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Mount Valley Development Association Doni, Post office Magadhar, Ghansali,

District Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, India-249155

Tel: 9412079206, 9627271962

E-mail: contact@mvda.org.in

Website: www.mvda.org.in

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Preface

Think Globally, Act Locally concept is largely being experimenting in all

activates of mvda especially in renovation of small patches of forest

that might play an important role in global environment and the life

that would shape the future world. All efforts were diverted to enhance

economic standard of the poor especially destitute women, children

and the schedule caste community. Livelihood options were developed

to ensure food security along with improving the natural wealth.

For last few years, MVDA has also been sharing its experiences with

larger communities and advocating the issues responsible for

degenerated Himalayan system successfully. Constructing of big dams is

one of the burning issues that have disrobed the ecological system

badly. The rivers that are the lifeline of Himalayas and its rich

biodiversity have been put inside the tunnels for electricity production.

These un-mind constructions are at what cost while basic right of local

people are yet to be ensured in a newly formed state. Actually, nothing

much is required except a few right decisions at right time.

It gives me immense pleasure to present the annual report for the year

2012-13. We welcome your suggestion and guidance to make our

efforts more effective and result oriented.

Avtar Singh Negi

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Partner in our Mission

Action Aid International

Sir Ratan tata Trust, Mumbi Sir Dorab Ji Tata Trust (Sustainable Rice Intencification)

Oxfam India ITC

Room To Read Dehli National Bank For Agriculture & Rural Development

(NABARD) New Tehri

People science Research Centre, Dehradun

Organizational and institutional Support was Rendered by :

People science Research Centre, Dehradun Himalayan Action Research Centre, Dehradun

Vani Uttrakhand Gramin Bank, Ghansali

State Bank of India Punjab Nisnal bank

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Mount Valley Development Association:

Name of the Organization Mount Valley Development Association (MVDA)

Year of Establishment June 14, 1995

Registration Number 184

FCRA Number 347960005

EPF Number UA32821

Registration details Organization registered under Society act 1860

Name of Chief Functionary Mr. Avtar Singh Negi (Director)

Address Village- Doni Via Ghanshali

District- Tehri Garhwal

Uttaranchal -249155, India

Working Area Garhwal Himalayas in Uttaranchal State of India

No. of Staff 45, Volunteers 7

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Core Issues o Empowerment of Poor and Marginal Families

o Natural Resource Management o Promotion of Livelihood Opportunities o Education o Health and Hygiene o Capacity Building o Organizational Development o Advocacy and Networking

Number of Villages Covered 50

Infrastructure Available Fully equipped office at Doni with a training hall having capacity of 100 people and a guest house having accommodation of 40 people at a time

Contact Numbers Phone 01379-214094

Mobile: 09412079206

Email. mvda_tehri@yahoo.co.in

Website. Mvda.org.in

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Annual Report 2012- 2013

Mount Valley Development Association Brief description of the evolution of the organization, its vision, mission and objectives etc.

Mount Valley Development Association (MVDA) is a voluntary organization registered under the Society Registration Act 1860.It was established in 1995 in Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand under the guidance of Mr. Avtar Singh Negi, a very committed local social Activist for the upliftment of the most vulnerable communities of the region with special focus on the hilly women. The work area of the organization comprises middle and upper Himalayan mountain ranges situated in 1500-2200 meters above sea level & known for its harsh geographical conditions. In winter and rainy season, this area especially the upper mountain ranges become inaccessible due to heavy snowfall, landslides and cloud bursts, road blocks and lack of communication facilities. Under ActionAid project, MVDA was working in the 50 villages of Bhilangana block in the Tehri Garhwal district. The project focuses on the Shilpakar community (schedule caste), one of the most vulnerable community of the area. The Shilpakar of this area are unaware about most of the government programmes and entitlements and thus are unable to access it. They as a community suffer because they deem themselves powerless in current societal structure and in face of the neo liberal forces which is evident in rampant construction of dams without heeding the local culture and ecology. Vision: Assertion of the rights and entitlements of the most marginalized groups especially of Shilpakar (Dalit Craftsmen Communities consisting of Augi, Badi, Lohar, Mistry and so on) and women residing in hilly terrain, thereby raising their standard of living. To create innovated livelihood and entrepreneurship for hilly rural area which based on local resources.

Mission of the organization: - To empower all segment of community at panchayat

level and revive their traditional sources of livelihood based on Natural resource

management.

Objectives of organization:-

· To address poverty and livelihood issues based on resource conservation and sustainable development.

· To empower Panchayat for future empowerment of democracy. · To manage natural resources and make community self reliant and aware about natural

resources.

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· To empower and support poor and destitute segment of the community. · To develop decision making skills among women and organize them to make an

unwavering and secure society. · To develop traditional sources of livelihood with development of traditional culture and

art. · To reduce migration through developing entrepreneurship.

Information on the Board members

Sr.No.

Name/Address

Age

Gender

Occupation

Position in the Board

Total amount paid in last financial year (Rs.)

