30. Have you deposited money into this account in the past six months?
• Yes • No, GO TO 33
31. How much money did you deposit in this account in the past six months? Amount (Rs.) …………… 32. Do you yourself manage the account, that is, sign checks or deposit or withdraw money, on your own or jointly with someone else?
• Yes, on your own • Yes, jointly with someone else • Someone else manages account
33. Have you ever been asked by any of the following individuals for side payments or bribes: 33.1. The police
• Yes • No
33.2. A local government official
• Yes • No
33.3. A Rajasthan state government official • Yes • No
33.4. A federal government official
• Yes • No
33.5. A business person or other private individual
• Yes • No
34. Do you know of any programs in this area that give loans to women so that they can start or expand business of their own?
• Yes • No
35. Have you yourself ever taken out a loan either in cash or in kind?
• Yes • No, GO TO 38
36. Who provided you with this loan?
• Local money lenders • Banks • Relatives/friends
• Special organization/NGO 37. What was the amount of the loan and what was the interest charged? Amount (Rs.)……………
Interest rate (annual %)…………… GO TO 39 38. Why did you choose not to take a loan?
• Do not know whom to ask • Too expensive • Asked but was unable to obtain one • Do not need one
39. Are you usually permitted to go to the following places on your own, only if someone accompanies you, or not at all? 39.1. The local market to buy things?
• Alone • Not alone but accompanied by someone else • Never
39.2. To a local health center or doctor?
• Alone • Not alone but accompanied by someone else • Never
39.3. To homes of friends in the neighborhood?
• Alone
• Not alone but accompanied by someone else • Never
39.4. To a nearby shrine/mosque/temple/church?
• Alone • Not alone but accompanied by someone else • Never
40. Have you done any of the following in the last 12 months? 40.1. Seen a medical professional yourself?
• Yes • No
40.2. Taken your children to a medical professional?
• Yes • No
41. I would like your opinion on some aspects of family life. Please tell me if you agree or disagree with the following statements: 41.1. The important decisions in the family should be made only by men in the family
• Agree • Disagree • DK/Depends
41.2. If the wife is working outside the home, then the husband should help her with household chores
• Agree
• Disagree • DK/Depends
41.3. A married women should be allowed to work outside the home if she wishes
• Agree • Disagree • DK/Depends
41.4. The wife has a right to express her opinion even when she disagrees with what her husband is saying
• Agree • Disagree • DK/Depends
41.5. A wife should tolerate being beaten by her husband in order to keep the family together
• Agree • Disagree • DK/Depends
41.6. It is better to send a son to school that it is to send a daughter
• Agree • Disagree • DK/Depends
42. Who in your family has the final say on the following decisions? 42.1. Who takes decision about children’s schooling?
• Respondent • Husband/partner
• Respondent and husband/partner jointly • Respondent and someone else jointly • Decision not made/not applicable
42.2. What to do if a child falls sick?
• Respondent • Husband/partner • Respondent and husband/partner jointly • Respondent and someone else jointly • Decision not made/not applicable
42.3. How children should be disciplined?
• Respondent • Husband/partner • Respondent and husband/partner jointly • Respondent and someone else jointly • Decision not made/not applicable
42.4. Whether to have another child?
• Respondent • Husband/partner • Respondent and husband/partner jointly • Respondent and someone else jointly • Decision not made/not applicable
42.5. Whether or not to use contraception to avoid having children?
• Respondent • Husband/partner
• Respondent and husband/partner jointly • Respondent and someone else jointly • Decision not made/not applicable
43. Who takes care of your children?
• Respondent • Respondent has access to childcare • Respondent’s relatives/friends • Other • Respondent has no children, GO TO 52
44. Do you know where the local Anganwadi is?
• Yes • No, GO TO 47
45. Do your children attend the local anganwadi?
• Yes • No, GO TO 47
46. What kind of Anganwadi services does you and your children use (select all that apply)?
• Non-formal school education • Supplementary nutrition • Immunization • Health check-up • Referral services • Nutrition and health education
47. How many of your children under the age of 15 do not attend school?
Record number of total children: Record number of children not in school: If number of children who do not attend school = 0, GO TO 49 48. What are top three reasons they do not attend school?
• Is/was too young • Disabled/illness • School is too far • Cannot afford schooling • Family doesn’t allow schooling • Poor in studies/not interested in school • School not considered valuable • School not safe • To work for pay or family business or farm • Help at home with household chores
49. Have you heard of the Gram Panchayat?
• Yes • No, GO TO 52
50. Do you know the names of any members of the current Gram Panchayat?
• Yes • No
51. Have you ever conducted any business with or made any requests to the Gram Panchayat?
• Yes • No
52. Have you heard of Gram Sabha?
• Yes • No, GO TO 58
53. Have you ever attended a Gram Sabha?
• Once or twice • Several times • Many times • Never, GO TO 58
54. Have you attended a Gram Sabha in the past 12 months?
• Yes • No
55. How many days/weeks in advance you know about the Gram Sabha?
• Less than a week • One or two weeks • More than two weeks
56. Do you typically know what would be discussed in advance of the Gram Sabha?
• Always • Sometimes • Rarely • Never
57. Of the following statements, which one best characterizes, your participation at the Gram Sabha:
• I do not understand what is being discussed at the Gram Sabha
• I listen, but do not want to raise questions or voice my own opinion • I listen and want to raise questions or voice my own opinion, but do not feel comfortable doing this • I raise questions and voice my own opinion, but do not feel that other participants listen to me • My questions and opinions are well received
58. Please describe your participation in the following types of elections: 58.1. Local election
• You always vote • You sometimes votes • You never vote • You are too young to vote
58.2. Rajasthan state election
• You always vote • You sometimes votes • You never vote • You are too young to vote
58.3. National election
• You always vote • You sometimes votes • You never vote • You are too young to vote
59. Are you a member of SEWA?
• Yes • No, GO TO 64
60. When did you join SEWA? • 0-4 months ago • 5-8 months ago • 9-12 months ago • More than 1 year ago
61. In what SEWA activities do you participate? (Select all that apply)
• Participated in SEWA survey • General meeting • Have joined a Self-help Group (SHG) • Have opened a bank account • Child care activity • Health education • Health services • Water related activity • No activities, GO TO 65
62. How often do you participate in SEWA related activities?
• More than once a week • Once a week • Once every two weeks • Once a month • Less than once a month
63. Do you hold any leadership (Agewan) position in a SEWA group?
• Yes • No
GO TO 65 64. Why are you not a member of SEWA?
• Didn’t know about it • Didn’t think it would help • Could not afford membership fee • Was not allowed to join by household members • Was encouraged not to join by SEWA • Other (specify……………)
65. Are you a member of any type of association, self-help group, or club which holds regular meetings, other than SEWA?
• Yes • No, GO TO 67
66. What kind of association or group or club is it? Other village self-help group (name……………) Other local association (specify……………) 67. Have you acquired any new skills or received any education in the last year?
• Yes • No, GO TO END
68. What have you learned?
• A craft (such as sewing or knitting of fabrics or embroidery) • Agricultural technique • Managing household finance/debts • Other (specify……………)
69. Who provided you these learning’s? • SEWA • Other local association or self-help group (specify……………) • School • Family or friends • Other (specify……………)
70. Have you used these skills in some way that had earned you and your family money?
• Yes • No
END
Village Study Segment MRM (2008-10)
Village Report Theme Paper
Rural Action Component Organizational Profile NSS Activities Report
Host Organization
Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA)
Submitted by: Raman Sharma (8201025)
Vikas Rana (8201040) Vikram Singh (8201041)
Sandeep Kumar (8201075)
School of Rural Management Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) University
Bhubaneswar, Orissa, India 2009
i
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Fieldwork Segment of the MRM course at KSRM provided us with an opportunity to stay in the
villages of Dungarpur District in Rajasthan. This improved our insight into the day-to-day
activities of the village life and increased our understanding about the rural life.
The theme paper added more insights through the framework given as well as through the
various interviews that we conducted in our villages. For helping us in achieving this we wish to
express our sincere thanks to our host organizations Self Employed Women’s Association
(SEWA) headquartered at Ahmadabad (Gujarat) for facilitating our stay in the villages and for
the valuable inputs provided.
At the commencement, we wish to thank our faculty guide Prof. Achryulu (MRM coordinator)
and our Director Dr. L. K. Vaswani who provided us with valuable insights into the essence of
the study for our fieldwork and gave us some insight on the situations of rural markets. We also
thank Prof. V. Venkatakrishnan for his valuable inputs as our coordinator for VSS.
We also thank our reporting officers Ms. Varsha Bhatt and Indiraben who helped us in study by
their valuable and timely suggestion.
Wishing thanks to our parents for giving us a chance to explore ourselves is always a task, which
provides us the motivation to go on to explore ourselves.
In last we would like to thank all who helped us in achieving our goal directly or indirectly.
ii
Contents
1. _ Introduction……………………………………………………....1
2. _SHG Programmes and Business Linkage…………………………3
3. _Objective of Study………………………………………………...6
4. _Methodology…………………………………………………........8
5. _ Profile of people………………………………………..………..12
6. _ Social Impact…………………………………………….………14
7. _ Economic Impact………………………………………………. .18
8. _Attitudinal Impact………………………………………………..20
9. _Hypothesis Testing……………………………………………….21
10. _ Conclusion……………………………………………..………..23
_ Annexure
“Impact Assessment of SHG Programmes and Business Linkage of SEWA at Dungarpur District (Rajasthan). 2009
School of Rural Management, KIIT University. Page 1
1. Introduction
This section introduces the impact assessment study. It gives the background, details about the
tehsil, SHG Program implementing agency, and the Research team. This section tells about the
methodology, sample size, tools used and the research team.
1.1. Background
Poor people need and use financial services all the time like everyone else. The financial
services available to the poor, however, often have serious limitations in terms of cost, security,
and convenience. The poor rarely access services through the formal financial sector. They
address their need for financial services through a variety of financial relationships, mostly
informal. Credit is available from money-lenders but usually at a very high rate of interest. SHG
(Self Help Group) approach is becoming very popular these days as it serves dual purpose of
Women empowerment and providing financial services.
1.1.1. Dungarpur Tehsil
Located in one of India's most neglected, drought-prone tribal enclaves of the Dungarpur district,
Rajasthan. This area typifies the most difficult problems faced by a vast majority of tribal in rain
fed. This tribal pocket where the project is located is a chronically drought prone area. The area
typifies the most difficult problems faced by the dry lands of India. Dungarpur tehsil is a
drought prone area and are both socially and economically backward with tribals practicing
subsistence agriculture. The traditional economic base of a tribal household is a combination of
agriculture and wage labour. Migration is very prominent. They cultivate Jowar, Maize, Wheat
and Paddy. Their cultivation is for household purpose only because of small land holdings and
large family size. Over the years the productivity of these assets has been eroded due to land
fragmentation, continuous drought and environmental degradation and survival in a full time
occupation. Due to small and fragmented land holdings and complete dependence in rain,
agricultural produce can barely support a family for half a year. Survival is dependent on the
credit accessed from local sahaukars. Repayment is dependent on the survival of the crops and
another year of drought is enough to send them into a vicious cycle of debt. If they try to raise
their livelihood through Livestock Production, the scope is negligible viz. there is no market in
“Impact Assessment of SHG Programmes and Business Linkage of SEWA at Dungarpur District (Rajasthan). 2009
School of Rural Management, KIIT University. Page 2
and around the village for milk and milk products and if they rear sheep the wool they fetch from
them sells at only Rs 2 per Sheep in one trimming. Most of them are hence dependent on wage
labor and migrate to nearby districts and states for search of work. Seasonal migration is
common with most men going to Udaipur or Gujarat to work as agricultural or industrial
laborers. Usually children work as waiters in small hotels, canteens and dhabas. In some cases
elder girl in the house also migrate with their father. Despite being an egalitarian society, the
overall status of the tribal woman is low. Women are not entitled to inherit land from her family
but are entitled to a part of the husbands' property.
“Impact Assessment of SHG Programmes and Business Linkage of SEWA at Dungarpur District (Rajasthan). 2009
School of Rural Management, KIIT University. Page 3
2. SHG Programmes and Business Linkage
2.1. A Rural Distribution Network
Rural Distribution Network is to provide food security to SEWA’s members while
simultaneously strengthening the Village economy. Through rural distribution, the small
marginal farmers and laborers who are SEWA’s Members can sell their product and buy the
necessities in their village.
2.1.1. Operating Mechanism
At present the pilot initiative is in the Dungarpur tehsil of Dungarpur District (Rajasthan) where
SEWA has started its work in 2006. The pilot phase is estimated to cover 32 and more villages in
the district. The distribution system involves three stages-
• Procurement from rural producers through their District Association.
