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ANNUAL REPORT 2010-11
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ContentsPage
SRUTI FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMME
3
Geographical Reach5
Work undertaken by Fellows6
Important Contributions24
Advocacy and Campaigns26
Capacity Building27
Workshops 27
Activist School28
Perspective Building30
Exposure and Networking32
Cultural Events33
Advocacy Fellowship34
Fellows Meet36
Administration and Personnel38
Fundraising Overview39
Annexure 1 - Fellowship Disbursal Sheet
Auditors Report and Balance Sheet 2009-10
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SRUTI
SRUTI Society for Rural, Urban and Tribal Initiative was founded in 1983, on the belief that individuals
are powerful instruments of social change and transformation. Its vision is to create a society that is
based on the core values of justice, equity, compassion, respect and dignity for all, and aims to
harness the power of individuals in doing so.
SRUTIs core mission, therefore, is to identify and invest in individuals armed with zeal and a vision to
make the world a better place; individuals with idealism, staying power and the ability to mobilize
communities at the grassroots in search of solutions to their most pressing issues, gradually
empowering them to take charge of their own lives.
SRUTI does so by extending a mix of financial support and inputs to a select group of Fellows through a
Fellowship Programme that has evolved substantially over the decades. The Fellowship Programme is
financed by resources mobilized, to the extent possible, from within the country, through a range of
fundraising ideas. The Fellowship Programme and resource mobilization form the two key pillars of
SRUTI.
As an extension of the direct social action supported through the Fellowship Programme, SRUTI also
engages in advocacy and capacity building, and extends solidarity to like-minded groups and networks
in India.
SRUTI Fellowship Programme
Collective action led ably by committed individuals, from local areas, who have the expertise to
objectively analyze the ground situation and recognize the factors at play, is critical for effective
solutions at the grassroots. This importance of collective social action is the crux of the SRUTIFellowship Programme; at its heart is the idea of People for Change.
There are in India, large numbers of dedicated individuals and groups who have initiated community
development work at the grassroots level, in the remotest of locations. Unfortunately, in the absence
of sustained financial support, these individuals are often compelled to revert to their previous
occupations, or take up part time work. The SRUTI Fellowship Programme is designed to identify and
assist such individuals (known as SRUTI Fellows) and groups (sangathans), so that they can continue on
their chosen path with reduced concern about supporting themselves and their families.
Apart from a modest honorarium, SRUTI also aims to strengthen the Fellows initiatives through
exposure visits, capacity building, information sharing, training, solidarity and moral support during
crises. Inter-Fellow learning through meetings and perspective building training programmes is alsopromoted.
The uniqueness of SRUTIs Fellowship Program is that its outreach is wide, yet deep -rooted because the
Fellows engage with communities directly at the grassroots. The change they are able to effect is
therefore not only organic and relevant to the ground, but the cost of enabling it is also low. A
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consistent endeavour of SRUTI has been to encourage sangathans to mobilise funds independently,
stepping in to bridge the shortfall.
Some key issues dealt with are Ownership of Natural Resources - Jal, Jangal, Zameen; Land and Forest
Conservation; Small Holder Agriculture; Right to Food; Right to Work and Livelihood; Panchayati Raj
Institution and Governance; Rights to the City; Education; Right to Information; Caste and Gender.
Since its inception, SRUTI has supported the work of more than 122 fellows at the grass roots in 18
states across India.
SRUTI currently supports 24 Fellows, 145 karyakartas(volunteers/activists) and their groups in 12 states:
Uttarakhand, Delhi, Rajasthan, Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Odisha,
Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The current outreach of SRUTI Fellows is over 7000 villages
and 230 urban clusters covering around 6 lakh families and 30 lakh people*.
*1 lakh = 0.1 million
The Fellowship honours the dignity of the individual, community efforts and experience.
The Fellowship supports peoples movements, encouraging a democratic structure and active
participation of all levels of karyakartas within the sangathan, building local leadership that can carry
the movement forward.
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Geographical Reach of the SRUTI Fellows
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Work undertaken by Fellows, 2010-11
A. MGNREGAOverview:
During 2010-11, the process of filing job applications and sanctioning of microplans and projects underMGNREGA was closely followed and monitored by a number of Fellows. As a result, almost 90,000 jobcard holders (60 % women) got jobs for at least 50-60 working days in AP, Rajasthan, MP, Maharashtra,Bihar and Odisha, translating into disbursement of wages to the tune of over Rs. 54 crores. Bankaccounts were also opened for existing job card holders in Odisha, Bihar & MP. Since most of thebeneficiaries live in remote areas that do not have easy access to banks, the sangathans facilitated theopening of bank accounts to enable labourers to receive their earned wages. The sangathans in thesestates also successfully managed to get 300 micro plans (70 projects and 230 farm ponds) sanctioned bythe Gram Sabhas. Apart from this, pending wages were also monitored by Fellows in 6 states andarrears recovered. In Odisha, the Fellows also kept a watch over the facilities that are mandated to beprovided to workers under MGNREGA.
Shoshit Kamgar Sangathan in Latur,Maharashtra facilitated jobs for 512 job
card owners in 18 villages of the Nilanga
and Shirur Anantpal blocks. Apart from this,
13,303 people received job cards in these
blocks due to continuous monitoring by the
sangathan.
In 17 villages of Chamiala district, Uttarakhand, Chetna
Andolan conducted orientation programmes for women on
MGNREGA in Charigad, Konti, Jhanet and Ronshal. Information
regarding the employment they could avail of especially during
the lean agricultural seasons was disseminated. The focus wason building the capacity of literate and semi-literate village
women to write out their applications for work. These
programmes were followed by submission of applications by
the women at the Block level demanding work, resulting in
receipt of work by many.
1 - A meeting in Bamni village of Nilanga block, Maharashtra,
conducted by Shoshit Kamgar Sangathan to discuss MGNREGA
issues.
Sangathans working on MGNREGA
1. Adima Adivasi Mukti Manch, Odisha2. Adivasi Chetna Sangathan, Odisha3. Adivasi Kranti Sangathan, Odisha4. Adivasi Sangharsh Vahini, Odisha5. Bagelkhand Adivasi Kisan Mazdoor
Mukti Morcha (BAKMMM), Madhya
Pradesh
6. Bahishkrit Hitkari Sangathan, Bihar7. Bundelkhand Mazdoor Kisan Shakti
Sangathan, MP
8. Chetna Andolan, Uttarakhand9. Jashpur Jan Kalyan Sanstha,
Chhattisgarh
10. Lok Chetna Sangathan, Odisha,11. Mitra Association for Social
Service, Andhra Pradesh
12. Navjeevan, Andhra Pradesh13. Shoshit Kamgar Sangathan,
Maharashtra
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Chetna Andolan also conducted a survey from
1st April to 15th May in the villages to assess
whether 100 days of work was indeed being
given to villagers in the year 2009-10. The
results showed that in 12 villages, on average,
people got work for 15-90 days, with job cards
of many being retained by the Pradhan.
Additionally, several irregularities were noted
in the wages paid to those who managed to
obtain work. Chetna Andolan has also been
pressurizing the village Pradhans for greater
inclusion of women in the muster rolls.
Bahishkrit Hitkari Sangathan in Khagariya district, Bihar
filed 2000 job applications in Parbatta block resulting in
work for 1200 families. Due to the sangathans effort, a 5
km road between Kolbada and Kulharia has been
sanctioned at a cost of Rs.22 lakhs. Apart from
disseminating awareness regarding MGNREGA, the
sangathan formed Gram Vikas Samitis (Village Development
Committees) in 20 villages to develop micro-plans under
MGNREGA valued at approximately Rs.1 crore.
In order to learn different strategies for better
implementation of MGNREGA, Navjeevan in Nellore
district, Andhra Pradesh undertook an exposure visit to
sangathans in Odisha and Rajasthan. The sangathan has
formed 979 Shrama Shakthi Sanghas (SSS) in 107 villages of
four mandals in Nellore district, viz. Venkatagiri, Balayapalli, Dakkili and Kavali mandals. Each SSS
group has 20 members and a leader who are given regular inputs to maximize employment under
MGNREGA. Each group has been able to mobilize work for themselves and others for more than 50 65
days during the year, at a minimum wage of Rs.121/- per day. The success led to an increase of
members seeking job cards, and has also reduced migration to a considerable extent.
2 - Women working in paddy fields in Chamiala district,
Uttarakhand. Chetna Andolan is facilitating MGNREGA work for
women during lean agricultural seasons.
3 Ghuro, a core member of Bahishkrit
Hitkari Sangathan, Bihar. She has emerged as
a strong leader who oversees MGNREGA
work in her vicinity. This vigilance helps
ensure timely completion of projects as well
as appropriate payment.