Form of payment

Salary/Consultancy/Honorarium/Sitting Fees/other(Specify)

1 Mr. Chandan Singh

Vill- Doni, Post- Megadhar, Dist- Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand

58 Male Agriculture President Nil Nil

2 Mr. Indermani

Vill- Andrathi, Post- Megadhar, Dist- Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand

71 Male Agriculture Vice President

Nil Nil

3 Mr. Avtar Singh

Vill- Doni, Post- Megadhar, Dist- Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand

51 Male Social works Secretary and Chief Functionary

102200 Honorarium

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4 Mr. Abal Singh

Vill- Doni, Post- Megadhar, Dist- Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand

56 Male Agriculture Treasurar Nil Nil

5 Dr. Surender Mehra

Teacher Colony- Uttarkashi, Dist- Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand

69 Male Govt. Service Member Nil Nil

6 Umesh Chandra

Vill- Khaseti, Post- Megadhar, Dist- Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand

52 Male Govt. service Member Nil Nil

7 Mrs. Veeradevi

Vill- Aali, Post- Megadhar, Dist- Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand

48 Female Agriculture Member Nil Nil

8 Mrs. Shivdei

Vill- Pakh, Post- Megadhar, Dist- Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand

42 Female Agriculture Member Nil Nil

9 Mr. Raghubir Singh

Vill &Post- Budhna

Dist- Rudraprayag Uttarakhand

46 Male Agriculture Member Nil Nil

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Brief financial details.

RECEIPTS 2011-12

Project 1 -Action Aid India 3420336

Project 2)-OXFAM India 1000000

Project 3-Himmothan Pariyojana 1110291

Project 4 -LIPH Nil

Project 5-NABARD 671300

Project 6 SDTT 2828000

Project-7 SML 800000

TOTAL RECEIPTS 9829827

Details of national or international travel made

b) Brief description of the organization’s association with Action Aid India.

Action Aid partnership with MVDA was started in December 2001. The project was reviewed and appraised for long-term partnership in April 2002. Finally project moved as long term Development Initiative in 2003. The year 2012 was the tenth and last year of the project as long-term partnership. PD was conducted in the year 2005 and Mid-term review was conducted in the year 2007. During year 2008, project focused on net working of JAN CARAVAN at state level and in 2009 project focused on empowerment of CBOs and alliance. In 2010 the project mainly based its intervention around livelihood model development, promoting cooperative and federation as well as the withdrawal plan of the organization was also prepared and as per the findings of the withdrawal process, in 2010, the planning of the 2011 & 2012 has been done

Main focused activities of year 2012:-

· Strengthening of CBOs Bhilangana Sakhi Sangathan and Shilpkar Sangathan. · Advocacy for the assertion of forest rights for marginalized communities.

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· Campaign against declining sex ratio and female foeticide · Ensuring complete implementation and access of community on social security

scheme MNREGA, PDS, and ICDS. · Effective implementation of RtE Act 2009. · Impact assessment of project.

Social Group Partners

· DALIT community/ · Widows.- (Dalit and upper caste) · Single Women ( Dalit and upper caste) · Economically disadvantaged women- (Dalit and upper caste) · Persons with disability women- (Dalit and upper caste) · Destitute women-( Dalit and upper caste)

Project details table as follows: Project locations (block, district, state) Bhilangana,Tehri garhwal,Uttrakhand

Number of villages//urban pockets-wards covered directly under the project

50

Number of families under direct coverage 3595

Total population under direct project coverage

22328

Female 11365

Male 10963

Persons with Disability** (Male and Female) 203 ; M -113, F-90

Number of families under indirect coverage 2569

Total population 15342

Female 7471

Male 7871

Specific communities within the social group Shilpakar (Dalit)-Women, children, men, widows and destitute.

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Key Rights based theme focus of the project

Right Food & Livelihood, Right to Education, Rights of women and rights of dignity.

Year of start of project 2003

Funding Affiliate- Italy

Year of Perspective & Strategy Document 2005

Year of Programme Review 2007

Year of Withdrawal Plan 2010

Year of Impact Assessment & Exit Audit 2013

Case History level 445

Funding Agreement (Yes/No) Yes

Year of expiry of funding agreement 2013

Any other AA supported donor links

Name of Donor

Duration

Start and End year of Funding support

NF Budget for Uttarkashi and Ukhimath.

Action Aid India

2003 and 2012

Status of Community based organizations at Project Level

Name of the

CBO

Social group

Issue Total members Registered/ non registered

Resource generation

Relation with

Social movements Female

Male Total

Bhilangana Sakhi Sangathan (BSS)

Women

Rights of women and right to health

1215 -- 1215 Non registered

Membership fee, Revolving fund, interest, rural mart and fruit preservation

Uttarakhand Jan Caravan manch and We can movement.

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unit

BAL Sangathan

Children

Right to education & Child Rights

380 440 820 Non registered

Membership fee

Parvateeya Bal Manch (PAVAM)

Bhilangana Shilpkar Sangathan

Shilpkar /Dalits

Right to food and livelihood and right to dignity

136 473 609 Registered Membership fee, Revolving fund and interest.

Uttarakhand Jan Caravan Manch

Strategic Objective: Assertion of Women and girls’ Rights as Human Rights Activity:-

· Campaign against the decreasing women sex ratio and increasing female feticide:

· Campaign on declining Sex ration through cultural groups (Nukkad natak) and district level public hearing.