• Sales and Distribution
• Inventory Management and Control
A sale with Rural Distribution is a unique experience for small producers. Firstly, the
procurement team collects the product from the member’s home thus eliminating transportation
charges. Secondly, the rate given to the members is an average of rates prevailing over the past
few years. Hence, she gets a fair rate for her product. Last, but not the least, payment for the
produce is made to the member on the spot. Thus the sale is conducted in a hassle-free manner,
without any incidental expenses. Saleswomen among the members have been identified for the
purpose of sales and distribution. The women have been trained in the art of selling and
promoting their products. The various mediums used for promotion are-
• Poster displays
• Banners
• Door to door campaigns
• Participation in fairs, festivals etc in the villages
• Pamphlet distribution
• Advertisements on All India Radio.
“Impact Assessment of SHG Programmes and Business Linkage of SEWA at Dungarpur District (Rajasthan). 2009
School of Rural Management, KIIT University. Page 4
Apart from sales through selected saleswomen, it also relies on promoting its product through
corporate tie-ups, “krishi bazaars”, and exhibitions. At present the saleswomen takes the item
from distribution centre on credit, and deposit the money after the sale has been completed.
However, this encourages dependence and therefore venues like SHG’s in the villages, savings
of the saleswomen and other venues are being explored to enable the women to take a loan in her
name and directly purchase the products from the distribution centre.
The rural women manage the supervision and monitoring of movement of stock at rural level.
Product list at a glance-
• Bed Sheet
• Agarbatti
• Napkin
• Detergent Powder
• Towel
2.2. The Programme Impact Assessment
It is about two years since SEWA started its SHG Programme in Dungarpur District. They asked
us for an independent evaluation of the impact of their SHG program and business linkage with
the findings to be reported to the SEWA officials. Its main objective is to assess whether the
SHG program have had the desired impact on individuals, households and communities.
2.3. Objectives
• To examine the social and economic impact of microfinance program of SEWA on SHG
member’s household to help in designing better microfinance services and products.
• To get the present information about members need and aspirations.
• To get the information on the income of family members so that further programs
can be formulated in future.
“Impact Assessment of SHG Programmes and Business Linkage of SEWA at Dungarpur District (Rajasthan). 2009
School of Rural Management, KIIT University. Page 5
The Research Team
We the students of KIIT School of Rural Management (KSRM) joined the SEWA for our
Village Study Segment (VSS) in January 2009. When we have completed our Village Study
Component (VSC) our host organization offered us to do an impact study for their SHG program
for our Theme Paper along with some other options. As the Theme Paper is considered to be a
part of our VSS in which the students have to learn the ground realities with the choice of host
organization.
So we started our task with the help of SEWA family especially Ms Varsha bhatt, Ms Indira ben,
Ms Dharmistha ben and Ms Hansaben
“Impact Assessment of SHG Programmes and Business Linkage of SEWA at Dungarpur District (Rajasthan). 2009
School of Rural Management, KIIT University. Page 6
3. Objective of Study
3.1 Problem under Study
SEWA has started to work on the theme of SHG Programmes since 2006 in the 32 Villages in
Dungarpur. But not all the villages have achieved desired level of development. We have given
two model villages for study. So our topic was the comprehensive impact analysis of the
interventions done by SEWA since year 2006 on the model villages and compares it with the
previous conditions in those villages. In other words we have to find out the conditions which
lead these villages as model villages and how these models can be used for other villages.
3.1.1 Main objective of this study
To explore the diverse socio-economic impact of Sustainable Community-based Livelihood
Enhancement projects on the community people.
3.1.2 Specific objective
• To explore the existing Village Organizations and people’s participation to access and
control over SEWA services including any governance, government and non-government
infrastructure and openings if at all.
• To analyze various dimensions of the current and long term innovative and livelihood
enhancement strategies and people’s participation.
• To design a framework to structure the existing and emerging strength and therefore the
potentiality of the studied villages as model scale village.
3.2 Rationale of Study
We tested the SEWA microfinance program, to establish whether in fact the microfinance
Programme shows evidence of the intended impact. It analyses the evidence and the potential of
the approaches adopted to achieve the intended impact.
“Impact Assessment of SHG Programmes and Business Linkage of SEWA at Dungarpur District (Rajasthan). 2009
School of Rural Management, KIIT University. Page 7
The impact of client participation in microfinance programs is assumed to occur at distinct
levels: the individual, the household and the community. But the impact chain is complex – there
is a host of mediating factors such as program attributes, client characteristics, geography, social
structure and power relationships, infrastructure, and the macro economy. So it is really difficult
to establish cause and affect relationship between the impact and the work done. To get proper
assessment of impact of SHG program on above items, benchmark data was needed to compare.
But because of unavailability of the benchmark data, we tried to assess the impact for only those
SHGs which are quiet old.
Figure 1- Impacts of Interventions on Development
“Impact Assessment of SHG Programmes and Business Linkage of SEWA at Dungarpur District (Rajasthan). 2009
School of Rural Management, KIIT University. Page 8
4. Methodology
Figure 2- Study Implementation Flow Chart.
PHASES
PREPARATORY WORK
PHASE‐I
SAMPLE DESIGN FIELD WORK DATA ANALYSIS REPORT WRITING
PHASE‐II PHASE‐III PHASE‐IV
USE OF STATISTICAL
TOOLS
DRAFT REPORT
REPORT WRITING DATA ANALYSIS
DECIDING TOOLS FOR DATA COLLECTION LIKE QUESTINAIRRE
SAMPLE DESIGN
SAMPLE COLLECTION
PRA FORMATS
FIELD WORK
PRA
FOCUS GROUP DISCUSSION
GENERAL DISCUSSION
PERSONAL INTERVIEW
SECONDARY DATA COLLECTION
FINAL REPORT
PHASES
“Impact Assessment of SHG Programmes and Business Linkage of SEWA at Dungarpur District (Rajasthan). 2009
School of Rural Management, KIIT University. Page 9
4.1 Research Design
4.1.1 Selection of Study Area
Dungarpur tehsil is the selected area for research. The reason for the selection of this area is that
SEWA is doing work in this region. In this cluster two model villages Hathai and Devki were
selected. We have to assess the socio-economical and other interrelated impacts on the people of
these villages.
4.2 Sample Design
4.2.1 Sample Size
We have selected people from all income groups so as to find out the impact on whole village.
We have selected 50 samples from each village.
4.2.2 Sampling Method
The responded were selected on the basis of proportionate and random sampling. The samples
cover almost all categories of beneficiaries of the villages and also cover all type of interventions
done in the areas.
4.3 Survey Design
4.3.1 Collection of Primary Data:
Primary data are collected with the help of a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire was
tested beforehand and necessary corrections were incorporated after pre-testing in the field. The
revised questionnaire was finalized then for survey. We have started approaching to the villagers
with the help of Village level workers of SEWA. The organization has given us their references.
The aim of survey and purpose of use of the questionnaire was explained properly to these
workers in detail before starting household survey.
“Impact Assessment of SHG Programmes and Business Linkage of SEWA at Dungarpur District (Rajasthan). 2009
School of Rural Management, KIIT University. Page 10
Some primary information was collected through Rapid Rural Appraisal Method and
Participatory Rural appraisal method. Initially some group discussions were conducted about
some important facts, issues before and present situation of the beneficiaries. These discussions
continue for 2-3 hours. This gave us the opportunity to think in this direction and analyze the
situation. Important argument and information were ranked according to their priority, check list
were also used to facilitate the discussion. Some of the information was collected about the
general household conditions and their daily routine work also. We also participated in their
marriage ceremony to understand the cultural dimensions of the villagers.
4.3.2 Collection of Secondary Data:
Some of the secondary data were provided by the organizations. They have provided the list of
interventions in that area and also the beneficiaries in those villages. The information related to
the no. of households and population of the villages has collected from village Panchayat. The
primary school from each village has provided the information about no. of school going boys
and girls, dropout rate, various facilities provided by the government to raise the standard of
education and about the level of awareness and education in those villages. SHGs (Self Help
Groups) helped us to know about social issues of the villages and also about the saving and co-
operative nature of the villagers.
4.4 Methods of Data Analysis
Microsoft excel is used as a major tool for analysis of primary data. The other tools like
frequency distribution, mean analysis, averages, hypothesis testing are also used.
4.4.1 Tools and Techniques
• Semi Structured interview Schedule: For the primary respondents
• Observation
• Informal Interaction: To know the issues of the community.
• Focused Group Discussions (FGD)
• Case Study: To know the gradual development of a SHG member (Randomly selected)
“Impact Assessment of SHG Programmes and Business Linkage of SEWA at Dungarpur District (Rajasthan). 2009
School of Rural Management, KIIT University. Page 11
• Case study: To know how various interventions impacted the economic, social and
attitudinal characteristics of the individual.
• Hypothesis testing.
4.5 Hypothesis
The following hypothesis is made to conduct the study as defined in the objectives.
Hypothesis 1.There has been significant change (positive) in the income level of the members
Hypothesis 2. There is positive relationship in the expenditure pattern and the income of
villagers
Hypothesis 3. The poor women in the villages are benefited very much with Self Help Group
Hypothesis 4. The people with lower income group have purchased more productive assets
4.6 Limitation of the study
i. The villagers were quite hesitant to reveal the exact data about the land, the produce
and real income etc. They feared that the data could be used against them at any point
of time.
ii. One of the primary limitations during the study was that there was a busy schedule for
villagers in those days. The reason was that the NREGS work was in its full swing. So
it is not possible to spare much time with us for discussion. At this moment there is no
other option except going to their site and discussing with them while working.
iii. During our initial days in the village most of the respondents were not confident about
the purpose of the study and so they may have concealed the correct information.
iv. There was no accommodation available in the village for us. So we have to stay at
Dungarpur town. So we were not able to discuss with villagers in the evening time
which was free time for villagers.
“Impact Assessment of SHG Programmes and Business Linkage of SEWA at Dungarpur District (Rajasthan). 2009
School of Rural Management, KIIT University. Page 12
5. Profile of People
This section gives an idea about the profile of people who were surveyed. It includes their Age
group, Education status, Caste group, Economic status, marital status and their participation in
the SHG Program.
• Age Category:
Average age of the sample is 39 yrs. 48 % is below 35 years of age. 26% falls in 35-50 yrs and
26 % is equal to 50 years or more. This suggests that most of the SHG members are in the
productive age group. This can lead to higher impacts on the target Households.
• Education:
70 % of members are illiterate. Average age of women who have studied upto primary or more
is 25 yrs. This indicates that young women are more inclined towards studies.
• Caste Category:
Majority of women members belong to Schedule Tribe. 92 % of the sample members are from
scheduled tribes and 4 % belongs to other backward castes.
• Economic Category:
25 % people are below poverty line. Hence we can say that SEWA is mainly working with the
poor women. 41 % sample population is above poverty line.
• Marital status:
Almost all the women are married. There are 8 widows in the sample. There are some cases of
second wife in tribal people. No other caste people have second wife.
“Impact Assessment of SHG Programmes and Business Linkage of SEWA at Dungarpur District (Rajasthan). 2009
School of Rural Management, KIIT University. Page 13
Membership in SHGs
It came out of the focused group discussions that the main objective of forming the groups was
to do small savings and to use that as small credit for household needs. Prior to the program most
families were taking loan from moneylenders at very high rates (about 10% pm) and they used to
mortgage ornaments and lands. To end this exploitation they thought of joining SHGs. The major
hurdle was the negative attitude or apprehensions in the minds of male members of the families.
They used to discourage/ stop women from attending the group meetings. SEWA took the
village leaders to exposure in successful groups and it helped in removing the apprehensions.
Savings in SHG
Initially the sample groups were saving an average amount of Rs.25 and presently they are
saving an average amount of Rs.50. Saving amount has increased about 2 times, this is a very
good indicator of positive impact. But still the amount of saving is not flexible and members are
saving amount that is generally suggested by SHG members on collective basis.
Loan from SHG
The average loan taken from SHG is increasing gradually with every loan. This shows that credit
absorption capacity of members is increasing. Many people are taking loans for agriculture and
daily needs. This can be seen as a prudent investment, which may lead to good returns after some
time. People are also taking loans for rearing cattle, health needs and Social events very
frequently. Almost all the women are using the loan for the same purpose for which it has been
taken except for some cases. The amount of loan sanctioned by the bank is primarily based on
first grading which is done one year after the SHG’s is formed. The amount of loan sanctioned is
directly proportional to the no. of grading done. There is also provision of inter-loaning within
the SHG’s.
“Impact Assessment of SHG Programmes and Business Linkage of SEWA at Dungarpur District (Rajasthan). 2009
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6. Social Impact
This section discusses about the social impact of the SHG program on the surveyed women. It
presents the findings about the increased involvement in Decision-making, awareness about
various programs and organizations increased access to such organizations. This section also
discusses about the increased expenditure on Health and Marriage events.