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Lok Chetna Sangathan in Rayagada
district, Odisha, held 4 consultations on
MGNREGA to deliberate on different
aspects of the scheme such as job card
registration; co-operation between
villagers and Gram Sanjojak; formulation
of a plan relating to land, forest, water
and labour; organization of the Gram
Sabha; participation of women; formation
of village monitoring committee;
submission of C-1 form etc. were
discussed. Jobs for almost 890 job card
holders were received in the area for 50-60
days due to active intervention and
monitoring of the program by the
sangathan
CASE STUDY
MGNREGA Study; Adivasi Chetna Sangathan, Odisha
The persistent obstacles and lacunae encountered during the implementation of MGNREGA led Adivasi
Chetna Sangathan in Dhenkanal district, Odisha, to conduct a study which would help understand why
the objectives of the scheme have not been realised.
The study was conducted in four gram panchayats in Parjang and Pallahara blocks (Akhuapal,
Jayapurakateni, Rohila and Mundusibeda) in May and June 2010. The main focus of the study was to
assess the overall awareness level regarding MGNREGA, and
more specifically, regarding aspects such as registration,
issuance of job cards, work demand and allotment, facilities at
work site, transparency of the process, muster rolls,
measurement of work and wage payment. Special attention was
also paid to studying the involvement of women and the impact
on their day to day life. 50 questions based on these aspects
were listed and put to people through individual interactions
and FGDs. 4 FGDs each were held for women and men
separately. 25 people participated in each group, totaling 200
job card holders in all.
The findings suggest that 90% of the beneficiaries were not
aware of important aspects of the scheme due to lack of proper
communication from the government; and had experienced
corruption and irregularities at various levels from registration
to wage payment. About 60% of the job cards were kept with
the gram panchayat or contractors, 40% of the beneficiaries
4- A meeting of sangathan members on MGNREGA conducted by Lok
Chetna Sangathan in Gunupur district, Odisha
5 An MGNREGA study was
conducted by Adivasi Chetna
Sangathan in Parjang and Pallahara
blocks, Odisha
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obtained work for merely 20-40 days in a year and wages were paid 20-60 days after completion of
work. The muster rolls were not displayed for the public and special provisions for women at the work
site were absent.
Overall, the beneficiaries have lost faith in the scheme due to delayed payments and prefer to work
under contractors. The survey concluded that overall the MGNREGA has not been able to check
migration of workers from the villages studied and has not resulted in any significant improvement in
the standard of living.
B. Land RightsOverview:
The issue of land rights was pursued by SRUTI Fellows in Odisha, Bihar, Maharashtra and AP. They wereinstrumental in securing land pattas (161) redistribution of 1,264 acres of land, resolving 25 landencroachment cases and submitting 80 land lease applications. The secretary of Mitra Association for
Social Service in AP has also been elected as a member of the District Land Reforms Committee, whichplays a key role in settling land disputes involving marginalised communities in the area.
Mazdoor Kisaan Samiti succeeded in securing
possession of 80 acres for landless communities in
Gaya, Bihar, the latest success in a protracted
twenty year-long struggle over redistribution of
land. Owing to this struggle, 24 new villages have
been established. With the recent allocation of 80
acres, a new village called Azadgram has now been
established.
Lok Chetna Sangathan in Odisha organized various
revenue meetings and with the help of the GunupurTehsildar, 149 homestead pattas were distributed.
Sangathan members also submitted 80 land lease
applications and settled 25 encroachment cases.
7 Pradeep Dash addressing a meeting organised by
Lock Chetna Sangathan in Talmonda village, Rayagada
district, Odisha
6 Azadgram is one of the most recent villages to be
established through redistribution of land to
marginalized communities in Gaya district Bihar.
Mazdoor Kisan Samiti has established 18 such villages
from 300 acres of the Shankaracharya Math.
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CASE STUDY
Grazing Land Campaign; Shramjeevi Sangathana Marathwada Vibhag, Maharashtra
Shramjeevi Sangathana has been working on thegairan (grazing) land issue for over a decade. Gairan
land is reserved land that is traditionally used for
grazing cattle. Over time, poor landless farmers began
cultivating this land, and it has gradually become their
only source of livelihood and sustenance. During the
Nizams era, an order was passed to hand over such
land to Dalits, but it was not implemented properly;
consequently, there are a number of dalit families
who do not have access to, or ownership of land due to
various technical loopholes.
Despite the fact that in 1978, the Government of
Maharashtra passed a resolution to regularize gairan
land in the name of needy/deserving people (and
once again, in 1991), little action was seen on this
front.
In the meantime, gairan land holders have been
repeatedly subjected to atrocities by the upper
caste members of their villages. Not only have they
been beaten, had their houses burnt and their
crops destroyed, but they have often also faced
social boycott, compelling several families to leavetheir homes to escape oppression.
Many other issues plague gairan land holders; the
land is usually infertile and undulating as it is often
situated in hilly areas, interspersed with bushes
and large stones all of this makes it difficult to
8 Gairan land on hillock in Latur district, Maharashtra
Sangathans working on land rights
1. Bahishkrit Hitkari Sangathan, Bihar2. Khetihar Khan Mazdoor Sangathan, Rajasthan3. Lok Chetna Sangathan, Odisha4. Mazdoor Kisan Samiti, Bihar5. Mitra Association for Social Service, Andhra Pradesh6. Navjeevan, Andhra Pradesh7. Shoshit Kamgar Sangathan, Maharashtra8. Shramjeevi Sangathana, Maharashtra
8 Meeting on gairan land organised by Shramjeevi
Sangathana Marathwada Vibhag in Tiruka village, Jalkot
block, Latur district, Maharashtra
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cultivate. As a result,gairan land holders have to toil very hard to make their land productive.
Given the apathy of the administration and police towards their plight, small and marginal landholders
came together to overcome their difficult circumstances: Encouraged by a petition filed in the
Aurangabad High Court, by Mr. R. V. Bhudskute along with Human Right Law Network, Mumbai, on
behalf ofgairan land holders to regularizegairan lands as per the 1991 order, the sangathan restarted
their campaign with new vigour in 2010. The instructions of the High Court were discussed in detailwith the concerned families and a decision was taken to provide detailed information to the petitioner.
300 applications have been submitted for verification with follow-ups underway to ensure ownership of
gairan land.
C. Public Distribution SystemOverview:
Monitoring the functioning of the Public Distribution system is an area of engagement for many SRUTI
Fellows. 189 community watch groups were formed (a total of 1240 members including 840 women) tomonitor and ensure the effective functioning of ration shops under Public Distribution System throughtwo sangathans in Marathwada, Maharashtra. Sangathans in Delhi, Odisha, Maharashtra, MP and APhave been working tirelessly to ensure smooth and effective functioning of PDS in their respectiveareas through regular meetings and dialogue with the respective authorities. 2066 pension applicationswere facilitated in 78 villages in these states.
Adima Adhivasi Mukti Manch, Odisha, organized apublic gathering on NH-224 demanding the timelydistribution of PDS ration and electricity supply to BPLmembers at Gurah. Due to this, the Tehsildar, BDO,Sub-Collector later assured the regularization ofration and electricity in the area within one month.
Another gathering took place at the Panchayat officein Beherasahi cluster of Banigochha Gram Panchayat.As a result, the BDO, Supply Inspector and otherrelated officials intervened and ensured immediatedistribution of ration.
Satark Nagrik Sangathan (SNS) in New Delhi, continued towork with low-income families to ensure that rightfulentitlements are received under the Public Distribution
System (PDS). To ensure monitoring of the functioning ofPDS, SNS organized weekly community meetings in slumsettlements of Malviya Nagar, Munirka and Sangam Vihar.30-40 people attended each of these meetings in the slums.Ration cardholders were trained on how to use various toolssuch as the complaints system, public audits and the RTI Actto check PDS irregularities in their area. SNS assistedcardholders in carrying out numerous public
10 A meeting on PDS organised by Adhima Adhibasi
Mukti Manch in Na a arh district Odisha
Sangathans working on PDS
1. Adhima Adivasi Mukti Manch inNayagarh, Odisha
2. Adivasi Chetna Sangathan, Odisha3. Bundelkhand Mazdoor Kisan Shakti
Sangathan, MP4. Dilli Shramik Sangathan, Delhi5. Lok Chetna Sangathan, Odisha,6. MASS in Palamner district, AP7. Navjeevan, Andhra Pradesh8. Sarvahara Jan Andolan, Maharashtra9. Satark Nagrik Sangathan, Delhi10. Shoshit Kamgar Sangathan in Latur,
Maharashtra
11. Shramjeevi Sangathana, Maharashtra
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audits/verification of records of ration shops. The discrepancies found during the audit were brought tothe notice of the department officials for appropriate redressal.