· State level Public Hearing workshop on declining sex ratio. Objective:-

· To sensitize community on girls feticide and sex selective abortions. · To spread awareness on patriarchal mindset · To pressurize Govt. on effective implementation of PCPNDT Act. · Campaign on declining Sex ration through cultural groups (Nukkad natak) and

district level public hearing

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State level workshop of declining sex ratio

Description:- The 2011 Censes data of Uttarakhand shows that the women sex ratio in the Tehri district is worsening with the number of girls coming down to 894 against 1000 boys whereas in 2001 it was 918 against 1000 boys. However, if we look at the data of children in the age group of 0-6 years in Tehri district, the number of girls is 894 on 1000 boys that show the decreasing women sex ratio in the region and occurrence of female feticide in the Tehri district.

In first phase, village level campaign have organized on decline of sex ratio and feticide of female in 50 villages. All members of BSS, adolescents and social activists have participated in campaign.

A script was prepared on Gender sensitization for a trained team of NUKAD NATAK. The has played Nukad Natak in centrally located location of project villages, Ghansali town and District head quarter- New Tehri.

In last phase, state level workshop and Jan sunwai was organized in Dehradun with

all partners of Uttarakhand Jan Carvan.

Outcomes:-

· Community have developed understanding on declined sex ratio, female feticide and gender discrimination.

NUKAD NATAK on feticide against girl children

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· Alliance partners of Uttarakhand Jan Carvan Manch have agreed to work together on declining sex ratio.

· State Govt. and District level authorities have pressurized to implement PCNDT act effectively.

· Nukad Natak was proved most effective campaign on female feticide. · The ultra sound system stopped sex selective activities in many towns of

Uttarakhand. Activity:-Capacity building and Strengthening of CBO Bhilangana Sakhi

Sangathan.

Objective:- · To manage revolving fund, available with CBO level of BSS. · To develop capacity and understanding of BSS on fund management. · To capacitate the Bhilangana Sakhi Sangathan members to manage their funds independently.

Description of activity: - More than 150 SHGs are connected with BSS. Action Aid India has provided revolving fund which is now operated by BSS but they are not capable enough to fully manage this fund independently. At present staff of MVDA was facilitating them for managing fund. Therefore, it was essential to organize fund management training before the completion of project in year 2012.

Outcomes:-

· Capacity of BSS has develop on finance management.

· 36 Members of BSS have got training on fund management.

· Bhilangana Sakhi Sangathan have prepared their own finance policy, rules and regulation.

Activity:- Follow up Capacity development training of BSS on Organizational development

Objective:- · To strengthen the grass root structure of BSS.

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· To make village level structure of the BSS stronger.

Description of activity: - A capacity building training on organization development training was organized for BSS sector level dignitaries in 2011 in view to make BSS strong with the support of renowned Resource person Mr. R.K. Surdeo from Orrisa. It was a great learning and experience for the community and staff. Three days training of BSS have organized at MVDA head quarter Doni. Outcomes:-

· 36 workers of BSS have developed strong understanding on CBO management and development.

· BSS became more strong at grass root level. · BSS became more independent and active at community level.

Activity:- General body meeting/conclave of BSS at the time of International women day on 08 March Objective:-

· Review of BSS for the year 2011 and formulation of work plan of next 5 years. · To celebrate 5th anniversary of Bhilangana Sakhi Sangathan. · To review the progress of BSS from 2007 to 2012. · To honour dedicated members of BSS. · Election of new Governing body.

Description of activity: - With the support of Action Aid, Bhilangana Sakhi Sangathan (BSS) was formed in the year 2007. BSS have been working on issues of women in the project area of MVDA and adjacent area out of project. BSS is not registered yet. During the organization development training organized in 2011 with Resource person Mr. R.K. Surdeo, a suggestion came out that the organization should be registered in the year 2012, it became essential to organize meeting of all members of BSS and review the work of BSS.

Outcome:- · New elected governing body have · Future Strategy and work plan have prepared. · Transparency and accountability will improve among BSS.

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SO: Democratization of the society, economy and polity at all levels

Activity : - Block level Public hearing on MNREGA.

Objective:- · To make MNREGA fully effective at community level. · Follow up of the district level Public hearing. · To create pressure at District level to remove irregularities of MNREGA and

pressurize Block level authorities to solve local problems of MNREGA. Description of activity: - MVDA have been working on implementation of MNREGA since 2007. Under mentioned activities carried by MVDA so far:-

§ Awareness of MNREGA at community level. § Pressure was built at District and state level authorities for successful

implementation of MNREGA. § District level public hearing organized by MVDA in December 2009 to share

drawbacks and community level problems on MNREGA. District authorities were pressurized for proper implementation of MNREGA. § State level workshop on MNREGA during years 2008 and 2010.

MVDA have organized public hearing at Block head quarter Ghansali on o5 November 2012. 93 men and women from different village panchayats and CBOs have participated in public hearing. Block level program officer relating to MNREGA have settled problems of 7 testimonies which presented by different Panchayat Outcomes:-

· MNREGA became more effective at Block level. · Issues of MNREGA have published in media; · Access of CBOs and community increased at District level. · Uttarakhand Jan Caravan became stronger at state level. · 07 testimonies cleared in meeting.

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· Community have developed more knowledge about implementation and rules of MNREGA.

Activity: - Capacity building Training of Shilpkar Sangathan on Dalit issues and related schemes & programs

Objective:- · Capacity building of Shilpkar community (Dalit) on Dalit issues and related govt. schemes and programs including Special Component Plan. · To make Shilpkar sangathan capable to raise their issues more effectively

Description of activity: - Bhilangana Shilpakar Sangathan is a registered organization of the members of marginalized and backward Dalit community formed by MVDA in the year 2006 which later registered under Societies Registration Act 1860 in the year 2007. The Sangathan has been actively working in two districts viz. Rudraprayag and Tehri, of the State focusing on the issues of Right to Dignity and right to livelihood for marginal and backward community. The Sangathan is working at community level for creating awareness and advocating Dalit issues including their right to dignity, equality and livelihood.