Focused group discussion suggested that there is a Change in the attitude of male members of the
families, now they are convinced about the concept of SHG and encourage women to participate
in the meetings. Also women reported that they have savings on their name and it gives them
confidence and increased self respect. Within family the respect and status of women has
increased. Children education has improved significantly. Especially girl education was very low
but now SHG members are sending their children including girls to school. The sanitation in
members’ households has improved and it has led to better health in members’ families. Now
women are taking treatment from qualified doctors, even if they have to travel to nearby towns.
Members are now confident enough to raise socially relevant issues in family and at village
level. Now women are actively participating in government programs like family planning,
immunization, employment guarantee scheme at mass level. But the change is happening with
some women coming forward.
6.1. Decision Making:
In sample group 12% women take their own decisions and 56% are involved in the decision
making process in their family. This shows a clear impact as more number of women are
participating in the decision making process as a result of their participation in the SHG program.
Before joining the SHG’s there was no role of women in the important decisions of the family
but now the status of women has increased and their family members too support them viz. if the
wife is working outside the home e.g. NREGS then husband or other family member helped her
with household chores.
“Impact Assessment of SHG Programmes and Business Linkage of SEWA at Dungarpur District (Rajasthan). 2009
School of Rural Management, KIIT University. Page 15
In most of the decision making process the sample women are more independent and involved as
compared to the local population as came out from the FGD. This can be attributed to their
participation in the SHG program.
6.2. Raising Voice
6.2.1. Raising voice against beating and abusing
No. of members not raising voice before and raising voice now 44
No change 26
No. of members raising voice before and raising voice now also 15
No. of members raising voice before and not raising voice now 12
No. of member not in this purview or not applicable member 3
Total no. member interview 100
6.2.2. Access to various government/ non-government organizations
Awareness about Market 77%
Awareness about Anganwadi 68%
Awareness about School 90%
Sample women have higher awareness and access to the various organizations as compared to
the non members as came out from the FGDs. Most of the sample women have the basic
awareness about the various organizations. The percentages in the above table are a mix of
awareness level and access percentage. This has been derived by combining four/five questions
“Impact Assessment of SHG Programmes and Business Linkage of SEWA at Dungarpur District (Rajasthan). 2009
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about awareness and access into a single percentage. From the data it is coming out that most of
the women are aware about the services available from various organizations but all the women
are not taking these services. It can be concluded that SEWA has spread enough awareness about
the services but now people should be motivated to take these services.
Data suggests that the sample women who belong to SHG program are much more aware about
the services offered by various organizations and have visited these organizations and have
availed the services more often.
Important incidents in the family:
Event Sample Reported Avg. Expenditure
Festivals 52 Rs 7,893
Marriage 49 Rs 25,297
Sample population is spending a lot on festivals. On an average the expenditure on festival is Rs.
7893. 49 % of sample group reported spending on festivals. On marriage the sample population
is spending on an average amount of Rs.25, 297. To meet these needs people are taking loans
from friends and relatives. Many people are taking their own capital in use. SHG is providing
loan only for small amounts. Some people are even going to friends and moneylenders in
addition to using their own capital. Besides all this, the members are presently aware about what
authority to go to when facing the following problems at village level-
• Problem regarding shortage of water.
• Poor quality of roads.
• Maintenance of school and education.
• Lack of electricity.
• Limited access to Health Care.
• Lack of Sanitation.
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SHG members participated in their respective gram sabha on regular basis and aware about what
would be discussed in advance there. Earlier their questions and voice were neglected but now
their opinions are well received. There is significant awareness about the importance of elections
and voting.
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7. Economic Impact
This section discusses about the Economic impact of the SHG program on the surveyed women.
It presents the findings about the various sources of Credit for the Households, Increased
household income, increased standard of living and increased food security.
Credit from various sources
We can say that most of the moneylender’s chunk has been replaced by SHG loans as reflected
from FGDs. This can be considered as the biggest impact of the program as women have
developed their own source of easy credit.
Type of Assets Purchased
Productive assets = (land+livestock+well deepening+ bullock cart) 45
Security assets = (jewellary+goats) 54
Assets for life style = (home construction+cycle+home
repair+bathroom+toilet) 80
Luxury assets = (radio+motorcycle+T.V.) 3
Total assets purchased after becoming member 182
% of productive assets purchased after becoming member 24
% of security assets purchased after becoming member 30
% of assets for lifestyle purchased after becoming member 43.9
% of luxury assets purchased after becoming member 1.6
% of total assets purchased after becoming member 100
“Impact Assessment of SHG Programmes and Business Linkage of SEWA at Dungarpur District (Rajasthan). 2009
School of Rural Management, KIIT University. Page 19
Besides the above mentioned facts and figures it is being observed that all the SHG members
have a bank A/c on their name and they have deposited money continuously into this account in
the past one year as savings. They themselves manage the A/c i.e. deposit or withdraw money.
Economic Impact of Rural Distribution Network among the sample population
• Presently 6 women from the sample population are directly employed at various stages of
procurement, value addition, promotion and sales.
• Rural consumers are benefitted by getting a range of quality product at right price at their
doorsteps.
• Quality products assure rapport building within the rural consumers.
• Nearly 90% of the sales are re-circulated back into the village economy. Out of the every
one rupee of the sales through SHG members 90 paisa is spent locally thus the rural
money circulates within the rural area and contributes to strengthening the rural
economy.
• When the poor are able to sell their produce as well as buy food for consumption at fair
prices, their income as well as food security is ensured.
• The additional marketing opportunity through Rural Distribution Network of SEWA
means that the women are able to negotiate better terms of trade when they do choose to
sell to middleman.
Figure 3: Rural Distribution Network
“Impact Assessment of SHG Programmes and Business Linkage of SEWA at Dungarpur District (Rajasthan). 2009
School of Rural Management, KIIT University. Page 20
8. Attitudinal Impact 8.1. Leadership
SEWA has involved the villagers in every intervention and try to give certain training for their
capacity building. The villagers not only participated in different intervention but also emerged
as leader. In every SHG there is a group leader (Aagewan) who takes all the major decision for
the group. The organization has established the institutional structure in such a way that it helps
the local people to behave as key person. There is a community organizer in the every village
who act as a connecting link between the organization and villagers. This community organizer
has a lot of opportunity to lead the villagers in different activities.
9.2. Awareness and Motivation
Awareness is not a game of single day. It needs lots of time. The organization started various
activities to make the local people aware about the development activities. They have used
means for awareness like group discussion, personal meetings, writings various motivating
slogans in their local languages on walls at common places.
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9. Hypothesis testing
Hypothesis 1.There has been significant change (positive) in the income level of the
members
Sample size – 28 households
One tailed t- test give the support to the hypothesis
H0 : there is no change in the income level of the members.
H1: there is significant increase in the income level of members
Where H1 is the alternate hypothesis
The hypothesis is tested with significant level 0.005 and 99% confidence level.
It has been found by the single t-test at 99% confidence level that there is a significant increase
in the income level of the members. The main reason is that earlier there were only few
opportunities for work and employment but due to the interventions of SEWA they are able to
get themselves employed.
Hypothesis 2. There is positive relationship in the expenditure pattern and the income of
villagers
H0: There is no relationship between the increased income (present income-before income) and
the increased expenditure (present expenditure-before expenditure) level
H1: there is positive relationship between the income level and expenditure pattern of the
villagers
Here H0 is the null hypothesis and H1 is the alternate hypothesis
Increased income contributed to the increased expenditure of the beneficiaries. The following
hypothesis will test the correlations between the two mentioned above.
The correlation coefficient from the test is 0.95.
Hence r = 0.90
This means that 90 % increase in expenditure is contributed by increase in income.
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School of Rural Management, KIIT University. Page 22
Hypothesis 3. The poor women in the villages are benefited very much with Self Help
Group
H0: The poor women are small fractions of the beneficiary of Self Help Group
H1: The poor women are main beneficiary from self Help Group
Here H0 is null hypothesis and H1 is alternate hypothesis
The self help group was initiated for the help of poor people specifically women. The member
women of the group used to do saving of Rs. 25 to 50 per month. This collection of money is
deposited in the bank; they can withdraw the money in the time of need. So this has inculcated
the habit of saving among the women in the villages. But this is not the main objective of the
group. There are around thirty members in each group. Out of 30 members, there are 24
members who belong to poor family background. When there is emergency in the home of any
member she can avail the inter-loaning facility from the group and comparatively lower interest
rate than any moneylender. So, the group is more for the benefit of poor women who are around
73% of the total members. So this large share of poor women among the beneficiary cause the
rejection of null hypothesis and acceptance of alternate hypothesis
Hypothesis 4: The people with lower income group have purchased more productive assets
H0: There is no relation between purchase of the productive assets and income group
H1: There is association of lower income group and purchase of productive assets
The chi square test has shown that the null hypothesis is rejected and alternate hypothesis is
selected.
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School of Rural Management, KIIT University. Page 23
10. Conclusion
SHG Programme clearly plays a vital role in the lives of the poor. The program in various
clusters seems to be very successful in reaching poor clients; there is evidence of increased
household incomes. This is a very significant indicator of impact. Standard of living for the
program participants have increased and also the food security is much more for the program
clients. There is also compelling evidence of the welfare-maximizing role played by the financial
services provided by the SEWA-supported programs at the household level. Furthermore, one of
the most important roles played by SEWA seems to be helping clients to cope with vulnerability.
Programme loans are one of the main ways clients overcome food insecurity with sickness,
disease, emergencies and crises, where program participants seem to transfer the loan source
from friends and moneylenders to SHG loans to meet these expenses. At the individual level,
there is evidence that the program attracts already relatively empowered people and that
empowerment occurs among some clients through program participation. The process of
empowerment manifests itself in increased self-esteem. Programme participation is also
associated with changes in decision-making at the family level. Program participants are aware
about the various programs and have an access to these organizations. We came to see many of
the success stories in the village where poor women are benefitted from SHGs. Every month they
meet at a common place and discuss about their common problems and other problems in the
village. After assessing the Economical, Social and Attitudinal impacts on these two villages of
the interventions done by SEWA we find that there is a significant improvement in the living
standards of SHG members.
Annexure
HOUSEHOLD SCHEDULE
FOR A SURVEY OF THE
SELF EMPLOYED WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION
PILOT IN DUNGARPUR DISTRICT,
RAJASTHAN, INDIA.
JANUARY 2009
STUDENTS MRM (2008-10)
SCHOOL OF RURAL MANAGEMENT KIIT UNIVERSITY, BHUBANESWAR
ORISSA, INDIA.
District: Tehsil/Block: City/Town/Village: Date of Interview: Interviewer: Time Interview begins: My name is …………………… and I am working with SEWA. We are conducting a survey about women’s employment and household decision making. We would very much appreciate your participation in the survey. I would like to ask you some questions about your household, your employment status, and how you make decisions in your home. This information will help plan future services for women. Participation in this survey is voluntary. If you decide to participate, you may stop answering questions at any time. Whatever information you provide will be kept confidential. We hope that you will participate in the survey since your views are important. Do you want to ask me anything about the survey before we begin?
1. Household Composition
Name What are the names of the people who live in your house, beginning with yourself?
.Head of Household
Is this person the head of the household?
1: Yes 2: No
(choose only one member as head of household)
Relationship How is the person related to the respondent? 1: Spouse 2: Sibling 3: Parent 4: In-law 5: Child 6: Other
Sex 1: F 2: M
Age How old is this person in years?
Education How much education have they completed? 1: None 2: Some Primary 3: Primary 4: Some secondary 5: Secondary 6: Other
Marital Status 1: Married 2: Unmarried 3: Widowed 4: Divorced
Current Employment Status 1: Self-employed 2: Employed by someone else 3: Unemployed
Was member a migrant worker or absent from household for more than 3 months in the last year? 1: Yes 2: No
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
2. What is the highest level of school completed by the following individuals? 2.1. Your father?
• None • Some Primary • Primary • Some Secondary • Secondary • Other (specify...............)
2.2. Your mother?
• None • Some Primary • Primary • Some Secondary • Secondary • Other (specify...............)
3. In general, how would you describe the present living condition of your village?
• Very bad • Fairly bad • Neither good nor bad • Fairly good • Very good
4. In general, how would you describe your own present living conditions?
• Very bad • Fairly bad
• Neither good nor bad • Fairly good • Very good • 5. Looking back how you would rate the following compared to 12 months ago:
5.1. Your village’s living conditions?
• Much worse • Worse • Same • Better • Much better
5.2. Your own living conditions?
• Much worse • Worse • Same • Better • Much better
5.3. Today, what are the two most important issues facing your village? (Rank 1st, 2nd)
• Lack of drinking water • Lack of sewage and sanitation • Poor conditions of roads and transportation • Lack of electricity • Lack of maintenance of school and education • Limited access to health care • Few opportunities for work and employment
6. Over the past month, how often, if ever, has you or your household members gone without: 6.1. Clean water
• Never • Just once or twice • Several times • Many times • Always
6.2. Electricity
• Never • Just once or twice • Several times • Many times • Always
7. Do you feel that you know what authority to go to when you experience the following problems? 7.1. Problems with clean water/ sewage
• Yes • No
7.2. Poor quality of roads
• Yes • No
7.3. Lack of electricity
• Yes • No
7.4. Limited access to healthcare
• Yes • No
8. In the last seven days did you or anyone else in your household go to sleep hungry because there was not enough food?
• Yes • No
9. Respondent’s employment in past 12 months (general questions)
Over the past 12 months, what work did you do? Codes: 1: Own-farm activities 2: Non-farm self-employment (collection, foraging etc) 3: Casual labor (farm and non-farm) 4: long-term agricultural employment
During which months did you do this activity? How many days in each of these months did you do this activity? (begin with month 11 months before survey date)
How many hours per day did you do this activity?