CASE STUDY
Ensuring Right to Food for Urban Poor & Workers; Delhi Shramik Sangathan (DSS), Delhi
A recurring problem in the sangathans work area has been the cancellation of se veral ration cards
since 2007 (when they were due for renewal) without any explanation from the government
authorities. The response from the department of Food & Civil Supplies has been vague &
unconvincing. These ration card holders from slum areas were given ration till May09 (before the
parliamentary election) but it was suspended just after the election. Renewal efforts by the card
holders were proving to be futile.
377 ration cards of Bhim camp were cancelled. Following a complaint to the food department, it was
proved that the cards were not officially cancelled; the errant dealer responsible for this was suddenlyready to provide ration to the families. 40 families lodged complaints about the dealer to the Food
Commissioner; the shop was sealed post an enquiry.
New Sanjay camp, Okhla faced the same issue.
When community members filed applications under
the RTI act, they didnt receive a satisfactory
answer from the Department. The members then
appealed & demanded a check of the stock & sale
register of the shop. The date of checking was
finalized but the FSO was absent on that day. The
next day, it was found that the cancelled ration
cards were actually active and the ration was
subsequently issued to the holders. DSS members
and the core team members took a copy of the sale
records and filed a complaint at the office of the
Commissioner of Food Supplies and Consumer
Affairs.
Despite being eligible, slum residents of Shalimar
Bagh were not receiving kerosene oil. The complaint has been filed with the FSO of the circle for
necessary action. Similar problems were being faced in the slums of Kirti Nagar & Chuna Bhatti and
core team members along with other members have filed complaints. Enquiries were conducted within
15 days.
The core teams of many slum areas are now able to maintain constant dialogue with Government
officials. Most of them have a rapport with relevant Government departments like Food and Civil
Supplies as they are familiar with the structure & functioning of the department.
11 - Basti Core Committee members of Shiv Vihar JJ
Colony in Delhi
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D. Forest Rights Act (FRA) ImplementationOverview:
Verification of claim forms was the focus of most sangathans working on forest rights. The sangathans
struggled with the complexities of the verification process; in many areas the formation of the
verification committees was not properly initiated by the government. Moreover, most of the filedclaims were rejected on arbitrary grounds. Apart from this more than 22,000 new individual claim
forms and 70 community claim forms were filed. The sangathans managed to get land titles for 5323
individual claims and 23 community claims in Odisha and AP, after a strong and continuous follow-up
with the concerned district administrations. Caste certificates were made, to ensure rights under FRA.
In Tamil Nadu, about 8000 acres of land that was to be acquired for an elephant corridor was stopped
due to mobilisations and follow-up activity by VTMS.
Adivasi Kranti Sangathan in Dhenkanal district,
Odisha, facilitated the submission of 1742 claim
forms from 68 villages of Kankadahad block for
verification by forest right committees (FRCs) and
the tehsildar. 68 community claims have been
submitted and verified by the village-level FRC. In
2010-11, 1594 individual titles were given to tribals
under FRA. Training programs in five phases were
organized by the sangathan to educate and assist
almost 300 village-level FRC members. Here they
were updated on joint forest management efforts
where community involvement, forest protection
and regeneration techniques were given priority.
Fellow, AK Pany is a member of Sub District Land
Committee, Kamakhyanagar and District Land Committee, Dhenkanal, while 28 sangathan karyakartas
hold President and Secretary positions of village-level FRCs in Kankadahad block. 6 communitydevelopment plans in Kamakhyanagar block and 18 community forest development plans were drafted
by the sangathan and duly approved by thepalli sabha, PRI and FD.
12 - Rally for forest rights of tribals organised by Adivasi
Kranti Sangathan, Dhenkanal, Odisha
Sangathans working on forest rights
1. Adhima Adivasi Mukti Manch in Nayagarh,Odisha
2. Adivasi Chetna Sangathan, Odisha3. Adivasi Kranti Sangathan, Odisha4. Adivasi Mahila Mahasangh, Chhattisgarh5. Bundelkhand Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan,
MP
6. Kashtkari Jan Andolan, Maharashtra7. Lok Chetna Sangathan, Odisha8. Maati, Uttarakhand9. Sarvahara Jan Andolan, Maharashtra9. VTMS, Tamil Nadu
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Sarvahara Jan Andolan in Maharashtra dealt with
the issue of rejection of 3/4th of the forest claims
from Raigad. Other parts of the state were also
reflecting a similar experience. A public meeting
organised with the claimants revealed that the
Sub-Divisional and District committee members
were pressurized by the Mangaon SDO to reject
claims. With the affidavit as support, the
sangathan filed a complaint against the SDO under
the Atrocities Act through a huge rally at
Mangaon. Another gathering was organised at the
district headquarters at the Collector's office. The
collector assured that he would review all the
cases, giving a boost to the sangathans efforts in
the fair implementation of Forest Rights in the
area. The sangathan worked with the Gadgil committee appointed by the NAC to highlight the issues in
the process of implementation. Sarvahara Jan Andolan was also a key member of the historic rally
that saw thousands of adivasis from across Maharashtra march to Mumbai on March 16th 2011demanding better implementation of the Forest Rights Act. It was widely covered in the media.
VTMS in Tamil Nadu has been actively working
towards implementation of FRA in Mudumalai where
the Mudumalai national park and the wildlife
sanctuary were declared as a Critical Tiger Habitat.
Further, 8000 acres of land was being acquired for
an elephant corridor which has currently stopped.
With the impending election, the issue came up for
intensive debate amongst the general public andthe people decided to intensify their action from 5th
March, 2011. This resulted in a series of steps
including boycott of elections, bandh on 9th March,
2011, along with a meeting where local leaders and
other supporters
like Rajan
(president of
Pechhipparai Panchayat, Kanyakumari), Ganeshamurthy (leader of
Kalakkad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve), C.R Bijoy (CSD), etc. were
present. It was also declared by the Masinagudi Panchayat that all
panchayat members shall resign on 25th March, 2011.
Maati in Munsiari, Uttarakhand, is working for the sustained
establishment of van panchayats by promoting villagers control and
access to their forests. In a bid to weaken van panchayats, Sirmoli
Jayanti Van Panchayat, consisting of two villages in Munsiari,
witnessed a non-democratic election of the Sarpanch in the month of
14 - Protest held by VTMS at the Taluk office,Gudalur, Tamil Nadu against the proposedelephant corridor.
15 - Maati sangathan member
Bhima Devi Rana who is also a
guard of the Sarmoli van,
Munsiari, Uttarakhand
13 - Meeting organised by Sarvahara Jan Andolan on FRA
in Thakurwadi village, Alibagh, Maharashtra
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January. The election was influenced by a nexus of public sector and private corporations who are
constructing mini-hydel dams in the region. The sangathan is working to retain the sovereignty of the
van panchayat to ensure sustained control of the people over natural resources.
CASE STUDY
FRA Sammelan; BMKSS, MP
Bundelkhand Mazdoor Kissan Shakti Sangathan
organized a sammelan on 28th February 2011 in
Khamariya Shivlal village within Taradehi sanctuary
in Damoh district. Mobilization had begun two
months in advance with the Sangathan reiterating
the importance of collective action and a common
platform.
The sammelan began with a round of introductions.
This was novel for most of the people there, as they
generally find it difficult to even articulate their
problems. Introducing themselves and presenting
their concerns in front of such a large gatheringwas
a big step. The session was subsequently led by a
sangathan karyakarta who explained the sangathans objectives and the importance of the work. The
problems faced by the inhabitants of Nauradehi and Rani Durgawati sanctuaries were discussed and a
future plan of action regarding forest rights was to be drafted. Apart from this focussed discussion, the
political situation and the policies adopted by the State administration were deliberated upon.
Overall the discussion points were centred around the sangathans relevance, its aims and objectives;definition of sanctuaries, its impact on livelihoods; peoples traditional rights over forests; why the
FRA came into being and when was it made; ways of securing and protecting ones rights over forest;
FRA rules and regulations; procedures of filing claims; the level of the implementation of the act;
understanding the policies of the State and the Centre, and how a suitable plan of action should be
initiated by the community and the sangathan. This was a valuable framework of discussion which led
to an in-depth understanding of the issue, among the people present.
Several people shared stories of atrocities committed against them by the forest department where
they have been jailed or forced to abandon their traditional occupations by the forest department on
charges of encroachment. The sangathan had motivated 330 people to fill PF-2 forms to claim their
ownership rights over the land that they had been cultivating for years.