MVDA have organized one day training for members of Shilpkar Sangathan on Dalit issues and special component plan at MVDA head quarter Doni, 56 women and men of Shilpkar Sangathan have participated in training. Main focus was given on Govt. schemes and special component plan for SC community. Print material on subject have distributed among participants. A renowned educationist Mr. Shoorvir Lal have told in detail about Govt. Schemes and Special component plan.

Outcomes:- · Understanding of Shilpkars have developed on Dalit ideology and issues. · Capacity of members have improved. · Clear vision about the future endeavours have developed.

Activity :- Vision building of Bhilangana Shilpkar Sangathan

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Objective: · To develop a clear road map of Bhilangana Shilpkar Sangathan to function

effectively. · To enable all members of Shilpkar Sangathan to prepare their future plan. · .To inspire all members for benefits of their community.

Description of Activity: After capacity building of Bhilangana Shilpkar Sangathan on Dalit issues, a vision building process of the CBO has been carried to strengthen their future endeavours. This was clearly pointed as a need in MTR and withdrawal process. For this three days meeting of meeting of Shilpkar sangthan have organized and discussion on future road map and perspective document will be develop.

Outcome: · Perspective document of Bhilangana Shilpakar Sangathan is ready for future. · Sangathan have cleared vision for future endeavours on Dalit issues · Strengthening of work on Dalit issue.

Activity four: - Publication of brochure, perspective document and pamphlets for Shilpkar Sangathan.

Objective:- · To promote and develop alliance building of Bhilangana Shilpkar Sangathan, · To raise fund for Shilpkar Sangathan.

Description of activity: - Bhilangana Shilpkar Sangathan was formed in 2005 and was registered under Society Act 1860. Bhilangana Shilpkar Sangathan is functioning as CBO but after 2012 it will function as independent Organization and fund raising will be essential for Bhilangana Shilpkar Sangathan. During year 2012, brochure, perspective document and pamphlets have been prepared for Bhilangana Shilpkar Sangathan with full details of Bhilangana Shilpkar Sangathan. Promotion and Alliance building is being carried with the support of published material of Bhilangana Shilpkar Sangathan.

Expected outcomes:- · Bhilangana Shilpkar Sangathan is improve its network. · Bhilangana Shilpkar Sangathan is promoting itself and generating resources.

Activity : - Quarterly and Annual general meeting of Bhilangana Shilpkar Sangathan

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Objective:- · To prepare work plan of Bhilangana Shilpkar Sangathan for 2013. · To share progress of Bhilangana Shilpkar Sangathan during activities of year

2012. · Follow up timely meetings by governing board members of Bhilangana Shilpkar

Sangathan for analysis of progress.

Description of activity: - Bhilangana Shilpkar Sangathan has been organizing monthly review meeting of governing body and half yearly meetings of general body twice in a year. Through these meetings Sharing of annual progress and future planning have been done. Governing board meetings have organized on quarterly basis at sector level and meeting of general body members have organized at Block level, in the month of November 2012 in which discussion made on election of governing body and renewal of CBO in 2013, Strategy have prepared in this meeting for sustainability of Bhilangana Shilpkar Sangathan.

Outcomes:-

· Regular follow up of Shilpkar Sangathan during quarterly meeting. · Shilpkar Sangathan became stronger. · Capacity building of Shilpkar Sangathan after follow-up of implemented activities. · About 430 members have developed understanding on work plan of Shilpkar

Sangathan, · Development of more Transparency and accountability.

SP-Children are recognized as political and equal citizens

Activity : - District level public hearing on “Challenges of Right to education in

Tehri”.

Objective:-

· To bring improvement in primary education. · To aware & sensitize the Govt, media and other related stakeholders on the

ground realities of primary education in the area. · Effective implementation and grounding of RtE Act.-

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Description of activity: - There are 56 schools in Action Aid supported project area of MVDA. Out of 56, in 26 schools there are single teacher. 19 Schools out of 26 are run by single SIKSHA MITRA (Para teachers).and 11 schools are without teachers in which temporary arrangement is made from nearby schools. In above mentioned schools, besides deficiency of teachers, there are other problems also exists like lack of toilets, playing ground, insufficient class rooms and lack of sitting arrangement. Following activities implemented by MVDA in project villages to work towards these problems:-

· MVDA have carried out micro planning of 10 primary schools and pressure was built on education department to fulfil requirements of schools. · Alliance made with federation of teachers and pressure was made on education department to fulfil deficient teachers. · Media advocacy done on issue of education of primary schools of project area.

Following impacts appeared after implementation of above mentioned activities:- · Construction of 05 primary schools sanctioned by Govt. and 03 out of 5 schools

are ready. · Issues of primary schools covered by leading news paper. · 10 village education committees are functioning effectively.