Where did you do this work? 1:At home 2: Own Village 3: Another Village 4: Urban Area
# Description Code J F M A M J J A S O N D 1. 2. 3.
4.
5.
10. Source of Income
Copy from general section all activities
Was this work done as part of the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme? 1: Yes 2: No
How were you compensated for this activity? 1: Piece rate (including money from sale of goods) 2: Daily wage 3: Salary 4: In kind 98: Was not compensated 99: Other
How much were you paid in cash per day for this work? If piece rate, estimate cash earned per day. If salary estimate cash earned per day
What did you get In-kind per day? Codes: 1: Paddy 2: Wheat 3: Barley 4: Maize 5: Gram 6: Other Leave blank if no In-kind payment was received
Were you provided with any of these by your employer while doing this work? A: Meals B: Snacks C: Childcare 1: Yes 2: No
# Description Rupees Code Quantity Unit A B C 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
11. Do you yourself own land?
• Yes • Do not own land, Go to 14
12. What best describes your ownership of your land?
• I own it independently • I share ownership with my spouse • I share ownership with another household member • I share ownership with another person outside the household
13. Do you use your land for agricultural activities?
• Yes • No, Go to 24
14. If you use more land than you own for your own agricultural activities, how do you get this extra land?
• Land rented • Land mortgaged • Land received from employer • Does not use more land than what is owned
15. How much of the land that you farm is irrigated, as opposed to rain-fed?
• Less than one-quarter • Less than one-half • More than one-half • No land is irrigated
16. What is the way you irrigate your land?
• Tube well
• Canal • Pond/Tank • Another natural source • Mixed methods
17. What example do you think better describes your access to water for farming:
• My access to water is bad. It is always time consuming, expensive or inconsistent. • My access to water is adequate. It is sometimes difficult to obtain and unavailable. • My access to water is good. It is easy to obtain and reliable.
18. Have you ever paid a side payment or bribe to gain access to water for farming?
• Yes • No
19. Do you own a pump for irrigation?
• Yes • No
20. How is your land compared to other land in your village for agriculture?
• Better than average • Average • Worse than average
21. In the last 2 years have you ever rented out your land?
• Yes • No
22. Use of seed and fertilizer
Have you used the following in the past 12 months? 1: Yes 2: No
How much have you used in the past 12 months?
How much did you for this amount?
Quantity Unit Rupees Seed KG Urea KG DAP KG Phosphate KG Complex or other fertilizer KG
IF NO TO ALL, GO TO 23
23. Farming equipment Do you own
any of the following items? 1: Yes 2: No
How many do you own?
How much would it be to buy one of these?
Do you ever borrow this item from another person? 1: Yes 2: No
What is the fee associated with borrowing this item? If no fee, enter 0.
Quantity Rupees Rupees Borrow period Tractor Plowing implements
Cart Thresher Trolley Fodder cutter
Other (specify)
24. Whose decision was it for you to work to earn income?
• Respondent’s decision • Respondent’s husband/partner • Respondent and husband/partner • Someone else (specify……………) • Do not work, GO TO 26
25. What do you do with the money you earn? • Respondent gives all of it to husband/partner/other household members • Respondent gives some to husband/other member • Respondent keeps it all
26. If you are/were not working, why are you not working?
• Husband/partner/in-laws will not allow • Society doesn’t like it • Do not want to • Do not need to • Unable to work due to illness • Unable to work due to impairment or disability • Unable to find work • Other (specify……………) • Does not apply (working)
27. I would like to ask a few questions about how you manage your household items and finances. Who in your household decides whether to buy the following items? 27.1. Vegetables or fruits?
• You alone • You with someone else • Someone else alone • Do not buy this item
27.2. Clothes for yourself?
• You alone • You with someone else
• Someone else alone • Do not buy this item
27.3. Medicines for yourself?
• You alone • You with someone else • Someone else alone • Do not buy this item
27.4. Cosmetics such as soap, toothpaste, shampoo or perfume for yourself?
• You alone • You with someone else • Someone else alone • Do not buy this item
28. Please tell me if you alone, or jointly with your husband or someone else, own any of the following: 28.1. Any house or dwelling
• Does not own • Owns jointly • Owns alone
28.2. Jewelry or gems
• Does not own • Owns jointly • Owns alone
28.3. Livestock • Does not own • Owns jointly • Owns alone
29. Do you have a bank account or an account in other savings institution in your own name or jointly with someone else?
• Yes own name • Yes jointly • No, GO TO 33
30. Have you deposited money into this account in the past six months?
• Yes • No, GO TO 33
31. How much money did you deposit in this account in the past six months? Amount (Rs.) …………… 32. Do you yourself manage the account, that is, sign checks or deposit or withdraw money, on your own or jointly with someone else?
• Yes, on your own • Yes, jointly with someone else • Someone else manages account
33. Have you ever been asked by any of the following individuals for side payments or bribes: 33.1. The police
• Yes • No
33.2. A local government official
• Yes • No
33.3. A Rajasthan state government official • Yes • No
33.4. A federal government official
• Yes • No
33.5. A business person or other private individual
• Yes • No
34. Do you know of any programs in this area that give loans to women so that they can start or expand business of their own?
• Yes • No
35. Have you yourself ever taken out a loan either in cash or in kind?
• Yes • No, GO TO 38
36. Who provided you with this loan?
• Local money lenders • Banks • Relatives/friends
• Special organization/NGO 37. What was the amount of the loan and what was the interest charged? Amount (Rs.)……………
Interest rate (annual %)…………… GO TO 39 38. Why did you choose not to take a loan?
• Do not know whom to ask • Too expensive • Asked but was unable to obtain one • Do not need one
39. Are you usually permitted to go to the following places on your own, only if someone accompanies you, or not at all? 39.1. The local market to buy things?
• Alone • Not alone but accompanied by someone else • Never
39.2. To a local health center or doctor?
• Alone • Not alone but accompanied by someone else • Never
39.3. To homes of friends in the neighborhood?
• Alone
• Not alone but accompanied by someone else • Never
39.4. To a nearby shrine/mosque/temple/church?
• Alone • Not alone but accompanied by someone else • Never
40. Have you done any of the following in the last 12 months? 40.1. Seen a medical professional yourself?
• Yes • No
40.2. Taken your children to a medical professional?
• Yes • No
41. I would like your opinion on some aspects of family life. Please tell me if you agree or disagree with the following statements: 41.1. The important decisions in the family should be made only by men in the family
• Agree • Disagree • DK/Depends
41.2. If the wife is working outside the home, then the husband should help her with household chores
• Agree
• Disagree • DK/Depends
41.3. A married women should be allowed to work outside the home if she wishes
• Agree • Disagree • DK/Depends
41.4. The wife has a right to express her opinion even when she disagrees with what her husband is saying
• Agree • Disagree • DK/Depends
41.5. A wife should tolerate being beaten by her husband in order to keep the family together
• Agree • Disagree • DK/Depends
41.6. It is better to send a son to school that it is to send a daughter
• Agree • Disagree • DK/Depends
42. Who in your family has the final say on the following decisions? 42.1. Who takes decision about children’s schooling?
• Respondent • Husband/partner
• Respondent and husband/partner jointly • Respondent and someone else jointly • Decision not made/not applicable
42.2. What to do if a child falls sick?
• Respondent • Husband/partner • Respondent and husband/partner jointly • Respondent and someone else jointly • Decision not made/not applicable
42.3. How children should be disciplined?
• Respondent • Husband/partner • Respondent and husband/partner jointly • Respondent and someone else jointly • Decision not made/not applicable
42.4. Whether to have another child?
• Respondent • Husband/partner • Respondent and husband/partner jointly • Respondent and someone else jointly • Decision not made/not applicable
42.5. Whether or not to use contraception to avoid having children?
• Respondent • Husband/partner
• Respondent and husband/partner jointly • Respondent and someone else jointly • Decision not made/not applicable
43. Who takes care of your children?
• Respondent • Respondent has access to childcare • Respondent’s relatives/friends • Other • Respondent has no children, GO TO 52
44. Do you know where the local Anganwadi is?
• Yes • No, GO TO 47
45. Do your children attend the local anganwadi?
• Yes • No, GO TO 47
46. What kind of Anganwadi services does you and your children use (select all that apply)?
• Non-formal school education • Supplementary nutrition • Immunization • Health check-up • Referral services • Nutrition and health education
47. How many of your children under the age of 15 do not attend school?
Record number of total children: Record number of children not in school: If number of children who do not attend school = 0, GO TO 49 48. What are top three reasons they do not attend school?
• Is/was too young • Disabled/illness • School is too far • Cannot afford schooling • Family doesn’t allow schooling • Poor in studies/not interested in school • School not considered valuable • School not safe • To work for pay or family business or farm • Help at home with household chores
49. Have you heard of the Gram Panchayat?
• Yes • No, GO TO 52
50. Do you know the names of any members of the current Gram Panchayat?
• Yes • No
51. Have you ever conducted any business with or made any requests to the Gram Panchayat?
• Yes • No
52. Have you heard of Gram Sabha?
• Yes • No, GO TO 58
53. Have you ever attended a Gram Sabha?
• Once or twice • Several times • Many times • Never, GO TO 58
54. Have you attended a Gram Sabha in the past 12 months?
• Yes • No
55. How many days/weeks in advance you know about the Gram Sabha?
• Less than a week • One or two weeks • More than two weeks
56. Do you typically know what would be discussed in advance of the Gram Sabha?
• Always • Sometimes • Rarely • Never
57. Of the following statements, which one best characterizes, your participation at the Gram Sabha:
• I do not understand what is being discussed at the Gram Sabha
• I listen, but do not want to raise questions or voice my own opinion • I listen and want to raise questions or voice my own opinion, but do not feel comfortable doing this • I raise questions and voice my own opinion, but do not feel that other participants listen to me • My questions and opinions are well received
58. Please describe your participation in the following types of elections: 58.1. Local election
• You always vote • You sometimes votes • You never vote • You are too young to vote
58.2. Rajasthan state election
• You always vote • You sometimes votes • You never vote • You are too young to vote
58.3. National election
• You always vote • You sometimes votes • You never vote • You are too young to vote
59. Are you a member of SEWA?
• Yes • No, GO TO 64
60. When did you join SEWA? • 0-4 months ago • 5-8 months ago • 9-12 months ago • More than 1 year ago
61. In what SEWA activities do you participate? (Select all that apply)
• Participated in SEWA survey • General meeting • Have joined a Self-help Group (SHG) • Have opened a bank account • Child care activity • Health education • Health services • Water related activity • No activities, GO TO 65
62. How often do you participate in SEWA related activities?
• More than once a week • Once a week • Once every two weeks • Once a month • Less than once a month
63. Do you hold any leadership (Agewan) position in a SEWA group?
• Yes • No
GO TO 65 64. Why are you not a member of SEWA?
• Didn’t know about it • Didn’t think it would help • Could not afford membership fee • Was not allowed to join by household members • Was encouraged not to join by SEWA • Other (specify……………)
65. Are you a member of any type of association, self-help group, or club which holds regular meetings, other than SEWA?
• Yes • No, GO TO 67
66. What kind of association or group or club is it? Other village self-help group (name……………) Other local association (specify……………) 67. Have you acquired any new skills or received any education in the last year?
• Yes • No, GO TO END
68. What have you learned?
• A craft (such as sewing or knitting of fabrics or embroidery) • Agricultural technique • Managing household finance/debts • Other (specify……………)
69. Who provided you these learning’s? • SEWA • Other local association or self-help group (specify……………) • School • Family or friends • Other (specify……………)
70. Have you used these skills in some way that had earned you and your family money?
• Yes • No
END
Village Study Segment MRM (2008-10)
“Reflections on Rural Action Component (RAC)”
Activities carried out are: Formation of SHG’s
Installation of Hand Pump Commencement of Anganwadi
Household survey in 32 Villages
Host Organisation Self Employed Women’s Association
(SEWA)
Submitted by: Raman Sharma(8201025)
Vikas Rana(8201040) Vikram Singh(8201041)
Sandeep Kumar(8201075)
School of Rural Management
Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) University Bhubaneswar, Orissa, India
2009
i
Table of contents
1. Introduction………………………………………………………………1
2. Objectives………………………………………………………………...2
3. Activity Profile…………………………………………………………...3
4. When and Where………………………………………………………...6
5. Aims and Targets………………………………………………………...7
6. Implementation…………………………………………………………..9
7. Achievements…………………………………………………………….12
8. Key Success Factors……………………………………………………..13
9. Lessons Learnt…………………………………………………………...14
10. Individual Role…………………………………………………………...16
11. My Experience as a grassroots worker………………………………...17
Rural Action Component 2009
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1. Introduction
RAC is an integral part of VSS Component; it includes various social works like developing
activities towards the development of community. The main objective of Rural Action
Component(RAC) is to engage students as grass root workers in social mobilization of rural
communities and their grass root work act as interface between the organization and
downtrodden (member clients).The students mainly indulge in the important tasks like;
Providing mindful cognition amongst the backward communities towards many economic and
social issues.