16 - FRA Sammelan in Damoh, 28 February, 2011
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E. EducationOverview:
During this period the alternative education schools continued the process of educating 350 enrolled
children in Rajasthan, MP and Uttarakhand. Apart from this, 45 Parent Teacher Associations formed in
Odisha and Maharashtra continued the process of monitoring the quality of education, the condition of
school infrastructure and school services. Scholarships for 600 girls were ensured for the project year in
Maharashtra and MP. Bank accounts were opened for 845 Schedule Caste girl students in Maharashtra to
avail the benefits of scholarships announced by the state government. More than 936 tribal dropout
children have been re-enrolled in primary schools. Also, midday meals in 350 schools were ensured
and quality of meals monitored in Maharashtra, MP, Bihar, Rajasthan and Odisha.
Adharshila Shikshan Kendra in MP has initiated an
innovative project for children where they were
asked to make rooms for themselves with any
available material. This initiative turned into a fulltime activity where children were engaged for hours
in building tiny home-like structures with twigs,
gunny bags, plastic, cloth, ropes, etc. The kids
included water pots, allocated washing spaces with
proper drainage, clothes-lines, curtains, small brick
enclosed verandahs, a common open space with
park-like benches and racks for books. Inspired by
the story of a boy in Africa who generated
electricity through a windmill the children of
Adharshila also worked on a project to generate
electricity from dung. About 40 children
participated in this project.
5 children from Manthan Shikshan Kendra in
Rajasthan passed Class 10 board exams with first
division results. A computer lab has been
established where the kids learn computer skills as
part of their curriculum. Local libraries that were
setup in 11 villages in and around Jhiri with initial
funding from the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation are now
functioning solely through support from the
villagers. These spaces have been successful, in
more ways than one, by encouraging literacy,
creating awareness and exposure to what is
happening in the outside world whilst also
generating a wide range of discussions amongst
local people. Three interns from IndiCorps
organisation are teaching science, history and music18 - Fellow Devendra teaching Math at Manthan Shiksha
Kendra in Jhalawar, Rajasthan
17 - Paintings of Tantya Bhil, Khajiya Naik and Bhagat
Singh adorn the walls of Adharshila Shiksha Kendra in
Sendhwa district, MP. This is part of an effort to
acquaint children with both regional and national
heroes.
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to the children in the school.
CASE STUDY
Government recognition of 25 schools; Adivasi Chetna Sangathan, Odisha
In the year 1997, Adivasi Chetna Sangathan and its sister organization Malayagiri Adivasi Sangharsh
Manch established 6 schools in Parjung and Pallahara Blocks of Dhenkanal District with the support of
local contribution and village communities. These schools were conceived as informal learning centres
for children of the Ho Tribe, who despite having turned 5 years and more, did not have access or
enrollment in any school. The concept of establishment of the schools was to initiate a process of
learning and education in the tribal hamlets where no government schools are present. Children were
taught various aspects of local issues and local folklore in the Ho Language. Subsequently, witnessing
the necessity of more schools, the two sister organizations started 19 more such schools in tribal
villages of Parjung and Pallahara Block. In 2002, the Odisha Government introduced a new scheme,
Sampurna Shiksha Yojana, under the provision
of which schools with 40 children were to berecognized as government schools be provided
facilities as per the regulations of government
education.
The Sangathan took the initiative and sent
letters with details of the schools to the
concerned government offices for the inclusion
of the 25 schools under the scheme. Due to this a
survey was conducted by the government to
understand the relevance, feasibility and quality
of the schools. Later the schools were declared
feasible by the government considering the
numbers of students, the location and the
education it made available for the related villages.
In 2010, the school building at Janbunalia village of Parjung Block was built. More than 1,000 tribal
children are enrolled in these schools and are provided a mid-day meal, school uniform and reading
material. The schools are now following the Odisha Government pedagogy and 21 of them have been
provided basic infrastructure by the government. The Sangathan now monitors the functionality of the
schools and works towards enrolling drop-outs, with the co-operation of the village communities. This
initiative has been an inspiring example of collective efforts of a sangathan.
F. Urban IssuesOverview:
This year Basti Surakhya Sangh (a part of Adivasi Chetna Sangathan), Odisha, based in the Talcher coal
mines industrial area, has been consolidating its efforts to ensure the rights of the people in 15
huttings, reaching out to approximately 6000 people. In Delhi, Dilli Shramik Sangathan has been
19 - School at Janbutalia, Parjung block, after governmentsupport for infrastructure
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working to organize construction workers & domestic workers to raise issues of identity, regulation of
employment and social security benefits. Satark Nagarik Sangathan, also based in Delhi, has expanded
its work to Jharkhand and Bihar.
Satark Nagarik Sangathan (SNS) in New Delhi has
been working towards holding local Councillors, MLAs
and MPs accountable through the RTI Act. Report
cards prepared by SNS on the performance of MCD
Councillors were circulated widely through the print
media. SNS also partnered with 14 NGOs and
conducted training workshops, focus group discussions
and door to door campaigns in various wards across
Delhi to discuss the roles and performance of
Councillors. Door to door mobilization campaigns
were organised in 33 slums. In each of these slums,
pamphlets on the responsibilities of councillors were
distributed and report cards of their area Councillors
were given out. People were encouraged to identifythe development problems of their slums and engage
with their councillors to address these problems.
SNS also expanded its work in Jharkhand and Bihar
through preparing and publishing these MLA report
cards during the elections in the area. This made a huge impact during the electoral campaigns in the
area.
Basti Surakhya Sangh of Adivasi Chetna Sangathan in Angul district, Odisha, has ensured homestead
land pattas for 40 people, 133 Indira Awas Yojana and 162 old age/widow pensions. Apart from this, 5
anganwadi centres have been sanctioned and are currently functioning in the Talcher huttings; 12
houses have been electrified under RGVY and drinking water supply system provided to 5 huttings. Loan
subsidies were also provided to 12 persons amounting to Rs. 1,20,000/-. Due to the sangathans efforts
and consistent follow-up 22 women migrant workers were released from bonded labour in Bangalore.
Triggered by a case filed by Dilli Shramik Sangathan, the Delhi High Court issued an order to the Zonal
Vending Ward Committee, to allot space to all
vendors who were removed from the Harkesh Nagar
area, as per the new National Vendor policy.
Most construction workers in Delhi are unable to
avail the benefits of the legislation made for them
15 years ago; a board called Delhi Construction
Workers Welfare Board was constituted in 2004. This
board is a tripartite board consisting of equal
number of representatives from Government,
representatives of construction worker organizations
and builders associations. The contract award
agencies have to deduct 1% from the contract
amounts given out and this collection is to be
20 - Report cards of Councillors disseminated in the
Hindustan newspaper, an initiative by Satark Nagarik
Sangathan, Delhi.
21 - Theatre of the Oppressed organised by DSS in
Hastsal, Delhi.
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deposited with the Board. This amount is to be used for providing social security benefits to the
construction workers; however not a single worker has been able to avail the benefits. DSS is working
towards mobilizing the construction workers for registration in the welfare board for social security
benefits.
In addition to this, DSS alsoorganized exhibitions, consultations, theatre, film show & drum beating in
18 slums on the issue of housing rights. Information was circulated to around 2500 people.
G. LabourOverview:
4132 new labourers have become members of labour unions in Delhi, Odisha, Maharashtra, AP and
Uttarakhand taking the total membership to 35,132. The Unions are working to ensure fair/adequate
wages, rational work hours/days and livelihood at urban and rural levels along with the security
measures in their respective work space. Apart from this, processes of general registration (not trade
specific) of the unions were taken ahead in the period.
Karnataka Domestic Workers Union has been
taking up the issues of women domestic
workers (part-time and full-time) with a total
of 1500 members.
Dilli Shramik Sangathan, Delhi, organized
regular meetings with domestic workers on
the issue of identity, minimum wages & social
security in Hastasal, Wazirabad, Motilal Nehru
camp & R K Puram. A Public Interest Litigation
has been filed in Delhi High Court against the
removal of vendors from Harkesh Nagar area of
South Delhi. Around 130 vendors have joined
DSS as members. Notices have been issued to
DMRC, DDA & MCD demanding a statement.DSS
has also been mobilizing construction workers
for registration in the Delhi Construction Workers Welfare Board for social security benefits. 475
construction workers are part of this union.
22 - Nagpur Construction Workers and Domestic Workers
Union 700 construction workers and 500 domestic workers
have been registered with the Union respectively.
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CASE STUDY
Lok Chetna Sangathan Migration Study
One of the sangathans key issues is migration, which is a widely prevalent problem in the sangathans
area. A decision was taken by the sangathan to begin a survey at the village level in the first half of2010 to better understand the extent of the phenomenon, and its impact in the region. The sangathan
identified more than 600 migrant labourers who were moving to various towns and cities. Apart from
wage labourers, the sangathan realized that even middle class farmers and youth are migrating due to
irregular rainfall and unavailability of labor. The destinations are usually nearby towns for employment
in construction, and road works in border areas.
