24.11.2011 SRUTI Annual Report 2010-11

8/2/2019 24.11.2011 SRUTI Annual Report 2010-11

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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

Documents

24.11.2011 SRUTI Annual Report 2010-11