The host organization will decide the engagement of students for the RAC component amongst a
range of issues relevant to host organization. Our host organization Self Employed Women
Association(SEWA) wanted to do the survey of 32 villages that will provide effective
information about the situation of villages and services provided by them to the villagers. The
services mainly are like providing loan to various SHG’s and construction of infrastructure
(hand pumps, Anganwadi etc.) and business linkage of various small enterprises in various
villages of Dungarpur district. Similarly our host organization SEWA wanted us to work more
for four topics under RAC i.e. SHG formation in Kesarpura village, Installation of Hand pump in
village Dungar, Opening an Anganwadi centre in Dungra village.
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2. Objective
• To explore the existing Village Organizations and people’s participation to access and
control over SEWA services including any governance, government and non-government
infrastructure and possibilities if at all.
• To document cases by using narrative methodologies and quantitative approaches
reflecting on the coping capacity of the community people with the old and new village
institutional practices.
• To create awareness on various government facilities this will enhance the quality of life
of the marginalized and less privileged people in the village community.
• To create an improved access to quality education, health and livelihood opportunities.
• To improve and stabilize income levels for the villagers.
• To demonstrate convergence of state government, SEWA and villagers in working
towards the eradication of poverty and holistic development of villages.
• To enable planning of credible and transparent systems in the village that will ensure
equitable and sustainable development.
• To design a framework to structure the existing and emerging strength and therefore the
potentiality of the studied villages as model scale village.
• To analyze various dimensions of the existing and long term innovative and livelihood
enhancement strategies through people’s participation.
Rural Action Component 2009
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3. Activity Profile
The methodology adopted by us for our study consisted of setting our targets collecting data both
from the primary as well as the secondary sources, analyzing that data, making certain
observations and then implementing the solutions through the activities.
S.No. Activity When & Where
1. Formation of SHGs On 14th Feb’09 in Village Kesarpura
2. Installation of Hand pump On 20th Feb’09 in Village Dungra
3. Commencing an Anganwadi centre On 26th Feb’09 in Village Dungra
4. Sample Household Survey in 32 Villages (700 households).
Covering 3 tehsils of District Dungarpur
a. Primary activities
3.1.1. Selection of the villages
I started my RAC work from surveying 32 villages in Dungarpur District and then selecting
villages like Kesarpura, Dungra separately for SHG formation, commencement of Anganwadi,
Installation of Hand pump under the rich guidance of our host organization.
3.1.2. Personal Interviews
As the plan involved studying the whole village and in particular all sections of the society, we
carried out a household survey in both villages(Dungra,Kesarpura) for the purposes like
• SHG formation.
• Commencement of Anganwadi.
• Installation of Hand pump.
3.1.3. Informal Discussions
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After building rapport with the villagers, I conducted several informal group discussions. These
helped us in gaining their confidence as we showed interest in their village, its beauty and its
problems. This method proved to be very informative and gave us an opportunity to cross
examine our secondary data obtained from different sources. Generally we tried to interact with
them in Gram samuh meetings conducted by Sewa so we didn’t face any major problem. In that
period I took some snaps with them.
3.1.4. Self Observations
We really enjoyed and were actively involved in the things happening around us this was really a
good learning experience.
3.1.5. Focused Group Discussions
We used this technique when we attended the meetings of the villagers. Sometimes we called
them especially for the purpose of our RAC work and sometimes when villagers gather to
interact with Sewa workers that we used to interact with them. In these meetings, focus is on
certain matters like condition of villages, functioning of our host organization etc. Most of the
villagers took active part in these meetings including women. A lot of discussions took place on
the basis of questionnaire given by our host organization.
3.1.6. Unstructured and Semi Structured Interviews
We conducted interviews sometimes with any one particular villager (Gram panchayat member)
or with small groups. These were semi structured in the sense that these were not fully formal.
We had a small set of questionnaire regarding villager’s livelihood, their use of cultivation
practices in Agriculture, and other activities like credit system etc and we used to ask them in an
informal way.
3.1.7. Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) Methods
PRA activity was conducted. Social mapping and resource mapping were carried out for this
purpose. These PRA exercise were useful in the sense that the villagers were confronted and
participated in this activity. But there was a limitation of the PRA exercise, as women are
considered to be less aware of the reality outside the confines of the household, compared to
men. This may also be due to their less involvement in the public affairs.
Rural Action Component 2009
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We used certain PRA tools (some of them are mentioned below) for the purpose of our RAC
work:
• Focused group discussions.
• Transect walks.
• Interviews.
• Informal Interaction: To know the issues of the community.
• Questionnaires.
• Case studies.
• Field visits.
3.2. Secondary Activities
• Creating awareness among the migrants about their rights.
• Creating awareness among women about the importance of forming SHGs.
• Creating awareness about proper sanitation.
• Awareness about diseases like malaria, diarrhea and TB and when and why ORS is
given to the babies.
• Creating awareness about the advantages of availing proper medical facilities for
treatment of diseases.
• Making people prioritize their requirement according to the availability of resources.
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4. When and Where
• Formation of SHGs ---- On 14th to 18thFeb’09 in Village Kesarpura.
• Installation of Hand pumps ----On 20th to 25th Feb’09 in Village Dungra.
• Commencing an Anganwadi --- - On 26th Feb to 1st Mar’09 in Village Dungra
• Sample Household Survey in 32 Villages (700 households) ---- Covering 3 tehsils of
District Dungarpur
As a part of our village segment, we were interns with on organization named SEWA. This
organization works for the development of the villages in and around Dungarpur district in a
various domain like SHG’s formation, women and child development, health care, economic
activities etc. Initially, we were given 32 villages for the purpose of survey and then we had
selected two villages i.e Kesarpura and Dungra to carry on our RAC. Since the project was on
formation of SHGs and developing the infrastructure of both the villages (i.e Anganwadi, Hand
pump, we divided our time for both the villages.
The first activity was conducted in the village Kesarpura. The first few days of our work mainly
involved in rapport building with the villagers. The actual work was started on 2nd February.
Then we decided to find out the number of members interested in joining our host organization
in the village. The places we decide for the work was the primary school, the community centre,
house of the ward panch in Kesarpura, NREGS work sites.
Similarly, the activities were conducted in the village Dungra in the third week of February. The
availability of drinking water per household was fairly bad and there was lack of Anganwadi
centre in the village. The places we chose were the Public health centre, the Gram Panchayat for
the data of number of children between 0 to 4 years and total number of hand pumps in village.
Rural Action Component 2009
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5. Aims and targets
The Rural action component aims at deriving following objectives;
• Understanding the conditions of the village – the main aim was to understand the local
conditions of rural life. The project required us to assess the present status of the people in
both the villages keeping in mind various social, economic and political aspects. The
activities mainly aimed at studying the experiences of rural life.
• Assessing the opportunities available with the present resources – another aim of our
rural action plan was to identify opportunities which the villagers can make use of with the
available resources. It was found that they were less aware about the facilities provided from
government and various organizations for their economic upliftment and development of
infrastructure in the villages. Therefore our main aim was to make a village development
plan on the basis of explore possibility of unused resources towards further development.
• To develop convergence of the organization, state government and villages in
developmental activities – another important aim was to facilitate the convergence of these
stakeholders in the developmental activities in the village. While assessing the present
conditions of the village, it was felt that sustainable development can only be achieved when
these three institutions work in consonance with each other to achieve the aforesaid targets
for the village.
• Making the villagers a part of the development activities - another aim was to make the
villagers realize what their needs are. They were made to deliberate upon their present
condition and assess what their needs are. This was done as we realized that just making
development activities in the villages does not actually help their condition. It is only when
those activities are conducted or those requirements are met for which the villages actually
feel the need, and then the developmental activities are successful.
Rural Action Component 2009
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• Making the villagers prioritizes their requirements – the villagers expressed their needs.
But it was important that their needs were prioritized so that the essential ones could be first
taken care of in the short term plan and the others could be included in the long term plans.
• Identify activities that would bridge the gap – the aim was also to identify the activities
which could be conducted so that the gaps in the developmental activities could be filled.
• Awareness about credit and subsidy policies – the foremost aim was creating awareness
about credit and subsidy policies after SHGs formation by NGO’s as well as from
government side.
• Making the villagers aware about water table depletion – another aim was to provide
aware about importance of water table in near future among villagers; and to reduce the
accessibility of drinking water for their own use for various purposes.
• To understand the productive activities of villagers in different fields like Agriculture,
Education and Health etc.
• To understand the cropping plan, cropping pattern, use of fertilizers, seed requirement,
cultivation practices etc to calculate estimate cost of crop production.
• To understand SHG and Craft formation by SEWA for other allied income generating
activities like
• Bed Sheet Making.
• Agarbatti Making.
• Napkin Making.
• Detergent Powder Making.
• Towel Making.
5.1. Other targets are:
• Changing the mindset of people towards the development of village by opting for alternative
income generating activities like opening enterprises other than agriculture.
• Helped the villagers to prioritize their needs according to the requirements in daily life.
• Make people understand the importance of education.
• Making people understand the importance of cleanliness making them aware of the
prevailing diseases like TB, diarrhea.
Rural Action Component 2009
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• Encouraging the women folk of the village to form a group and telling them about their roles
in various decision making process of the village.
• Encouraging the teachers to create awareness among villagers about the disadvantages of the
traditional system of agriculture and curing of diseases.
6. Implementation
One of the important component of the project was to make a develop plan of both the villages.
So it was very essential to have a complete knowledge of the villages. It was only then that we
would be in a position to make developmental plans for the villages. For this were first divided
our time and then started with the village like KESARPURA and DUNGRA.
• The first step was to build a rapport with the villagers. It was only then that we could expect
them to be responsive in telling us the existing conditions of the village. This exercise
involved knowing all the sections of the village that is the men, women, children and the
older generation.
• The next step was to conduct household survey. We had based our survey on a sample basis
where we selected a few household from each hamlet of the villages. We then scrutinized the
whole house on every indicator possible. This helped us analyze the household conditions in
both the villages. As we had taken samples from each hamlet, we were able to survey each
category of population be it BPL and APL families and data collection of children between
the age of 0 to 5 years and availability of hand pumps per in the villages.
• The next step was to carry out a PRA of both the villages. This exercise helped us in
understanding the present status of the resources and infrastructure like Anganwadi, Hand
pumps, Primary Schools, Roads, Credit accessibility available in their village and what they
need in near future. It also helped us understand the potential resources that could be
developed to make a fruitful development plan for the village. This exercise helped us
identify social structure of the villages, economic structure, wealth status, natural resources
available, settlement patterns etc.
• The next step was to make membership in SHGs ‐ It came out of the focused group
discussions that the main objective of forming the groups was to do small savings and to use
Rural Action Component 2009
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that as small credit for household needs. Prior to the program most families were taking loan
from moneylenders at very high rates (about 10% pm) and they used to mortgage ornaments
and lands. To end this exploitation they thought of joining SHGs. The major hurdle was the
negative attitude or apprehensions in the minds of male members of the families. They used
to discourage/ stop women from attending the group meetings. SEWA took the village
leaders to exposure in successful groups and it helped in removing the apprehensions.
• The next step was to increase savings in newly SHGs formed ‐ Initially the sample groups
were saving an average amount of Rs.25 and presently they are saving an average amount of
Rs.50. Saving amount has increased about 2 times, this is a very good indicator of positive
impact. But still the amount of saving is not flexible and members are saving amount that is
generally suggested by SHG members on collective basis.
• The next step was to provide accessibility of loan from banks on the ground of their newly
formed SHGs ‐ The average loan taken from SHG should increase gradually with every loan.
This shows that credit absorption capacity of members is increasing. Many people are taking
loans for agriculture and daily needs. This can be seen as a prudent investment, which may
lead to good returns after some time. People are also taking loans for rearing cattle, health
needs and Social events very frequently. Almost all the women are using the loan for the
same purpose for which it has been taken except for some cases. The amount of loan
sanctioned by the bank is primarily based on first grading which is done one year after the
SHG’s is formed. The amount of loan sanctioned is directly proportional to the no. of grading
done. There is also provision of inter-loaning within the SHG’s.