Ideally records of footloose labour should be maintained by the labor department. But as per the
sangathans findings there was no such record in
the concerned department. Many of the migrants
suffer ill-treatment and wage-related harassment
at the site of work. The sangathan identified 600migrant labourers who are now working in urban
areas or on border road projects. The sangathan
requested the sub-collector and district authorities
to enroll the names of the migrant labourers and
their family members on the electoral role and
provide MGNREGA job cards. Work options were
charted for the migrant labourers along with legal
support to the family members.
Two migrant labourers from Ramanaguda and
Padmapur block died due to mishaps at their work
site in Bangalore. The sangathan facilitated the
concerned families contact with the company
officials as well as their journey to Bangalore to claim the bodies of the deceased members. The
sangathan also filed a case at the Assistant Labour Commissioners office for compensation. The case is
underway and the sangathan plans to initiate a long term social security plan for migrant labourers and
their families.
The sangathan also facilitated legal help for family members of the migrant families through the taluk
legal aid committee of Gunupur.
H. Gender IssuesMaati in Munsiyari, Uttarakhand, is also working towards self sustainability of women through
agricultural and livelihood processes by promoting organic produce and setting up homestay
programmes. Over the years, Maati has continued its work in opposing alcoholism and in crisis
intervention. People from around 50 surrounding villages know of them and victims of rape, harassment
and domestic violence come to them regularly for help and support. The sangathan has also been
23 - Meeting to discuss legal support for families of migrant
labourers organised by Lok Chetna Sangathan, Rayagadadistrict, Odisha
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involved in rallies and agitations demanding qualified
staff and proper infrastructure in the local schools,
college and hospital.
Women karyakartas of Adima Adhivasi Mukti Manch
and Mati Maa Mahila Morcha in Nayagarh, Odisha,
protested against alcohol distribution in the area.Through the sangathans livelihood programme of
collecting and processing Mahua Jam and other NTFP,
women of the community have become self-
sustainable.
AMahila Sammelan was organised by Chetna Andolan
at Chamiyala, Uttarakhand, on 19th December, 2010.
The issues included construction of dams,
displacement, rehabilitation, MGNREGA, , education
and the location of the capital of Uttarakhand. The
speakers at the sammelan were Shankar
Gopalakrishnan of Campaign for Survival and Dignity,
Geeta Gehrola (State Director, Mahila Samakhya),
Trepan Singh Chauhan, Bhuvaneshvari Kathat of
Uttarakhand Mahila Manch and members of gram
sabhas and panchayats of neighbouring villages.
I. Displacement
Adivasi Mahila Mahasangh in Jashpur district,
Chhattisgarh, has been struggling against the
construction of a dam by NTPC in Gullu village. Being
one of the dam affected villages, several meetings
have been organized to explore possible ways to
counter the forthcoming challenges of displacement.
Decisions were taken that the core members of the
sangathan will strengthen its presence at the village
level and mobilize as many people as possible. Plans
were made to file for community forest rights.
Information about the powers and rights of the gram
sabha was disseminated and locals were encouraged to
lead a collective struggle.
24 - Mahua jam is a an increased source of income
from MFP for women karyakartas of AAMM &
MMMM in Nayagarh district, Odisha
25 - Registration at the Mahila Sammelanor anised b Chetna Andolan in December 2010
26 - A meeting on forest rights organised by Adivasi Mahila
Mahasangh in Gullu village, Jashpur, Chhattisgarh. Fellow
Mamta is seen here addressing the gathering.
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Visthapit Mukti Vahini in Jharkhand has
successfully achieved the irrigation of 5000 acres
of fringe area farmland near the Chandil Dam,
providing a sustainable livelihood option to the
displaced families of over 50 villages. The fringe
area around the catchment relies on a three
metre difference in the reservoir level. This
difference between the Full Reservoir Level
(189m) and Maximum Reservoir Level (192m)
constantly varies through the year, depending on
the rainfall. Consequently, different parts of
the fringe area are submerged for a few months
in the year. Through vigorous campaigning, the
sangathan encouraged the villagers to initiate
irrigated cultivation in this area to make
productive use of the months when the land is
not submerged; both lift irrigation and boring isnow being used to irrigate the crops in the dry season.As a result, despite an unforgiving summer and
less rainfall last year, the available land has been cultivated. Paddy, wheat and vegetables are being
grown. The harvest last year was healthy with an average of one acre yielding 10 quintals of produce.
J. Panchayati Raj
Adivasi Chetna Sangathan in Angul and Dhenkanal districts, Odisha, has been working to empower
people through the Panchayati Raj system by participating in Palli Sabhas, Gram Sabhas as well as
contesting elections to create a base for an alternative ofpeoples politics. Presently 75 karyakartas of
the sangathan (40 men + 35 women) are working actively as electoral representatives in the PanchayatiRaj (ward members / sarpanch / samiti members). One of the senior leaders of the Sangathan, Sripati
Sinko also won the sarpanch elections.
Adivasi Kranti Sangathan in Odisha has been conducting regular training programs with the elected
PRI members from dalit and tribal communities, to educate and orient them on various services offered
by by the gram panchayat such as drinking water, sanitation, roads, health benefits, anganwadi, mid-
day meal, PDS and other development schemes like NREGS and BRGF. The karyakartas of the
sanghathan have been conducting discussions and meetings with various stakeholders, including
officials from the gram panchayat, to understand the present service delivery aspect, and issues that
needed to be addressed in the tribal and dalit communities. Also, several focus group discussions were
conducted with members of the gram panchayat regarding wages, quality and satisfaction with public
services provided by PRI institution. About 97 PDS monitoring and maintaining committees were formedand activated through trainings and mobilizations.
The efforts of the Sangathan have resulted in 36 IAY sanctions in forest dwelling tribal communities of
Gundichanali and Baunspal village of Kamakhyanagar block. 346 sanctions have been given work orders
for construction with an advance of Rs. 5000/- for the benefit of the dalits and tribals of Kankadahad
block. 220 widow & old age pensions have also been facilitated by the sangathan. 286 tribal families
have received homestead pattas.
27 - Fringe area being cultivated around the Chandil Dam
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K. Cultural resistance
CASE STUDY
Countering communalism; Hum Kisan Sangathan, Rajasthan
Manohar Thana, one of the six blocks in Jhalawar district on the Rajasthan-MP border, has witnessed
persistent communally divisive activities led by local right wing political leaders since 2000.
Conspicuous evidence of this has been the usurping of PMGSY (Pradhan Mantri Grameen Sadak Yojna)
boards by painting them saffron with slogans like Hindu Rashtra Key Hindu Gaon Mein Aap Ka Swagat
Hai (Welcome to a Hindu village of a Hindu nation). There h ave also been recent instances of violence
and deaths that have gone unreported in national media.
In an attempt to provide an inclusive space amidst growing sectarianism through cultural resistance,
Hum Kisan Sangathan and Manthan Siksha Kendra jointly organized a two day event to share and
discuss the music and ideas of Sant Kabir and his legacy of peace and harmony, on 25th and 26th
February, 2011 in Jhiri village of Jhalawar district, Rajasthan.
The event was a community effort to remember the
values of humanity and harmony espoused by the saint. It
was a first of its kind programme giving the opportunity
to various local bhajan mandlis and groups traditionally
proficient in Kabirs bhajans to perform in front of a large
audience. Bhajan mandlis of 11 villages of Manohar Thana
block performed during the programme, making it a truly
unique experience.
The two day programme concluded with a performanceby renowned Malwi folk singer and Padma Shree awardee
Prahlad Singh Tipanya. By ending with Jara dhire dhire
gaadi haanko mere ram gaadi wale, Tipaniyaji
appealed to the audience to realize the value of
brotherhood, unity and social harmony. With a
turnout of around 2000 people from surrounding
villages, the event set a precedent by reaching out
to so many in an area that has seen persistent
communal tension for decades, being a right wing
political stronghold.
The most significant, yet subtle, step of change and
resistance to communal division took place at the
end of the event when villagers opted to put up
boards with secular messages of Kabir alongside the
vandalized ones. Representatives from several
villages took ownership of positioning these boards
and monitoring their continued presence. This endeavour has created an alternative and secular space
28 - Renowned folk singer Prahlad Singh Tipanya at
the event
29 - Boards with Kabir's dohas being distributed at the
event
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for the people of Jhalawar and is a commendable and courageous attempt within the local community
to build bridges across the politically created rifts.
Important Contributions
1. Satark Nagrik Sangathan, Delhi (SNS) - Report cards of Bihar MLAsPrior to the Bihar Assembly elections in November 2010, SNS
developed Report Cards on the performance of sitting Members
of the Bihar Legislative Assembly. These were developed on
the basis of information accessed under the Right to
Information Act, 2005 and disseminated in print daily in the
Times of India.