Considering above impacts, it has found that the primary education system in hilly region of Uttarakhand will not improve without continuous and high

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level intervention. Though the RtE Act 2009 was implemented by the govt. but still there is not much improvement in the condition and quality of schools. The main reason is the apathetic attitude of the State govt. towards education issue. In this Public hearing, children of Bal Panchayat, representative of NCPCR and other National level alliances on Education, representative of govt department and teacher federation, public representatives, media person have participated. Before public hearing MVDA have carried following activities to make this event more effective

· Study and survey of primary school of DA area. · Study of 30 primary schools of Block out of DA area · Analysis of survey and study/preparation of case studies. · Coordination with N.C.P.C.R.

Outcomes:-

· Sensitization of Related department on ground realities of primary education. · Effective implementation of RtE Act 2009. · Improvement in quality of education.

Activity : - Capacity building training of School Management Committee (SMC) on RtE Act 2009.

Objective: · To capacitate SMCs about their roles and responsibilities under RtE Act 2009 · To ensure active participation of community in school management. · To ensure quality education in schools by the effective monitoring of SMC

Description of activity: As per the RtE Act 2009, every child has the right to get free and compulsory education in his neighbourhood school and state has to ensure it. According to Act, school management committee (SMC) will be formed in every school would be designed in such manner so that guardian can make an effective role to ensure the proper functioning of the schools.

Though the State rules under

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RtE Act 2009 has framed in Uttarakhand but not yet notified. But due to continuous advocacy, a GO has passed in June 2011 to constitute new SMCs in every govt. school by 31st July. The new SMCs were constituted in every school, but they were not able to function properly due to lack of awareness regarding RtE Act 2009 and their roles and responsibilities under the same.

Therefore MVDA have organized capacity building training of newly constituted SMCs of Project area to function effectively. MVDA have organized training of SMC at sector level. 0utcomes:-

· Capacity building of SMC of 40 schools. · Awareness have increased at village level on right to education and right of

children. · Effective implementation of RtE Act 2009. · Effective participation of community in school management. · Quality of education in schools have improved.

Activity :- Publication of Posters on rights of children and RtE Act 2009

Objective:-

· To create awareness among community and related stakeholders on RtE Act 2009.

· To develop understanding of SMC members on their roles and responsibilities under RtE Act.

· To ensure right to education of community children. Description of activity:- MVDA have been working with BAL Panchayats, community and Gram Panchayats on rights of children. Education is one of the important child right issues. Though the RtE Act 2009 was formed and govt. ordered it to implement, but still community and related stakeholders like Teachers, SMC members, PRI etc were not fully aware about the provisions under this act. Besides they were also not fully aware about the other child rights and related schemes To create awareness on child rights and related schemes , RtE Act 2009, posters have been developed and distributed among village panchayats, Bal Panchayats, Self Help Groups, schools etc. 1000 posters have been printed on rights of children, 1000 posters have been published on RtE Act 2009, 1000 posters havel been published on I.C.P.S. schemes and other rights and 1000 posters have been published on roles and responsibilities of SMC. Total 4000 posters have been published.

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Out come:- · Awareness and Understanding of community and related stakeholders on Child

rights & RtE Act have improved. · Action is being taken to ensure the child rights in the area

Activity :- Workshop for development of creative skills of BAL panchayat members.

Objective:- · To develop creative skill of community children. · To provide a common platform to children to showcase their talent.

Description of activity:- At present there 40 bal panchayats in the DA Area. As these children living in remote rural areas, they don’t have means for entertainment and platform to showcase and develop their talents. This year, MVDA have organized a workshop on development of creative skills of children with the support of Mr. Uday Kirola, editor of bal Prahri (a famous children magazine in Uttarakhand) and a renowned child activist of Uttarakhand.

This workshop have been organized at the cluster level in two batches and 120 senior children from 40 bal panchayats (3 from each) have participated in this workshop. Thereafter children have disseminated this learning in their bal panachayts.

Resource person Mr. Uday Kirola have organized training on following creative actities.

1. Indoor games. 2. Essay writing. 3. Drawing 4. General knowledge. 5. Story writing and Wall news paper.

Outcome:-

· Creative skills of children have improved. · Children have a joyful learning specially in indoor games. · Personality development of community children. · Leadership development. · Bal Panchayats became more strong.

SO- Peoples’ control over resources like land, water, forest, coast, minerals, commons and livelihoods.

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Activity : - Capacity building Training of women members and SARPANCH of VAN Panchayats:-

Description of activities: - VAN Panchayat is a strong village level organization under Forest Rights Act to ensure forest land rights, community’s rights on forest and development of forests. There are 12089 VAN Panchayats in Uttarakhand state and 60 VAN Panchayats are formed in DA area but as such there was no active role and participation of women in VAN Panchayats. Women were quite unknown about the significance of VAN Panchayats,

To improve participation of women in VAN Panchayats, MVDA have organized a capacity building leadership development training of women SARPANCH and members on VAN Panchayats

Objective:- · To strengthen the role of VAN Panchayats at village level. · To increase participation of women in VAN Panchayats. · To ensure and strengthen the forest rights through Van panchayats in rural area.

Outcomes:-

· Participation of women have increased in VAN Panchayats. · 90 women SARPANCH and members have developed their understanding on

VAN Panchayats. · The role of BSS have increased in VAN Panchayats. · Rights of women have increased on forest and resources.