• The next step was vigorous transect walks throughout the village Dungra. As our main aim
was to collect data of children between the age of 0 to 5 years for starting Anganwadi
centre(because initially there was no Anganwadi in the village) and finally we got the names
of 30 children (which fulfills the requirement of starting Anganwadi i.e. 25 children) during
the survey we had find out the various diseases like Marasmus, floursis (due to excess of
fluoride in drinking water), fever, malaria, chickenpox etc in children below 6 years of age
due to less awareness about vaccination in their parents. So we had started an Anganwadi
with the help of our host organization for providing initial education to the children and
awareness about vaccination from public health centre.
Rural Action Component 2009
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• The next step was to make the villagers prioritize their needs. The developmental activities
can only be a success if they actually fill the gaps in the rural areas. So we found that the best
way of ensuring the success of the development plan of the villages was to work on the needs
of the village. This could best be done by asking the villagers themselves to identify their
needs. The villagers were asked to identify their needs on the basis of three categories –
Basic infrastructure, Agriculture, its allied and other income generating activities.
• The next step was to identify activities that would help in satisfying the needs of the
villagers. The activities identified were done keeping in mind the parameters of the state
government, organization and the village. The limitations of the topography of the village, its
social and economic structure were also kept in mind.
• In the next step we had find out the problem of drinking water in the village Dungra, due to
less availability of hand pumps i.e. one hand pump for 75 houses (because more than 45% of
hand pumps was not working).So we collected the data of households from gram panchayat
for the installation of hand pumps and finally we could conclude that there is a need of
another hand pump in the village.
• Under the rich governance of our host organization. The installation of hand pump was
completed properly which costs near about 15000Rs.
• The next step was to link the allied agriculture activities with the available markets. No plan
is successful until it is actually linked with the market. The activities only yield benefits
when its benefits in the economy are studied so that it proves economical for the villagers.
Therefore the market linkages of each activity were done whether it really yields benefit for
the villagers.
• The next step was to identify a productive plan for these activities. It was felt that
development is only sustainable when the newly formed SHGs, Anganwadi, and hand pump
working properly and it should maintained properly in near future. A monitoring plan was
also identified which would regularly oversee the activities of the villagers so that transparent
and credible systems could be established.
• The last and the final step was to motivate the villagers for development process. The
development in the villages can only be achieved when the villagers themselves are focused
on what they want and how they could achieve. It is only then that the developmental efforts
of any organization or state government are actually fruitful. So we identified ways where we
Rural Action Component 2009
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motivated the villagers towards reality and paved a path for them which would help them
make their village a much better place with the consonance of works of the state government
and the organization.
7. Achievements
• We created awareness amongst people that what authority they should go to when they
experience the problems with drinking water availability, Lack of Anganwadi, Limited
access to healthcare, Lack of maintenance of schools and roads etc.
• During our household survey we had interacted with the women in the villages and gave
them the suggestion to start a SHG. We told them how this group can be beneficial to the
villagers by providing loans to the needy. Even we told them that they can undergo training
for tailoring and then consider it as an additional livelihood option along with performing the
household works. We were successful in this work which resulted in formation of SHG at
Kesarpura village.
• The impact of focused group discussion could help in bringing a change in the attitude of
male members of the families, now they are convinced about the concept of SHG and
encourage women to participate in the meetings
• Also women reported that they have savings on their name and it gives them confidence and
their self respect. Within family the respect and status of women has increased. Children
education has improved significantly. Especially girl education was very low but now SHG
members are sending their children including girls to school
• Encouraged villagers to opt for the alternate livelihood options other than agriculture for
increasing their income level.
• On the occasion of Republic day celebration we motivated the villagers to send the children
cleanly to the school and daily and encourage them to grow more and more trees.
• On the same occasion we tried to convince the villagers to send each child to school and gave
them awareness about the importance of vaccination to their children at the proper time of
their age.
• While performing the individual interviews with the ladies we gave them the information
about ORS and why it is needed wherever we felt that the respondent doesn’t know about. In
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addition we told the importance of using toilets for the sanitation purpose to each of the
individual respondents we came across.
8. Key Success factors
Our success in achieving the aforesaid targets can be attributed to the following factors
• Responsive attitude of the people – the people of both the villages were very responsive in
their attitudes towards us. They firstly helped us to get familiarized with the surroundings
and secondly they themselves created platforms for discussions and also gave full
participation in the same.
• Goodwill of the organization in the village – the good will established by SEWA in the
villages was of great help to us in our work. The people had a lot of confidence in the
organization and its activities. This was seen through the confidence and trust they had
placed on us as grass root workers.
• Guidance by the staff members of SEWA – the guidance provided by the staff members of
SEWA helped us at every step of our work. They provided us clear guidelines on how to go
about it and how to carry out the survey. This was of great help to us in carrying out our
work.
• Support of our Livelihood worker – We are very grateful to Mr. Avtar Vaso and Mr. Haker
Damor, inhabitant of villages like Kesarpura and Dungra respectively and other workers of
SEWA. He had excellent knowledge about both the villages. He also had the right insight on
how to go about the work, the people to meet, rapport building with the villagers. He also
helped us in carrying out the PRA activities in the villages.
Rural Action Component 2009
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9. Lessons learnt
9.1. Key solution to the credit accessibility
The moneylender’s chunk has been replaced by SHG loans as this information could be derived
after FGDs. This can be considered as the biggest impact of the program as women have
developed their own source of easy credit. The average loan amount taken from SHG is
increasing gradually with every loan. This shows that credit absorption capacity of members is
increasing. Many people are taking loans for agriculture and daily needs. This can be seen as a
prudent investment, which may lead to good returns after some time. People are also taking loans
for rearing cattle, health needs and Social events very frequently. Almost all the women are
using the loan for the same purpose for which it has been taken except for some cases.
9.2. Local participation
Any programme which aims at the empowerment of a particular group is possible only when
their participation is ensured. Local participation has been defined as “giving people more
opportunities to participate effectively in the development activities”. It means empowering
people to mobilize their own capacities, manage resources, make decisions and control activities
that affect their lives. The participatory approach is different from beneficiary approach, in this
they are only economically benefited, but empowerment is possible only when they are involved
in decision making. Before joining the SHG’s there was no role of women in the important
decisions of the family but now the status of women has increased and their family members too
support them viz. if the wife is working outside the home e.g. NREGS then husband or other
family member helped her with household chores.
9.3. Awareness about the authority for solving their problem
Rural Action Component 2009
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Besides all this, the members are presently aware about what authority to go to when they face
the following problems at village level-
• Problem regarding shortage of water.
• Poor quality of roads.
• Maintenance of school and education.
• Lack of electricity.
• Limited access to Health Care.
• Lack of Sanitation.
SHG members participated in their respective gram Sabah on regular basis and aware about what
would be discussed in advance there. Earlier their questions and voice were neglected but now
their opinions are well received. There is significant awareness about the importance of elections
and voting.
Rural Action Component 2009
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10. Individual role and experience as a grassroots worker
(I) Raman Sharma Role
1. Formation of SHG’s in Kesarpura village
• Firstly I was meeting with ward members to know about the situation of village from various
aspects i.e. education, infrastructure, economic accessibility etc and other group had taken
household survey.
Collect information about the Village(through PRA)
• its credit needs and analysis of sources of Credit.
• its incomes and seasonality.
• Social &Resource Mapping-Availability of natural resources/location of
households, location of drinking water facilities, grazing land, cultivatable land,
forest.
• Skills available.
• Markets existing.
• Peoples perception about Poverty” Why are you Poor” and “What are the
resources required for the development of your family?
• Affinity groups available in village.
• Wealth ranking Exercise.
• Meet with men and women in village and explain to them the purpose of your intervention.
• Conduct several meeting over the 8-10 days and set an agenda for each meeting
• Talk about family issues/Community issues using the data collected
• through PRA
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• Talk about saving and lending.
• Talk about the self help concept or self help groups.
• Talk about rules and regulations in self help groups.
• Familiarize members with Books to be maintained in SHG.
• Elect Representative and explain responsibilities of Members.
• Give the group a name and help open a Bank account (with cheque
facilities if possible)
2. Installation of Hand Pump in Dungra Village
• In this village I found out tried to get information on the availability of hand pumps per
household with my other group members, this can be done through household survey to know
the number of hand pumps in a Dungra village.
• I priortize tried to identify the exact location for newly installed hand pump this was possible
with the help of our host organization workers and village people,
3. Commencement of Anganwadi Centre in Dungra Village
• In the village I attended several meetings with women, to find out the problems related to them
when they were going for NREGA work i.e. children security and their development.
• While doing household survey we got the names of 30 children (which fulfills the requirement
of starting Anganwadi i.e. 25 children) during the survey we had find out the various diseases
like Marasmus, floursis (due to excess of fluoride in drinking water), fever, malaria, chickenpox
etc in children below 6 years of age due to less awareness about vaccination in their parents.
• My experience as a grassroots worker
• It was for the first time in my life that we had gone to villages that were reeling under poverty.
We were made to stay in a Dungarpur town. We were skeptical about the kind of reaction village
people could give at our arrival. The starting days were simply spent in familiarizing myself with
the surroundings and its inhabitants with whom I had to spent the coming few days.
Rural Action Component 2009
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• Away from my family, KSRM The fieldwork was like an eye-opener to the rural realities. It
has given me such great insights about life, which have if not completely then at least partially
changed my whole philosophy of life. The people were full of life and enthusiasm though they
were poor, marginalized.
• The PRA was conducted with the local people was also a great experience where I came to
know how helpful is the meetings for the members and it solves most of their confusions.
• As my theme paper is “Impact Assessment of SHGs and their Business by SEWA” it gave me
ample opportunities to interact with the villagers and to have a closer look at their lives and
understand their position within the society and family. From all what I learned from the
childhood that women have no preference in the family and community matters or decision
making process like everywhere else, but here we saw some exceptions. The women have
come out of their veils and reached to the outer world. There were useful experiences and
some living examples, which enhanced my learning and will also guide me throughout my
life. I was most impressed by Indra Ben, Dharmistha Ben, Hansa Ben worker of SEWA. All
of them are really active and confident workers. In our works, we were helped by the
Sarpanch and other gram panchayat members of the village, a villagers working for SEWA
acting as a bridge between the villagers and the organization. They helped us in meeting the
right people who would give us all the data. They also helped us in our transect walks in the
villages, without it would have been very difficult to complete our project.
• The RAC Component showed us that it is actually very difficult to work as a grass root
worker. The work of a grassroots worker is to mobilize the community in achieving
sustainable development for the village. He has to do this keeping in mind the objectives of
the organization and the mindset of the village. He has to synchronize the two in such a way
that the path for development of the village is set. For this purpose, he has to keep in mind a
number of socio, economic and political considerations. He has to keep making the villagers
aware of their roles and the opportunities around. He has to constantly be in touch with all
the people around. Not forgetting, this is done without any resources in the hands of the
worker. Hence, the village stays actually helped us experience the life of a grassroots worker
and made us realize the potential difficulties and the conditions in which he has to work in.
• These are the useful experiences and living examples, which enhanced my learning and will
Guide me throughout the life.
Rural Action Component 2009
19
(II) Vikas Rana
Individual role and my experience as a grassroots worker: Vikas Rana
1. Formation of SHG’s in Village Kesarpura • I had conducted meetings with the villagers particularly women and made them
understand about the prospects of joining SEWA viz. access to credit, earning by sitting
at home etc.
• Conducted training by giving live examples of the model villages of SEWA regarding
“Changing the mindset of people towards the development of village through alternative
income generating activities.”
In the mode of formation of SHGs, I have discussed the following things with the members:
• In the first meeting names of the group, leader, Secretary and Treasurer are to be decided.
• The amount of voluntary saving by a member per month is to be decided.
• A code of conduct is to be devised.
• A Savings Bank A/C is to be opened in the service area Bank Branch. The amount of
savings is to be credited there regularly.
• Internal lending among the members of the group is to be done. Rate of interest is to be
fixed by the group.
2. Installation of Hand pump in Village Dungra • We had approached several times regarding the permission of installation of hand pump
to BDO’s office with the SEWA officials. • With the help of the SEWA’s workers and some other members from nearby villages, we
had organized a dummy presentation to show the procedure to repair the hand pump, if required.
Rural Action Component 2009
20
3. Commencement of Anganwadi in Village Dungra • I had listed out the necessary items and utensils etc needed initially for commencing an
anganwadi. • Conducted a meeting with the women of the village to convince them to send their
children to anganwadi.
4. My experience as grass roots worker
The RAC Component showed us that it is actually very difficult to work as a grass root worker.