Disclosure of information related to local area development
funds of elected representatives
As a result of repeated complaints, public hearings and follow-
ups organized by SNS, in February 2011, the Central
Information Commission, in two landmark decisions, ordered
the Delhi Government and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi
to install boards in every ward of Delhi to display expenditure
details under the local area development funds of the areas
MLA and Councillor. As per the orders, details of the
expenditure incurred in the current year and the previous year
have to be provided on these boards in Hindi. The CIC in its
orders took a strict view of the violation of the RTI Act by the Delhi Government and the MCD and
observed that providing this information was a basic obligation of the government under Section 4 of
the RTI Act and that this obligation should have been met by October 2005. The CIC directed the Chief
Secretary of Delhi and the Commissioner of the MCD to ensure that the boards are put up displaying the
relevant information in Hindi, in all wards of Delhi by the 15th of March 2011.
2. Chetna Andolan, Uttarakhand Environmental Impact Re-assessment of Bhilangana HydroPower Project
The people of Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand have been
protesting against the Bhilangana Hydro Power Project
for the past decade. The Uttarakhand government has
not adequately responded to their basic demands(access to the project report, Environment Impact
Assessment report and a public hearing which the
project affected people are entitled to). It took three
years to obtain the Environment Impact Assessment
report. The sangathan has also been protesting for 6
years to know why the project has been enhanced to
30 - Report cards of Bihar MLAs in Times of
India
31 - Tehri dam area, Uttarakhand
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22.5 MW instead of the original sanction of 11MW. This increased capacity was made without any fresh
assessment; a requirement that is mandatory as per the Ministry of Environment and Forests. On 25 th
February 2011, the Nainital High Court passed an order in favour of the people and ordered a
reassessment of the environmental impact in view of the increase in the projects power capacity.
3. Shoshit Kamgar Sangathan, Maharashtra Women Self Help GroupsShoshit Kamgar Sangathan has now formed 525 women
self help groups. These groups are not only working
towards self sustainability of women members of SHGs
through collection of revolving funds in local banks, but
also monitoring implementation of governance schemes
such as ICDS, PDS, various school and health schemes.
4. Kashtkari Jan Andolan Vocational training for dam displaced youth in MaharashtraOne of the demands supported by the
sangathan for the Ghosikhurd dam displacedin
Maharashtra, has been vocational training for
youth of the displaced families. This demand
was recently met by the state government
where the youth from the families displaced by
the dam are to be given vocational training
funded by the government. The Maharashtra
government has adopted this recommendation
into their rehabilitation policy for dam
affected families, making this a significant
victory for the sangathan and the community.
Advocacy and Learning Centre
Advocacy efforts are closely integrated with the Fellowship Programme. The scope of the advocacy
work is to strengthen the efforts of the SRUTI fellows and assist them in developing appropriate
strategies. Several campaigns and workshops on various government schemes, Right to Food, FRA, Right
33 - A state assembly gherao organised by KashtkariJan Andolan in Nagpur on 1st December 2010 seekingproper rehabilitation of those displaced by IndiraSagar dam in Maharashtra
32 - Womens SHG meeting in Nilanga block,Maharashtra
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to Education, womens rights, Panchayat Raj, health, communalism and caste issues were organised
during this period.
Advocacy and Campaigns
Seminar on Right to Recall & Reject
A one day seminar on Right to Recall and Right to Reject wasorganised by a network group of 38 organizations known asRashtriya Jantantrik Samanvayak Morcha or NCDF (NationalCoordination of Democratic Front). Many SRUTI Fellows aremembers of RAJAS. The seminar took place at Gandhi PeaceFoundation, New Delhi on 28th August, 2010.
The objective of the seminar was to review the much debatedissue of recalling peoples representatives if they do notperform well during their elected tenure, and rejectingcandidates chosen solely by the party to stand for electionsrepresenting large populations.
Activists like Priyadarshi (associated with Mazdoor KisanSamiti) from Bihar gave few insights as to how even MorarjiDesai in the year 1970 had included the same in his manifestobut it never came into existence. In his opinion not onlyshould there be a right to recall and reject but even mid-termevaluations of the representatives should be done. Activistsand community leaders from Dilli Shramik Sangathan alsoshared their views and reiterated the true meaning ofJantantra / Prajatantra essentially resting the seat of power/ control with the citizens.
There were others in the seminar who shared that we must understand the true character and agendaof a functional democracy. Satyendra, a journalist, believed that we must not delegitimize politics and
instead ensure that people are capable enough to stand for elections. We must not strive to achievethe ideal when we have not taken proper account of the real situation at hand.
Overall the seminar was a success and generated perspectives that helped enhance the understandingof the topic.
Reduction of dam height of SuvarnarekhaMultipurpose Project, Chandil
On August 4th 2010, 52 villages in Jharkhands
Singhbum district were given a new lease of life.
These villages, situated around the Chandil dam,faced complete submergence in the wake of the
proposed increase in dam height of the Suvarnarekha
Multipurpose Project (SMP), by five metres. To this
effect, the Suvarnarekha Multipurpose Project (SMP)
authorities had closed the radial gates of the dam on
June 30th. Mass protests and continued agitation by
34 - Fellow Ramendra addressing the
gathering at the Rajas event
35 - A protest march against increase in the height of
Chandil dam organised by Visthapit Mukti Vahini,
Jharkhand
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Visthapit Mukti Vahini (VMV), Jharkhand, led to this landmark reversal of the SMPs actions. 116
villages have already been submerged since the construction of the dam and many of these displaced
families are yet to receive rightful rehabilitation and compensation. VMV has been working towards a
steady and persistent presence among villagers residing under the Chandil dam command area and
proactively fighting for fair implementation of the rehabilitation policy since 1986.
Survey On Caste Discrimination in Government Schools; Bahishkrit Hitkari Sangathan, Bihar
Bahishkrit Hitkari Sangathan has conducted a survey on untouchability and caste based discrimination
in Government schools, since the school drop-out rates of SC/ST and Muslim children is high and the
concerned department claim various reasons for this phenomenon. The findings of this Survey reflected
disturbing social reasons for this high drop-out rate. The Sangathan conducted the survey in 15 village
primary schools in 3 blocks of Khagariya district. About 200 children were asked 14 questions related to
their day-to-day life in these schools. Many of the
sharings disclosed that the children are often victims of
emotional, mental and physical harassment meted out by
upper-caste teachers and students. Most of them are notwilling to return to their schools. While the Right to
Education Act 2009 is now a compulsory constitutional
right for each and every child in India - this
discrimination is a challenge that needs to be effectively
and sensitively dealt with to make the RTE a reality in
the lives of children of marginalized communities.
The findings of this survey were published in the media;
after that the Bihar State Child Rights Protection
Commission (BSCRPC), keen on preventing cases of
infringement of child rights, is contemplating strict
measures for the protection of marginalized students inschools. All government and private institutions would come under its purview.
Capacity Building
A) MASS in AP had organised several capacity building workshops for Sangha leaders, members andvolunteers. Bi-monthly meetings were organized at the Palamner office which was attended by 4
conveners, 3 volunteers and 1 coordinator. Activities were reviewed and issues and processes like land,
government schemes, social problems, mobilization processes, Indiramma Housing, MGNREGA and other
issues were discussed. A total of 12 meetings were conducted.
2 awareness training workshops were conducted for union leaders, attended by 137 union leaders. The
training was on leadership skills; identifying relevant problems; Government Programs; the concept of
a sanghas and land issues.
36 - One of the key works undertaken by
Bahishkrit Hitkari Sangathan was to educate Dom
children along with good hygiene.
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External trainings on Natural Resource Management, workshop on MGNREGA, cadre development
training on social auditing, network meetings on legal aspects, Right to Information, SEZ and human
rights were attended by conveners, volunteers and union leaders.
B) Activist School1. Activist school training was organised in the month of
September in Boinda near Bhubaneshwar, Odisha,
where 31 people aged 18-28 years participated
(including 16 women). The participants were from 8
sangathans - Adivasi Chetna Sangathan - Dhenkanal,
Malyagiri Adivasi Sangharsha Mancha - Angul,
Adivasi Kranti Sangathan - Dhenkanal, Adivasi
Sangharsh Vahini - Keonjhar, Adima Adhibasi Mukti
Mancha - Nayagarh, Mati Maa Mahila Morcha, Lok
Chetna Sangathan - Rayagada & Talcher Sramjivi
Basti Mahasangha.