Activity : Campaign for claim filing under Forest Rights Act-

Objective: · To ensure the forest land rights of marginalized community. · To ensure effective implementation of Forest Rights Act at the community level

Description of the Activity: The geographical area of the Uttarakhand is 53.438sq kempt he 64.79% of the whole area comes under the Forest. Only 45.65% of the whole forest area is under the Forest Rights department and rest of it is the community land. Mostly the poor and marginalized people have possession of this community land. But these families have not yet got legal possession on this land. To facilitate the legal possession of this land to ST and other traditional habitants, the State govt. under Forest Rights Act 2006 have ordered Social welfare department as nodal agency to implement the same. Social Welfare Officer of the State Mr. Matbar Singh Kandari said that the community has to

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first present their claim formats to Van addhikar Samiti constituted at the village level file, then the needed action will be taken

The Shilpkar Fellow under MVDA has organized an awareness campaign on this at the block level. During this campaign it was felt that to do this work at the wider level, there is a need to sensitize the revenue department, Forest department and social welfare department while working with VAN Adhikar Samiti and community .Therefore MVDA has organized a campaign for claim filing under Forest Right Act in 2012

Outcomes:

· The 89 families of the Shilpkar community living on forest community land have got legal possession

· The district Administration have been sensitized on the implementation of the Forest Right Act

· Increased awareness in community on Forest Rights Act.

Activity : Follow up of Climate change study at State and Village level campaign to increase the coping mechanism of community on the adverse climate change

Objective:-

· To create a common strategy to overcome adverse effects of climate change on community.

· To draw attention of community on adverse effects of climate change on food security and education.

· To prepare combined strategy to work on issue of climate change.

Description of activity:-A participatory climate change study was conducted in 2010 in 22 villages of 7 districts of Uttarakhand under Uttarakhand Jan Caravan Manch with the support of ActionAid & Mr. Beeju Negi of BEEJ BACHAO ANDOLAN, to analyze the adverse effect of climate change on people and their basic understanding on the same. MVDA had also participated in the said study and 04 villages of District Tehri were included in study. From the above study it came out that that climate change is adversely affecting the livelihood and agriculture of the people of the region and has become a big calamity in Uttarakhand. Besides this, community is not very much aware of the adverse effects of climate change and unable to analyze its effects on food security and education. The main findings of the study are as follows

· Agriculture is the main occupation of people of Uttarakhand. It's not only occupation but it also a culture. But in the whole state there is only 12-15 % agricultural land, in which 80-85% land is depend on rained i.e. weather-based agriculture.

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· Before two three decades the weather cycle was usually to be regular so people used to do their agricultural works based on dates.

· Because of regular weather cycle the high biodiversity could be seen in the agriculture in the past. there were so many varieties of crops like one can grow 12- 15 types of crops, 60-70 varieties of vegetables, 12-15 varieties of pulses, 50-60 varieties of forest based food materials etc.

· Earlier people have high agricultural productivity which was ample to fulfill the food needs of their families as well they had enough to sale it to fulfill other needs but now the agricultural productivity is very low. People don’t have enough to fulfill their own food needs .They have to depend on market products to meet it and to work into other sector to meet their other needs

· Most of the village were have their special crops like somewhere potato, somewhere onion, or pulses, and somewhere anything else. But now these specialty has reduced as those farmers who were produced 40 quintal 20 years ago, now they are growing only 10-15 quintal in the same field. Not only quantity but quality has also decreases. We get so many examples like this in the Uttarakhand. Because of decreasing of fodders from fields and forests the cattle are also reduced.

· 10-15 years ago, where the bullock cart was available in most of the houses, now only few people have this one. The number of cattle has also reduced.

· The decrease in the number of the cattle has affected the livelihood as well as food, on the other side the dung which was used in agriculture is also reduced and because of this the fertility of the land has decreases. So the dependency on the chemical fertilizers has increases and all these factors affected the food security.

· People believe that the factor of wide degradation in the agriculture is the depletion of traditional seeds and crops which were able to bear the climate complexities. New seeds need more water and the level of water is reducing day by day.

· From climate to weather, forest, and agriculture all are interlinked with the cycle of "cause and effect", and because of lack of or side effects of any factor the whole thing get affected. And all of these affects food security and self dependency of the people

· The climate change in Uttarakhand and the other problems have badly affected the agriculture of the region, and because of this the food and nutrition of people has also affected.

· Earlier people used to take different diets which were according to season and grown in the field or they collected it from the forest. But now most of the people are depends on PDS and taking the same diet throughout the year.

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· Everyone said in a voice that the food of earlier time were tasty, nutritious, and different which is no more available now. The food of past time was to be solid and which helps in reducing tiredness and hunger. The old women are telling the story that how they were used to work for many hours and now a day their daughters can do the work equal to them and the reason behind them is the quality and type of food taken by them at that time and right now. Really changing food, using more chemical fertilizers in agriculture and adulteration in the food are the causes of health problems and people are suffering from various diseases day by day.

Beside the above study, MVDA has also carried a COPING study on climate change in 2011 in which it has been found that to cope up with adverse effect of climate change, there is a need to formulate a collective strategy by regular discussion with community. MVDA has decided to formulate a long term program on climate change at organization level in which works would be done on natural resource management, sustainable agriculture, disaster mitigation etc.