The work of a grassroots worker is to mobilize the community in achieving sustainable
development for the village. He has to do this keeping in mind the objectives of the organization
and the mindset of the village. He has to synchronize the two in such a way that the path for
development of the village is set. For this purpose, he has to keep in mind a number of socio,
economic and political considerations. He has to keep making the villagers aware of their roles
and the opportunities around. He has to constantly be in touch with all the people around. Not
forgetting, this is done without any resources in the hands of the worker. Hence, the village stays
actually helped us experience the life of a grassroots worker and made us realize the potential
difficulties and the conditions in which he has to work in. During starting days I felt that it is too
hard to live within this environment like tribal people, scarcity of water and low availability of
services like electricity, internet etc. I was most impressed by Indra Ben, Dharmistha Ben, Hansa
Ben worker of SEWA. All of them are really active and confident workers. In our works, we
were helped by the Sarpanch and other gram panchayat members of the village, a villagers
working for SEWA acting as a bridge between the villagers and the organization
(III) Vikram Singh Role
1. Formation of SHG’s in Village Kesarpura
As SEWA is working for women only that’s why I tried to get a rough idea of the no. of women interested in forming the SHGs. Then I discussed in detail along with the SEWA officials, the
Rural Action Component 2009
21
rules and principles necessary for forming a SHG with the interested members. The rules, as designed by SEWA, for the formation of SHGs are:
• The number of members should between 10-20
• Only one member per family to be covered in the SHG
• Weekly meeting on a fixed day & time should be made compulsory
• All the transactions & discussions should be made compulsory
• All the transactions & discussions should be done in the meeting only
• For the first 3 months emphasis should be on regularly of meeting, 100% participation,
regular saving & regular deposit in the bank & book writing
• Between 3-6 months a SHG concept training has to be arranged for all the members
• Grading is compulsory before linkage
• An SHG has completed six months is functioning well &shouldn’t be deprived of Bank
loan for long
• Participation of bank officials in the SHG meeting at least once in 3 months is essential
for maintaining the quality of SHG
• The SC/ST & OBC constituted 83% of the total sample
• It is called as a small saving group
2. Installation of Hand pump in Village Dungra
I identified the sites where the new hand pump can be placed with the help of the villagers,
experienced people and SEWA in order to ensure success in digging the bore well and to ensure
access to safe less fluoridated water for the villagers. The villagers are handed over the
responsibility to look after the hand pumps in order to ensure that the pump does not get miss
utilized, damaged, no water clogging takes place, and also to ensure the after care. By means of
the installation of the hand pumps, a solution is found for the fetching water from long distances.
Thereby, awareness created towards hygienic practices towards protection and judicious use of
community owned resources, and towards the importance of water and saving it.
3. Commencement of Anganwadi in Village Dungra:
Rural Action Component 2009
22
In the general meeting with women of the village, I discussed the objectives of commencing an
Anganwadi in their village. I further encouraged the women to send their children (below 5 year)
to the respective Anganwadi initiated by SEWA.
The objectives are :-
• To improve the nutritional and health status of pre-school children in the age-group of 0-
6 years;
• To lay the foundation of proper psychological development of the child;
• To reduce the incidence of mortality, morbidity, malnutrition and school drop-out;
• To achieve effective coordination of policy and implementation amongst the various
departments to promote child development; and
• To enhance the capability of the mother to look after the normal health and nutritional
needs of the child through proper nutrition and health education.
4. My experience as a grass root worker:
It was the first and interesting part of my life when we were at Dungarpur town of Dungarpur
district of Rajasthan by the rich guidance of our host organization SEWA. We were skeptical
about the kind of response that village people would give at our arrival. During starting days I
felt that it is too hard to live within this environment like tribal people, scarcity of water and low
availability of services like electricity, internet etc.
As my theme paper is “Impact Assessment of SHGs and their Business by SEWA” it gave me
ample opportunities to interact with the villagers and to have a closer look at their lives and
understand their position within the society and family. From all what I learned from the
childhood that women have no preference in the family and community matters or decision
making process like everywhere else, but here we saw some exceptions. The women have come
out of their veils and reached to the outer world. There were useful experiences and some living
examples, which enhanced my learning and will also guide me throughout my life. I was most
impressed by Indra Ben, Dharmistha Ben, Hansa Ben worker of SEWA. All of them are really
active and confident workers. In our works, we were helped by the Sarpanch and other gram
panchayat members of the village, a villagers working for SEWA acting as a bridge between the
Rural Action Component 2009
23
villagers and the organization. They helped us in meeting the right people who would give us all
the data. They also helped us in our transect walks in the villages, without it would have been
very difficult to complete our project.
RAC made me realize the real challenges a mobilizes faces at the field level in achieving
sustainable development for the village. He has to synchronize the two in such a way that the
path for development of the village is set. For this purpose, he has to keep in mind a number of
socio, economic and political considerations. He has to keep making the villagers aware of their
roles and the opportunities around. He has to constantly be in touch with all the people around.
Not forgetting, this is done without any resources in the hands of the worker. Hence, the village
stays actually helped us experience the life of a grassroots worker and made us realize the
potential difficulties and the conditions in which he has to work in and the most delighting thing
I want to say through this is that there is something the rural India has still preserved and the
urban has lost and that is the Indian tradition of ‘Atithi devo bhav’.It will always be in my
memories when all of us were in the field and were hungry and a women villager invited foe
lunch at her place for ‘dal bati’.
These are the useful experiences and living examples, which enhanced my learning and will Guide me throughout the life.
(IV) Sandeep kumar Role
1. Installation of Hand Pump in Dungra Village
• I found that the availability of drinking water per household is very low in this village. After that
I discussed about the procedure of installation of Hand Pump with village level member of our
organization and our coordinator.
• Then according to the procedure first I discussed with the village people and i made them agree
to install a hand pump for 20 households in one location which was suitable for all.
2. Commencement of Anganwadi Centre in Dungra Village.
• First I discussed and shared knowledge about Anganwadi with the village women and its
importance in education of children.
Rural Action Component 2009
24
• I also told them about the facilities given for pregnant women and other primary precautions for
the child health.
• I attended several meetings with women and convinced the villagers for admission of all the
children below 5 yrs in the Anganwadi because it is very useful for their future.
3. Formation of SHG’s in Kesarpura village
• Firstly I met with some women in the village with our SEWA workers to know about the
situation of the village and its major problems.
• Then I gathered information like, no work is available without NREGA in the village, lack of
drinking water and some other problem.
• I identified that a group of women who were more interested in SHG formation and told about
the profit given by the government after its formation.
• Then I met all women in the village and gave some knowledge to them about SHGs importance.
• Finally I told them about the benefits and the opportunities that they would get after the
formation of these SHGs.
4. My experience as a grass root worker
It was the first time in my life that we had gone to villages that were reeling under poverty. We
were made to stay in a Dungarpur town. We were skeptical about the kind of reaction village
people might give at our arrival. The starting days were simply spent in familiarizing myself with
the surroundings and its inhabitants with whom I had to spent the coming few days.
Away from my family, KSRM The fieldwork was like an eye-opener to the rural realities. It has
given me such great insights about life, which has influenced me not completely but at least
partially changed my whole philosophy of life. The people were full of life and enthusiasm
though they were poor, marginalized.
The PRA was conducted with the local people was also a great experience where I came to know
how helpful is the meetings for the members and it solves most of their confusions.
Rural Action Component 2009
25
As my theme paper is “Impact Assessment of SHGs and their Business by SEWA” it gave me
ample opportunities to interact with the villagers and to have a closer look at their lives and
understand their position within the society and family. The stay in the village showed us that it
is actually very difficult to work as a grass root worker. The work of a grassroots worker is to
mobilize the community in achieving sustainable development for the village. He has to do this
keeping in mind the objectives of the organization and the mindset of the village. He has to
synchronize the two in such a way that the path for development of the village is set. For this
purpose, he has to keep in mind a number of socio, economic and political considerations. He
has to keep making the villagers aware of their roles and the opportunities around. He has to
constantly be in touch with all the people around. Not forgetting, this is done without any
resources in the hands of the worker. Hence, the village stays actually helped us experience the
life of a grassroots worker and made us realize the potential difficulties and the conditions in
which he has to work in. I was most impressed by Indra Ben, Dharmistha Ben, Hansa Ben
worker of SEWA. All of them are really active and confident workers. In our works, we were
helped by the Sarpanch and other gram panchayat members of the village, a villagers working
for SEWA acting as a bridge between the villagers and the organization. They helped us in
meeting the right people who would give us all the data. They also helped us in our transect
walks in the villages, without it would have been very difficult to complete our project.
There were useful experiences and some living examples, which enhanced my learning and will
also guide me throughout my life.
Village Study Segment MRM (2008-10)
Organizational Profile
Host Organisation Self Employed Women’s Association
(SEWA)
Submitted by: Vikas Rana(8201040)
Vikram Singh (8201041) Sandeep Kumar (8201075) Raman Sharma (8201025)
School of Rural Management Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) University
Bhubaneswar, Orissa, India 2009
Table of Contents
1. Organization Overview…………………………………………………1 2. Structure…………………………………………………………………2 3. Personnel………………………………………………………………...2 4. Target Community……………………………………………………...3 5. Activity Profile…………………………………………………………..3 6. Growth…………………………………………………………………...4 7. Key Focus………………………………………………………………..5 8. Impact On Target Communities……………………………………….5 9. Networking & Network policy………………………………………….6 10. Salient Achievements……………………………………………………7 11. Funding Sources………………………………………………………...8 12. Future Plans …………………………………………………………….9
Organizational Profile 2009
1
1. Organization Overview
1.1. Vision
To become a role model or a living laboratory of learning for others to adopt in their own area for sustainable development.
1.2. Mission
Establish itself as a premier organization for sustainable rural development in collaboration with other organizations.
1.3. Objective
To provide a farmer driven, location specific watershed development combined with bio diverse agriculture, other nature based livelihoods and microfinance to raise rural income leading to an enduring panacea to the suicide ridden dry lands.
1.4. Goals
Poor women’s growth, development and employment occurs when they have work and income security and food security. It also occurs when they are healthy, able to access child care and have a roof over their heads. In order to ensure that we are moving in the direction of our two goals of Full Employment and Self Reliance, constant monitoring and evaluation is required. In a membership-based organization, it is the member’s priorities and needs which necessarily shape the priorities and direction of the organization. Hence, it is appropriate that member’s themselves developing their own yardstick for evaluation. The following ten questions have emerged from the members and continually serve as a guide for all members, group leaders, executive committee members and full-time organizers of SEWA. It is also useful for monitoring SEWA’s progress and the relevance of its various activities and their congruence with member’s reality and priorities. It also increases the accountability of SEWA’s leaders and organizers, to their members.
1.5. The Eleven Questions of SEWA:
• Have more members obtained more employment? • Has their income increased? • Have they obtained food and nutrition? • Has their health been safeguarded? • Have they obtained child-care? • Have they obtained or improved their housing? • Have their assets increased? (E.g. their own savings, land, house, work-space, tools or
work, licenses, identity cards, cattle and share in cooperatives; and all in their own name.
• Have the worker’s organizational strength increased? • Has worker’s leadership increased? • Have they become self-reliant both collectively and individually?
Organizational Profile 2009
2
• Have they become literate?
Questions 1 to 7 are linked to the goal of full employment while 8 to 11 are those concerned with SEWA’s goal of self reliance. However each of these is interconnected to each other. In 1998 "aagewan’s" suggested including education in the broadest sense as the eleventh question to be addressed by SEWA. We have included this as part of the member’s yardstick
2. SEWA's Structure
SEWA is registered as a trade union under the Indian Trade Unions Act of 1926. The union is open for membership to self-employed women workers all over India. The membership fee is Rs. 5 per year. The union is governed by a two-tier level of elected representation. The members of each trade elect their representatives in the ratio of 1 representative per 100 members. These representatives then form the Trade Council (Pratinidhi Mandal). In addition, and parallel to the Trade Council are Trade Committees (Dhandha Samiti) in each trade. The Trade Committee has no fixed proportion to number of members but varies between 15 to 50 members. The Trade Committees meet every month and discuss the problems of their trades and possible solutions to them. Trade Council members are members of their respective Trade Committees as well. The organiser of a trade group is the Member Secretary of that group's Trade Committee.
Every three years the Trade Council elects an Executive Committee of 25 members. The representation on the Executive Committee reflects the proportion of the membership.
The office-bearers of the trade union are elected from among the Executive members. It has become a practice to elect the President from the trade with the largest membership.
3. Personnel
SEWA’s Executive Committee No. Name Designation 1 Elaben Bhatt Founder, First
GeneralSecretary 2 Bhanuben Danabhai Solanki President 3 Manaliben Shah Vice President 4 Maniben Haribhai Patani Vice President 5 Gauriben Ramabhai Brahman Vice President 6 Jyotiben Macwan General Secretary 7 Rahimaben Shaikh Secretary 8 Mittalben Shah Secretary 9 Namrataben Bali Treasurer 10 Varsha Bhatt Field Cordinator
Organizational Profile 2009
3
4. Target Community
SEWA members are workers who have no fixed employee-employer relationship and depend on their own labour for survival. They are poor, illiterate and vulnerable. They barely have any assets or working capital. But they are extremely economically active, contributing very significantly to the economy and society with their labour. In fact, 64% of GDP is accounted for by the self – employed of our country. There are four types of self-employed women workers:
• Hawkers, vendors and small business women like vegetable, fruit, fish, egg and other vendors of food items, household goods and clothes vendors
• Home-based workers like weavers, potters, bidi and agarbatti workers, papad rollers, ready-made garment workers, women who process agricultural products and artisans, and
• Manual labourers & service providers like agricultural labourers, construction workers, contract labourers, handcart pullers, head – loaders, domestic workers and laundry workers.