The training focused on different brain storming
processes to identify the key concerns affecting
democratic processes at the grassroots; why and how
they are affecting 80% of the country and how injustice has existed in society. The poor condition of
basic services like health, education, livelihood, etc; and the silence of suppressed communities, were
identified as major problem areas in the group exercise by the participants. The discussions were
primarily focused on understanding these issues. The training was facilitated by the Odisha Fellows and
SRUTI executive, Bhagirathi Nayak.
2. The Activist school for the Hindi belt was held in Adharshila, MP, in which 19 youth participated from 2sangathans (Pratirodh Rajsathan & Bundelkhand Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan MP). All the
participants are from the previous batch since 2 trainings were held in the previous year. The training
started with recapping the earlier, introductory topics of discussion which were primarily on human
evolution, growth of civilizations and concept of modern state. The participants also suggested
inclusion of more topics like; GM seeds, Naxalism, capitalist economy, caste based census, Ayodhya
issue - the SC judgment and systemic change. The training was based on the suggested topics and it
was facilitated by Amit, Jaishree and SRUTI executive, Satyam Shrivastava.
3. A 4 day training workshop was organized by Dilli Shramik Sangathan in Delhi for the activists of thecore team. There were 40 participants from the slum communities that participated in the workshop.
The objective of the workshop was to motivate youth members of the communities to participate in
the community building process. Most of the youth have the advantage of being literate or semi-literate. Mobilizing them for the collective process would help in strengthening the Sangathan. The
subjects for the discussion were migration, its causes, issue of identity in cities & role of Government.
4. AAMM & MMMM in Odisha conducted activist training workshops in October. In this process 8karyakartas (7 male + 1 female) from the sangathan underwent training that would eventually aid in
promoting sangathan activities in area. The aim was to develop sound understanding of the issues and
37 - Activist school training being conducted by Fellows
Amulya Nayak in Bhubaneshwar
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build perspective to aid them in their work as activists. The key facilitator for both the sangathans was
Fellow Prafulla Mishra.
5. Lok Chetna Sangathan in Odisha has identified village watch monitors and leadership groups at thevillage level. 2 local leaders (one male and one female) were identified from 50 villages. 2 training
workshops were conducted where FRC; role of
members of FRC, and role of Government were
discussed. After these workshops, the inducted
local leaders organized the villagers to submit
Forest Rights applications; and demanded more
Forest Pattas for the villagers. These leaders
also play an important role in public meetings
and trainings organized by the Sangathan. The
sangathan has additionally been regularly
organizing training for youth. To strengthen
youth, the Sangathan has created the Bala
Bahini (below 14 years) and Yuba Bahini (14-
45 years) at the village level. The Yuba Bahanigroups are now playing an important role in the
development of the village as well as
implementation of government schemes.
Women Leadership Training
A three day women leadership training workshop was
organized under the banner ofAdivasi Mahila Maha Sangh by
Mamta Kujur in the Pastoral Centre, Dinabahar, Chhattisgarh,
in September 2010. There were 40-45 women community
leaders of Adivasi Mahila Maha Sangh and also some activists
of other sangathans belonging to the Oraon tribe in
Chhattisgarh who had come from various blocks of Jashpur.
With the Sangathans effort, small womens groups have
been formed in various villages which have not only led to
the formation of women-led sangathans but have also given
them a purpose, an expression and a defining role. This has
been empowering for them. The 3 day meet was to have an
overview of the situation in Chhattisgarh, the struggles that
they have met so far, and the struggles that lie ahead. Withthe help of the sangathan, they have not only been able to open up SHGs but have also started to focus
on issues that affect them directly, and an attempt is being made to understand the politics behind
these issues. The field has a lot of potential in terms of effective action by indigenous citizens against
the issues of injustice faced by the region and the local communities. In this process, the women are
more active than men. Alcoholism is common among men here, and often there is an inertia that seems
to have occupied their place in society. Women, on the other hand, not only fulfill their roles as
38 - Youth training programme organised by Lok Chetna
Sangathan in Gunupur, Rayagada district, Odisha
39 - Womens leadership workshop organised by
Adivasi Mahila Mahasangh in Dinabahar,
Chhattisgarh.
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mothers, housewives, cultivators and labourers, but are
also seen participating in public action and gatherings
with tiny children strapped on their backs. There is
great vigour and conviction in the women of Jashpur.
Fellow Mamta Kujur with the help of SRUTI, worked to
empower these women with information, first, to deal
with their personal struggles, leading to the process of
individual and internal empowerment. This
strengthening enabled deeper understanding of the
politics at home, and subsequently larger issues at the
society level. The Fellow also attempted to give them an
insight into the issues that directly affect their livelihood
and survival. The training was good in giving an
understanding about the importance and potential of
womens leadership in the present socio-political
scenario of the region.
Perspective Building
A) Karyakarta Shivir; BMKSS, Madhya PradeshA karyakarta shivir was organized by Bundelkhand Mazdoor Kissan Shakti Sangathan on 20th, 21st and
22nd of November 2010, in village Raja Gubra, Tehsil Tendukheda of Damoh District in MP.
It was a perspective building training where the focus was to build a critical way of looking at the
issues in the society. The shivir was facilitated by Lakhan Singh and other karyakartas with the
discussion centred on the changing development paradigm, political events, ruling structure,
liberalization, commercialization, etc. and the aim was to look at the problems and ways of countering
the same.
To start with, the facilitators tried to make the locals reflect on the kind of problems that exist in their
areas and how they are linked with each other, and with other larger issues, politically,
administratively and socially. This insider-outsider viewpoint helped the participants reflect on their
local issues and the impact that other macro issues have on the micro issues that affect their
livelihoods. This proved to be an eye-opener in a lot of ways and helped the participants realize the
significance of a peoples movement and the importance of collective action.
The participants came together in groups and were made to think about the possible reasons of the
various problems that were being experienced by the community. This got them thinking on the kind of
agencies (State, Market, Social Structure etc.) and agents (capitalists, industrialists, political leaders,upper caste lobbies etc.) that contribute to the situations confronting them. Hence, at the end of the
two day session they were able to touch upon issues like employment, migration, poverty,
communalism, health, education, superstition, vulnerability of women, untouchability, purdah system,
etc.; the participants also reflected on the increasing corruption at different levels.
40 - Womens leadership workshop organised by
Adivasi Mahila Mahasangh in Dinabahar,
Chhattisgarh.
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B) Grama Sanjojaka Training; Lok Chetna Sangathan, OdishaFor smooth functioning of MGNREGA scheme the
government has selected Grama Sanjojaka and
Grama Rojagara Sahayak at the gram panchayat
level. But due to low awareness of the MGNREGA
scheme the execution of work has beeninadequate. This has resulted in problems with
job cards and execution of works. To facilitate
better working, Lok Chetna Sangathan decided
to organize training workshops for the Grama
Sanjojaka and the Grama Rojagara Sahyak.
Post training, the Grama Sanjojaka has been
motivating the villagers to demand more work
under MGNREGA; opening of Pass Books for labourpayment and other facilities at the work area.
Besides the Gram Sanjojaka training perspective
building shivirs were also organised on issues such
as Right to Education, FRA, women leadership,
Panchayat Raj and health.
C) Political Awareness Camp; VTMS, TamilNadu
From 13th - 15th February 2011, a political awareness camp was organized by the sangathan in Gudalur
which was attended by 49 people (19 women and 30 men). The purpose of the camp was to provide a
wider awareness and political training to the leaders and activists of the organization, with a focus on
its women leaders. The training covered areas of science, history and social theory.
A fundamental question emerged from the discussions, which was why a small number of people
control most of the resources, property and wealth, while the majority is exploited. This was followed
by an in-depth discourse. Topics such as origin of the earth and natural resources, primitive
communism, slave societies, history of religion, concept of god, feudalism, capitalism, socialism and
globalization were discussed in detail. The training also involved interactive exercises, role plays,
drama, etc. At the close of the training, the group decided to work on carrying these ideas to the wider
public, and to others within the organization.
41 - Youth shivir organised by LCS, Gunupur village, Odisha,
January 2011
42 - Women leadership training by LCS
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Adima Adivasi Mukti Manch in Odisha held
various workshops and training sessions on
FRA, forest conservation, women leadership
and MGNREGA in the month of March 2011.
Adivasi Kranti Sangathan in Odisha held
perspective building sessions on Right to
Food in January 2011 and on FRA in
November 2010. DSS in Delhi has held
meetings on urban housing for slum dwellers
in the months of October and November
2010. MASS in AP organised 46 village shivirs
where socio-economic, cultural and political
issues in society were discussed. Chetna
Andolan in Uttarakhand organised a youth
shivir in Bal Ganga Mahavidyalaya in
Rishikesh on 24th December 2010. Adivasi
Mahila Mahasangh in Chhattisgarh
organized a sammelan in the month of March, 2011 where information was given on womens rights.