During year 2012, extensive campaign have carried out at community level to overcome effects of climate change in which meetings, sharing, model on sustainable agriculture, natural resource management and disaster mitigation have focused. With support of Action Aid India, the proposed activities have been implemented at community level. This campaign have been carried out in 2012 with community in 180 villages of Bhilangana Block, Jakhanidhar Block and Pratapnager Block. 10 sector level meeting have organized during campaign. Media and CBOs have participated in this campaign. In Block Bhilangana and Jakhnidhar campaign have carried by MVDA, BSS and Shilpkar Sangathan, in Pratapnagar Block campaign have carried RAIKA JAN VIKASH and in Chamba Block, campaign have been carried with the support BEEJ BACHAO ANDOLAN.

outcomes:-

· Awareness have developed to overcome effects of climate change among people of 180 villages of 04 Blocks.

· To overcome effects of climate change, village level proposals are being sent to Blocks in NREGA and ATMA projects.

· Voice of community have reached in media on bad effects of climate change. Activity:- Impact Assessment

Objective:- · Impact analysis of implemented activities at community level. · To prepare strategy for sustainability of program.

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Description of activity: - Partnership of MVDA and Action Aid has started in the year 2003. During this partnership, different activities implemented such as right to food, right to education, right to women at community level. During year 2012, impact assessment have been carried out on activities implemented during partnership. Participatory method have adopted in assessment process. The project have conducted Impact Assessment Exercise with the support of all the associated stakeholders of the project including community groups and leaders / members of project facilitated CBOs and staff.

Outcomes: · Impacts of the partnership have documented properly. · Learning / Experiences / Challenging factors have been captured with the view

points of different level of project stakeholders including community members

Activity: - Capacity building training of Project team on fund raising, project proposal development, Govt. policy and documentation.

Objective:-

· To develop understanding on new methods of fund raising and policies. · To develop understanding on Govt. policies for fund raising. · To improve capacity on development of project proposals and improvement in

documentation.

Description of activity: - Action Aid supported project of MVDA became over in 2012. It was essential to improve capacity of staff to sustain CBOs, right based activities and livelihood models in project area. Qualitative documentation, fund raising, changes in national and international policies and how to implement project proposals in more effective way etc. have been the main focused topics of training subject. Capacity building training for MVDA staff have organized on fund raising, implementation of project proposals, Govt. policies and documentation which have carried for 03 days. The resource person for this training was Mr. Mahender Kunwar from HARC Deharadun who have experience of fund raising for 20 years. 07 staff of MVDA have participate in this training. This training have organized Himachal Pradesh. Govt. policy for fund raising have discussed on first day, Proposal writing have carried on second day and training on documentation and evaluation organized on 3rd day.

Outcomes:- · Under standing of project team have developed on fund raising. · 07 staff of project have developed capacity. · Improvement in implementation of project proposals and documentation.

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Activity:- Disaster Relief in Uttarkashi and Ukhimath

With the support of Action Aid India, MVDA have carried disaster relief activities in Uttarkashi and Rudraprayag District of Uttarakhand. NF was provided by Action Aid to provide relief to disaster effected people of Uttarkashi. Meanwhile Ukhimath area of Rudraprayag District also faced cloud burst disater. MVDA have managed relief works in Ukhimath Block of Rudrayag and Bhatwari Block of Uttarkashi

UTTARKASHI FLASH FLOOD REPORT

Location and Background: Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand is situated on the banks of Bhagirathi at an altitude of 1352 m above the sea level. Most of the terrain is hilly river. The Yamuna and The Ganga are the biggest rivers in Uttarkashi district. The incidents of Natural disaster like Cloud Burst, flash flood has happened before in this district. In the year 1978 and 1980 the district got affected by the could burst, followed by an earth-quake in the 1991 which took 2000 lives, and 2002-03 major land slide tormented the district life.

Disaster in Uttarkashi: A cloud burst and flash flood happened on 3th August, 2012 at around 10 o’clock at the night in Bhatwari tehsil of Uttarkashi District of Garhwal Uttarakhand. The effected villages are situated both the sides of Assi Ganga and Bhagirathi. Heart-wrenching scenes were witnessed at Gangori where the maximum numbers of deaths were reported. There were about 700 pilgrims were stuck and efforts were made to move them to the safer place on foot, as the roads were totally damaged, and the hostile weather was not allowing airlifting of the people. According the govt data 31 deaths and 5 people missing so far. But the actual figures are way more than the govt data. According to informal sources and local prediction the missing number is more than 500. MVDA have carried a survey of effected villages and found followiing adverse effects of disaster.

· According Govt. death toll was 36 peoplein Bhatwari Tehsil of Uttarkashi District. · The road linking Uttarkashi and Bhatwari were not fully functiona. · Around 18 villages in this block are affected in this flash flood. Among 18 villages 12

villages are worst affected. The number of families living in those seven villages Bhangkoli, agora, dhasana, Dhandalka, Sheku, Gajoli, Naogaon are 575 (approx 3000 people). Many families were living in the forest.

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Ukhimath FLASH FLOOD REPORT

A cloud burst and flash flood happened between 13 tp 16 September 2012 in Ukhimath tehsil of Rudrapra yag District of Garhwal Uttarakhand. MVDA have carried survey of disaster effected area

Following was the finding of survey of disaster effected area:-

1. Death toll up to 75 people. 2. 25 village were found worst effected. 3. All villages were cutt off from essential facilities. 4. All schools were inaccessible due to washed out of tracks.

With the support of Action Aid, MVDA have provided following stores to disaster effected people:-

Name of itemes Benefited families

Benefited villages Details of distributed store

Solar lanterns 321 12 321 Blankets 183 13 420 Ration Kit 160 12 160 Plates 171 14 400 Bowels 171 14 400 Glasses steel 171 14 400 Utensil for cooking vegetable

80 12 80

Utensil for cooking rice

80 12 80

Utensil for cooking pulses.