In addition to these three categories there is emergence of another category of women workers.
• Producers & Services who invest their labour and capital to carry out their businesses. This category includes Agriculture, cattle rearers, salt workers, gum collectors, cooking & vending etc.
5. Activity Profile
The various functional programmes going on at the community level for holistic development of villages.
• Home-based Workers’ Campaign • Vendors’ Campaign • The Water Campaign • Campaign for Forest Workers • Campaign for Agricultural Laborers • Campaign for Recognition of Dais (Traditional Birth Attendants) as Village
Health Workers • Campaign for Child Care as a Basic Service • Campaign for legislation entitling workers on the informal economy to social
security.
Organizational Profile 2009
4
6. Growth of SEWA's Membership: 1973-2005 (India)
Year No. of Members Year No. of Members
1973 320 1990 25,911 1974 3,130 1991 46,076 1975 3,850 1992 45,936 1976 1,630 1993 53,570 1977 1,748 1994 1,43,702 1978 730 1995 2,18,797 1979 2,041 1996 2,12,016 1980 4,934 1997 2,11,124 1981 6,087 1998 2,09,250 1982 10,733 1999 2,15,234 1983 13,386 2000 3,18,527 1984 22,739 2001 4,20,208 1985 15,741 2002 6,94,551 1986 20,811 2003 7,04,166 1987 15,144 2004 6,88,743 1988 19,554 2005 7,96,755 1989 29,133 2006 9,59,698
While the overall trend is upward, there have been periods of fluctuation over the past decade. Membership increases occurred as a result of campaigns which developed into mass movements in some rural districts, concrete gains from organizing of some categories of workers like vendors and home based workers and also because of support during crises.
Till 1994, SEWA’s membership was predominantly urban. This was partly due to our origins and base being at Ahmadabad. However, in the late eighties, SEWA intensified its rural organizing, with the resultant increase in membership from rural areas.
7. Key Focus • Cooperative Education & Development Services
Members’ Education Board of Directors’ Education Other Educational & awareness activities like linkages with SEWA &
sister organizations; government schemes etc. • Business Development Services
Pre-registration & Registration procedures Governance Trade facilitation
Organizational Profile 2009
5
Accounts Legal procedures & advice
• Institutional Development services Revival of Cooperatives Review and Monitoring Promotion of Cooperatives based on 5 point parameters
• Human Resources Development services Capacity building & enhancement Technical Trainings & workshops Vocational Trainings On the job trainings Special trainings in support with governmental and non-governmental organizations Administrative support
• Market Support Services Sales & Marketing outlet Buyers-Sellers interface Exports Exhibitions E-commerce Design & Product development Customized orders
• Policy Advocacy services • Research & Publications
8. Impact on Target Communities
According to our own observation systematically gathered at the community level during our stay in the villages.
• SEWA is basically working for poor women’s growth, development and employment by ensuring income security and food security.
• the members are presently aware about what authority to go to when facing the
following problems at village level like problem regarding shortage of water,poor
quality of roads,maintenance of school and education,lack of electricity,limited access
to Health Care, and lack of Sanitation etc.
• Rural consumers are benefitted by getting a range of quality product at right price at
their doorsteps.
• Quality products assure rapport building within the rural consumers
• Nearly 90% of the sales are re-circulated back into the village economy. Out of the
every one rupee of the sales through SHG members 90 paisa is spent locally thus the
rural money circulates within the rural area and contributes to strengthening the rural
economy.
Organizational Profile 2009
6
• The additional marketing opportunity through Rural Distribution Network of SEWA
means that the women are able to negotiate better terms of trade when they do choose
to sell to middleman.
9.Networking & Networking Policy
Currently,SEWA is actively working in various states like Gujarat,Rajasthan,Bihar,U.P,Delhi
M.P,Maharashtra,etc and also working in other countries like Afganisthan,Sri Lanka,
Pakistan, Peru,etc.In addition SEWA is working with other sister organization to achieve
their goals in different areas.
• SEWA Trade
Facilation Centre
• Sewa Gram
Mahila Haat
• Banascraft/Kutchc
raft
• Shree Mahila
Sewa Sahakari Bank Ltd.
• Gujarat State
Mahila SEWA Cooperative Federation
• Shri Mahila
SEWA Anasooya Trust
• SEWA Insurance
• SEWA Academy
• Video SEWA
• SEWA Bharat
• Homenet South
Asia
• SEWA ICT
• SEWA Sanskar
10. Achievements
Organizational Profile 2009
7
SEWA had shown several noteworthy events and achievements in various areas. Both individual members and colleagues were recognized and obtained awardsfor their contributions to the workers’ movement, and also SEWA and its sister organizations’ contributions were recognized. While recognition is only given to a few,We gratefully and humbly acknowledge the continuing support and contributions of thousands of women workers, their families, our well-wishers and friends. It truly has been and is a team effort to further the SEWA movement.SEWA’s new Executive Committee was elected on January 26th, 2006 for a threeyear term.
• SEWA became an affiliate of the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU), now called the International Trade Union Congress (ITUC).
• SEWA became an affiliate of the International Federation of Building and Woodworkers (IFBWW).
• Construction workers obtained recognition as workers eligible for welfare and social security measures.
• In November, the Gujarat High Court stayed the eviction of streetvendors. They can now sell their wares in marketplaces and streets of the city. This judgement was in response to a SEWA’s petition in the High Court.
• A rally of 400 workers was organised on the occasion of Literacy Day in Septemeber. • Lok Swasthya cooperative opened a low cost medicines-cum-medical advice centre,
its forth such centre, in the Chamanpura area of Ahmedabad. • Sangini Childcare cooperative’s crèche “graduates” gave testimony at a national
convention on child care and child nutrition. • The Finance Minister of India inaugurated SEWA Bank’s new pension programme
for women workers in partnership with the Unit Trust of India (UTI). • SEWA Bank opened a new extension counter in the Chandkheda area of the city. • 1200 artisan women from Kutch and Patan districts assembled at our “Banas na
Aana” premises in Radhanpur, Patan district to collectively embroider 1000 metres of cloth. This dawn-to-dusk feat was covered in a special programme by Z TV.
• The Commerce Minister of India visited Gram Haat and Unnat Bazaar, our national and international marketing organisations.
• A new outlet for artisans world-wide was inaugurated in Washinton D.C. by the former President of the World Bank. SEWA’s products were also on sale, and our representatives were present.
• Unnat Bazaar entered into a partnership with Exim Bank of India for expanding artisans production and marketing.
• A SEWA team visited Afghanistan for two weeks to suggest how livelihood promotion for women could be further developed, at the invitation of the Afghani and Indian governments.
11. Funding Sources
The major funding bodies associated with the SEWA organization are
• Government of India • UNDP
Organizational Profile 2009
8
• UNFPA • World Bank • Swiss Agency For Development and Cooperation(SDC),Oxfam Australia • Swallos,Hellsinki (Finland) • Government of respective states in which our host organization actively working
i.e.Gujarat, Rajasthan,Bihar, U.P, Maharashtra, M.P etc.
12. Future Plan
The future development strategies of the organization has in consolidating its existing interventions and diversifying into new activities.
• Help building and providing an assured market to more than three lakh rural producers members
• In futire RUDI(Sewa enterprise) will cover 14 districts and reach to 1750 villages of Gujarat.
• ICT intitiatives for women needs continous guidence from experts in related areas especially starting ICT trainings, handholding, repairing, marketing, management, etc.
• Help in cunducting trainings for building proper sanition facilities in the villages possibly common as well as private,separate to the customs prevaling in the villages
• To identify potential economic programmes,that provide sustainable employment. • Finalize the operational plans of the economic programmes(including business plans). • Facilitate in setting up fund managemant.
Village Study Segment MRM (2008-10)
National Service Scheme Activities
Host Organisation Self Employed Women’s Association
(SEWA)
Submitted by: Vikas Rana(8201040)
Vikram Singh (8201041) Sandeep Kumar (8201075) Raman Sharma (8201025)
School of Rural Management Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) University
Bhubaneswar, Orissa, India 2009
NSS Activity 2009
1
A report on N.S.S Activity
The National Service Scheme was launched in 1969. It aims at the involvement mainly of
undergraduate students on a voluntary basis in various activities of social serviced and national
development which while making a contribution to socio-economic progress would also provide
opportunities to the students to understand and appreciate the problems of the communities,
awaken social consciousness and inculcate in them sense of dignity of labour. There has been a
great deal of enthusiasm among the students in various programmers taken up under the scheme.
At the same time, there has been a demand from several quarters that opportunity should be
provided to the youth going out of the universities and colleges to engage themselves on a whole
time basis for a specific period in activities of social and national service.
Motto:
The motto of the National Service Scheme (N.S.S.) is "Not Me, But You", This expresses the
essence of democratic living and upholds the need for selfless services and appreciation of
another man's point of view and also show consideration for fellow human beings. It underlines
the welfare of an individual is ultimately dependent on the welfare osf society as a whole.
therefore it should be the aim of the N.S.S. to demonstrate this motto in its day-to-day activities
Aim:
This programme is to inculcate the social welfare thoughts in the students, and to provide service
to the society without any prejudice. NSS volunteers work hard day and night to ensure that
every one in our society who is needy gets the every possible help from them so that they can
also enhance their standards and lead a life of dignity in the society with all of us. In doing so,
the volunteers themselves learn a lot from the people in villages like how to struggle and how to
lead a happy life in the extreme scarcity of resources and so on.
NSS Activity 2009
2
Schedule of N.S.S activities conducted by KSRM Students during Village Study Segment
S. No. Date Activities Participants
1. 26-01-09 We celebrated 26th January in a school of Devki village. we gave speeches on various issues like Girl Education, Water conservation etc.
School children, sarpanch as a chief guest & Principal of that school.
2. 27-01-09 Rally on Water Conservation in one of the SEWA’s model village (kesarpura)
Villagers specially women, children, SEWA members & school teachers.
3. 01-02-09 Pulse Polio Day we attended a camp in Hathai village and gave polio drops to the children door to door also.
Our group of 4 students, our local coordinator of SWEA & a Doctor.
4. 10-02-09 to 17-02-09
Children’s education awareness programme in village Kesarpura
One school teacher, our group & school children
Activities in details:
1. 26th January Celebration:
It was a nice experience to celebrate the 6oth republic day with the kids of Prathamik Pathshala
of Devaki village. We took the permission from the principal of the school on 25th evening for
doing our N.S.S. activity with their children. The programme started at 8:00 a.m. Sarpanch was
the chief guest in the function.Flag Hoisting was done by the chief guest at 8:30a.m. There were
11 cultural programmes by the students of the school such as folk dance, poetry, patriotic song
etc. Vikram gave a speech on ‘tree plantation and water conservation’ for 5 minutes. Next was
Sandeep who took the floor and gave a speech on ‘checkdams’(Med Med par Ped Lagao).Raman
gave a speech on ‘Girl Education’.The children enjoyed the programme a lot and it was
memorable experience for us too.
NSS Activity 2009
3
2. Rally on Water conservation awareness:
We took a rally on 27th January in Kesarpura village with the SEWA staff to spread awareness
on water conservation. The main reason behind the rally in that village was because we selected
that village as a model village for detailed study that is why we organized an awareness rally for
the social welfare of village residents. Around 75 people participated in the rally and thereafter
Vikas gave a short speech on Water conservation practices & its merits.
3. 1st Feb (Pulse Polio Day):
We went to a village Hathai and participated in ‘Pulse Polio Abhiyan’. We gave polio drops to
children in their school village. The people of that village were very cooperative and friendly
also and we had already visited that village for 2-3 times and they gave us a very good response
every time, so we decided to help the villagers by creating awareness. On the next day we went
the home of those children who had not came to the school i.e. we had complete our task on that
day by door to door service and gave them polio drops and completed our pulse polio
programme.
4. 10th-17th February (Children’s Education Awareness Programme):
When we saw the condition of the school of the village Kesarpura we were really disappointed
because only one teacher was there for the whole school. So we decided to help the students by
spending some time and teach them in a play way method for one hour, till we were there i,e. for
7 days.The students enjoyed the play way method with us and we loved their company a lot. The
We suggested the school principal to employ some staff members so that the future of the
students can be enriched.
Experience while performing NSS activity:
It was a great experience while performing these activities as it has brought us near to the
villagers. Although we are from villages but the realities of these small and poor village of
Rajasthan has motivated all four of us to work for these people in future as much as possible.