Exposure and Networking
A) Right to Food Convention in Rourkela; Adivasi Mahila Mahasangh, ChhattisgarhActivists from Adivasi Mahila Mahasangh participated in the Right to Food convention held in Rourkelaon 6-8th August 2010. The visit was productive in understanding the issues of PDS at national andregional level and it has helped the sangathan in linking other like-minded bodies in their area.
B) MGNREGA exposure visit to Odisha and Rajasthan: Navajeevan Organisation, AP4 activists from Navajeevan Organisation visited Koraput, Odisha in August and Astha, Rajasthan inSeptember for learning and exposure regarding the implementation of work under MGNREGA. AndhraPradesh and Rajasthan have a good track record of effective implementation of the scheme. The visitwas carried out to understand the concept of measurement of assigned tasks under MGNREGA and thevarious roles and responsibilities. The Navajeevan Organisation is effectively using MGNREGA for up-gradation of land for small-holder agriculture byDalits and tribals.
C) Public hearing against displacement in Jashpur;AMM, Chhattisgarh
Adivasi Mahila Mahasangh in Chhattisgarhparticipated in a rally held by Adivasi Kisan Mazdoor
Ekta Sangathan (AKMES) in Tamnaar block of Raigad
district on 5th January to protest against the jan
sunwai to be held by Bharat Aluminium Co Ltd.
(BALCO) at the end of the month. The company had
not consulted the Gram Sabha or any local governing
43 - Gramin Mahila Sammelan organised by SANCHARR and
Gramin Sramik Chetna Sangathan on Womens Day in Gania Block,
Nayagarh district, Odisha
44 - Mamta Kujur addressing the rally in Tamnaar district,
Chhattisgarh, on January 5th 2011
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bodies; neither did they make any attempts to share information regarding the economic and
environmental implications of the power plant with those affected by the project. Adivasi Mahila
Mahasangh was invited to participate in the rally as a show of solidarity along with other sangathans
such as Jan Chetna Manch from Raipur. Dr. Harihar Patel of AKMES convened the rally which saw the
participation of several activists and lawyers from across the state.
Fellow Mamta demanded that the Government stop the practice of public hearings as a superficialfulfillment of a quorum and instead make it a genuine process of assessment of the social and
environmental cost. There have been enough instances to show that the hearings are half-hearted and
do not genuinely consider the concerns of those affected by the industries, as a priority. A recent
example is the hearing by Jindal Power Ltd in October 2010 for a coal washery that is already
operational since 2007. Relevant newspaper clippings of invasive industry development in the area, and
their ill effects, were put up around the assembly ground for people to read.
D) Lok Chetna Sangathan has been strengthening its ties with various Community Based Organisations ofthe District. Odisha Adibashi Mancha, Adibashi Samata Mancha, Kui Kalyana Ekata, Kui Kalyana Samiti,
Jungal Urnnayana Samiti, Adibasi Gramya Urnnayana Samiti and other CBOs that are functioning in
similar areas are working with LCS to achieve their common goals. LCS has also been holding meetings,
seminars and workshops with various media persons to highlight the issues of the area through print
and television.
Cultural Events
A) International Theatre Festival; Delhi Shramik Sangathan, DelhiDSS organised a theatre workshop in the month of November10 in Delhi. The purpose of the workshop
was to learn new techniques of theatre along with some modifications of previous theatres practices
based on different situations. It was facilitated by the team members of Jan Sanskriti, Kolkata.
The DSS theatre team participated in the International Theatre Festival organized in Kolkata by Jan
Sanskriti in the month of December10. It was a five day festival which saw participants from 29
countries. DSS performed Hamari Ladli, a play on the issue of gender discrimination. The festival was
a valuable forum and boosted the morale of the team members.
B) Natak India Company
The students of Adharshila (10 18 years old who
have formed Adharshilas theatre group Natak India
Company) in Sendhwa district of MP were specially
invited to perform their famous play Hum Kaha JaRahe Hain? at the Mahasammelan (annual
convention) organized by Adivasi Ekta Parishad (an
active NGO in the region) on 14th January 2011 at
Merkhedi village, near Sendhwa in Madhya Pradesh.
There was a gathering of almost 20,000 people. The
play depicts Adivasi society and its journey amidst
45 - Performance by Natak India Company on
January 14th 2011, in Sendhwa, Madhya Pradesh
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the backdrop of proselytizing religious groups and political parties, land-hungry private companies and
an identity-conflicted young adivasi generation.
Hum Kaha Ja Rahe Hain? is a witty satire that poses the problems of development and culture. Most
of the sets, props and costumes were made by the children with assistance from the seniors. This year
two senior students also developed background audio effects for the play. The play was received very
well with the team also being invited to perform in Maharashtra. The school received donations,firewood and leftover rations worth Rs. 25,000. A book stall was also arranged where children sold
books, posters and calendars on adivasi heroes.
Advocacy Fellowship
Short-term Advocacy Fellowships were awarded to 8 applicants from varying backgrounds. The aim is to
document key issues and struggles for justice in India, many of which are addressed by the SRUTI
Fellows through peoples movements and individual efforts in different parts of the country.
Advocacy Fellowship
The outcome of the Advocacy Fellowship is a series of short films that cover some of the most pressingissues of justice, rights and dignity confronting marginalized communities India. The broad areas of
work are: Right to Natural Resource Livelihood (Jal, Jangal, Zameen); Effective Governance;
Education; Caste Discrimination; Rights to the City and Education in mainly the SRUTI Fellows area of
work, spreading across 12 states: Uttarakhand, Delhi, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar,
Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
The series of films will be used as advocacy tools to share the experience of the SRUTI Fellows and the
communities they work within; reflecting the daily pursuit of justice, the people, the wins, the losses,
and the challenges and struggles that lie ahead.
The idea is to advocate social issues beyond borders and barriers of language and geographical or social
positioning. They would be broadcast on the internet, screened and passed on in villages and districttowns, used as advocacy tools at policy making forums, screened in schools and colleges and shared
with support partner organizations.
The Advocacy Fellows and films are being
mentored by filmmaker Rita Banerji, who
has aligned with SRUTI to facilitate and
monitor the project. The Fellowship
application call (sent across various media,
student and social sector internet groups and
institutions) drew an entry of nearly 40
applications from which 8 finalists were
selected. The Advocacy Fellows wereinitiated with an orientation workshop to
sensitize them to the issues on the ground
and introduce them to the SRUTI Fellows.
The three day workshop which included
sessions with Rita Banerji, Ankit Pogula and
Kavita Joshi, was designed to train the46 - Independent filmmaker Kavita Joshi conducting the
orientation workshop
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Advocacy Fellows to research, script, document and put together the series of films. By end March
2011 trips had been made to most areas by the Advocacy Fellows; research, story lines and film
structures had been prepared
Advocacy Fellows
1. Jaypal RanaA village pradhan in Tehri district, Uttarakhand, Jaypal has been associated with Society for Integrated
Development of Himalayas (SIDH) for almost two decades. He has been actively involved in various
youth camps, teacher training programs, research projects and other educational initiatives at the
community level. He sees the fellowship experience as a valuable tool in deepening his understanding
of grassroots work which could be applied to his own community and his role in local governance.
2. Siman HansdakA post graduate in Rural Development from Xavier Institute of Social Service, Siman has over 4 years of
experience in the development sector with a focus on sustainable and inclusive economic development
through community-based livelihood initiatives. He has been professionally associated withorganisations like Jharkhand Adivasi Health Education and Rural Development Society, Mines Monitoring
Centre and Bindrai Institute for Research Study and Action. His personal history includes the experience
of a dam displaced family.
3. Tarini ManchandaTarini is the co-founder of Get on the Bus
Productions, a film production collective that
focuses on issues of international justice using
film and media to share stories in an engaging
way. She has directed several short films based
on peoples struggles such as Narmada Risingand A Dam Old Story on the Renuka dam.
4. Valay SinghValay has been working with the NDTV News
Network in New Delhi, as an Output Editor for
over 3 years. A post graduate in journalism and
a documentary photographer, he is interested in
documenting the rapid changes taking place in
the country, their impact on the marginalized
and how better models of development could
be evolved.
5. Pallav ThudgarPallav has been involved in the field of alternative education and slum community initiatives in Madhya
Pradesh since 2001. Hailing from Hoshangabad, he has been working with NGOs like Ekalavya and
Muskaan since his days in college. He is passionate about using the audio-visual medium to document
the stories and histories of marginalized communities and making them accessible to a wider audience.
He was unable to continue with the Advocy Fellowship.
47 - SRUTI Advocacy Fellows with the technical production team
during the workshop
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6. Selva GanapathySelva is a Technical Superintendent at II