80 12 80

Tripolian- cotton 80 12 80 Tripolian- plastic 80 10 80

Carpets 80 12 80 Pillow 80 12 80 Woolen sheets 80 12 80

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Bal Mela 2012

Activity- Bal Mela

Supported by- Action Aid India

Organized by – MVDA

Place- Doni Date- 17 December 2012

Project level Bal Meal organized by MVDA on 17 December 2012 at organization office Doni.

Dance and song presented by Bal Panchayat Dang Girls of Bal Panchayat Akhori singing hilly Song

Objective of Bal Mela:-

· To sensitize children about sustainability of Bal Panchayat to empower Block level federation of children.

· To regulize all rutine activities of Bal Panchayat continue even with our support of MVDA.

· To analysis overall changes in the lives of children and their families. · To share Impacts of Action Aid India supported project with

dignitories of Italian Action Aid.

Description:- The dignitories of Italian Action Aid have arrived on evening of 16 December in view to see overall impactd of supprort given by Italy.

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Lucknow Regional Office have chosen MVDA for visit of Italian Action Aid Team. Italian team was guided by LRO Program officer Barsha Chakravorty. On evening of 16 December, there have short briefing by MVDA staff. On early morning of 17 December, Italian visitor have visited Village Pakh and Gavani to see work done by MVDA in villages during last 10 years.

Children of Bal Panchayat arrived MVDA head quarter Doni at 1030 am. After tea and refreshment, registration of participants have carried by MVDA staff. After registration children were briefed by P.S. Panwar (Sponsorship Coordinator)about events of Bal Mela. Thereafter children were devided in two groups, one group of children have participated in drawing competetion and other group have participated in veiwing training film.

· Children participants- 180 · Audult participants- 30 · Program officer LRO-1 · Staff of Action Aid Italy-3 · Total participants- 211

At 1215, Italian guest arrived from field visit. All children welcome them in pre arranged seminar. P.S. Panwar have greeted guest in seminar of Bal Panchayat. Thereafter children of Bal Panchayat have presented cultural program as follows.

Mr. Durga Prasad. Kanswal have briefed about role of MVDA and concept of Bal Panchayat which was translated by Barsha Chakravorty (Program officer LRO). Mr. Kanswal told that we could not get enough time to present development works carried by MVDA with the support of Action Aid Indial. He assured children for regular contact with Bal Panchayats even after Action Aid. Mr. P.S. Panwar has performed duty of announcer. Cultural program have presented on basis of Bal Panchayats as follows:-

· Bal Panchayat Dang:-Team of Bal Panchayat Dang have presented a folk dance with Garhwali song which was leaded by Rajender Lal, a well known for playing Harmonium.

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· Karkhedi Bal Panchayat:- Miss Reena, Miss Bharati and Miss Surichi have presented hilly songs, Poem and Hindi song.

· Dhung Bal PanchayatP:- Miss Priyanka and Miss Anita have presented a Hindi prayer of Goddess Saraswati.

· Chaura Bal Panchayat:- Master Shail and Jaideep have presented progress of their Bal Panchayat. Akash Singh have presented a poem on petriotism. Nitish Singh have presented a hilly song.

· Koti Bal Panchayat:- A team leaded by Manjeet and five other boys have presented general knowledge and combined song.

· Chhaili Bal Panchayat:- Miss Pooja has sang a song on petriotism. Miss Swata have presented a song on Uttarakhand and Himalaya. Miss Archana has sang a hilly song with dance.

· Bal Panchayat Pokhar:- Master Suraj and party have presented a drama on condition of old aged parent which focused on migration of youths from hill side in search of jobs.

Drama show by Bal Panchayat Pokhar

· Two Italian guest have presented Italian song with dance on request of children.

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Italian Guest performing Miss Barsha Chakarvorty addressing children and staff of MVDA song and dance Miss Abha Jeruerkar (Indicorp fellow) have organized drawing competetion of children. Children have prepared their drawing and all children selected 1st, 2nd and 3rd position with combined openion. Miss Abha breifed about how children took iterest in drwing and prizes given to 1st, 2nd and 3rd

winners.

Miss Abha organizing drawing 1st, 2nd and 3rd winners with Abha

Education support and prize

distribution Details itemes given in education support.

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· Note books – 3. · English speaking course-1 · Pencil box-1 · Geometry Box-1 · Sketch set-1 · Pencil-1 · Set of coloure pencil 1

Total itemes -8 At last Miss Barsha Chakraborty have greeted children and other people for good performance. Italian guests expressed their views about appreciable work carried by MVDA for uplifting margilized community. Education support given to all children by Miss Barsha Chakarborty and Italian guest. Mr. P.S. Panwar thanked all participants, Miss Barsha and Italian guests. After distribution of education support, all participants took their lunch and left for their location with leaving a sweet memory of the day.

Details of International visit of board members S/No Year of

visit Name of country

Period of visit Supported by Purpose of visit

1. 2010 Vietnam 11 May to 15 May

Action Aid India

Study of Vietnam community

2. 2011 Bangladesh 18 November to 22 November

Action Aid India

Study of Bangladesh community

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Balance Sheet -2012

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38

39

40

41

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