Aaa campaign[1]

Save the Lives Campaign2009-2010


Aashray Adhikar Abhiyan(Campaign for the rights of the Homeless)


S-442 school Block, shakarpur, Delhi-110092;

phone: 91+ 011-22481609

mail: [email protected];

www.homelesspeople.in;

blog:www.aaahomeless.blogspot

The most important aspect of the campaign was that the entire campaign was

managed by the homeless volunteers groomed by AAA over a period of time. It is

becaue of the utmost commitment and sincerity of the entire team of AAA who

sacrificed their sleep and cosy comforts of beds in the chilly nights, went without

meals at many times, got sick due to overwork and stress but went relentlessly to

provide comfort to their brethren in need and thus AAA could succeed in achieving

such a commendable reach out in collaboration with Delhi Government and MCD,

Slum & JJ Wing.

This year is marked as a 'Beghar Muskan Varsh' by the homeless.

AAA believes in an environment of a family for the homeless. Within this family, the

homeless irrespective of caste and creed celebrate festivals of all religions together. On

December 25th, 2009, AAA celebrated Christmas at Delhi Gate, park near a

temporary shelter. Hon'ble Minister of Social Welfare and Labour, Mr. Mangat Ram

Singhal graced the occasion with his presence. Leecy, a homeless lady and cancer

survivor celebrated her birthday the same evening. Clothes and sweets were

distributed among all present. The people enjoyed music and dance programme.

Community band from Pusa Road played their band. It was a night with lights evening

which showed the brighter side of the otherwise gloomy life of the homeless.

The entire winter work was carried out by AAA in complete coordination with both

MCD and Divisional Commissioner's office. To oversee the work and to support to the

campaign, Delhi Chief Minister, Minister, Social Welfare and Labour; Minister of Health

and Commissioner, MCD and Chairman, MCD standing Committee Chairperson visited

AAA's shelters personally. AAA is grateful to all its partner organizations, media,

individual friends and all others who joined first time in this endeavour and

contributed in different capacities and manner to make this campaign successful.

Celebration Time:

Acknowledgements

Background

Save the Lives Campaign 2009-2010

Aashray Adhikar Abhiyan (Campaign for the rights of the Homeless)

16

1

Aashray Adhikar Abhiyan (AAA)

•

•

is a rights-based programme of Action Aid

India, which believes that homeless people have the right to live in peace, dignity

and security.

Aashray Adhikar Abhiyan (AAA), a campaign for the rights of the homeless, since

year 2000 aims to make an impact on the status with respect to exploitation and

marginalization of the homeless people in Delhi. It developed into a model which got

replicated in other parts of the country. AAA's strength has been its participation mode of

working. A large majority of its field workers viz: community workers are the homeless who

constitute AAA's field workforce.

The aim of the initiative is to:

Empower, mobilise and strengthen the capacity of the homeless so they are

able to assert their rights and live with honour and dignity.

Make the citizens and Government of Delhi recognises that the homeless have

inalienable rights and that it is their responsibility to help the homeless live in

dignity.

Aashray Adhikar Abhiyan has been shouldering the responsibility of saving homeless

human lives from severe cold during winter in collaboration with Government of

NCT of Delhi and Municipal Corporation of Delhi since year 2002-03 under the

banner of 'Save the Lives Campaign'. 'Save the Lives Campaign' is one of the major

activities of Aashray Adhikar Abhiyan which is run during winter (November to

March) in collaboration with Revenue Department, Government of NCT of Delhi

every year and Municipal Corporation of Delhi. Civil Society joins this campaign in a

big way in different capacities.

Year No. of shelters

2002-03 13

2003-04 23

2004-05 46

2005-06 50

2006-07 54

2007-08 42

2008-09 42

2009-10 41

Que for the entry into shelter–bldg.

Que for the entry into shelter (Tent)



2

3

Under this campaign shelters are run in tents and buildings (in addition to the

permanent shelters run in buildings) where beds and blankets are provided to

protect the shelter users from severe cold. MCD opens additional buildings to

be run as shelters for the homeless for the winter season. These places are usually

those ones which are unused govt. buildings. In addition to beds ` blankets, drinking

water, first-aid and emergency health care, special food are also made available for

the shelter users. These shelters are ensured electricity supply so that the users do not

have to spend their nights in dark.

The process of the 'Save the Lives Campaign 2008-2009' began with a survey by

AAA to identify unused government buildings for temporary shelters and locations for

pitching up tents. It was almost the same as that of the last year. Delhi's landscape is

under massive transition in the light of coming Common Wealth Games 2010. At

some places, the sites had to be changed.

This year, AAA's focus was on the central concentration zones of homeless population.

The details were provided to the MCD and revenue department respectively. MCD on

its own identified some new buildings for use during winters as night shelters.

Subsequently, a meeting was convened under the Chairpersonship of Secretary

(Revenue)/Divisional Commissioner, Govt. of NCT of Delhi on 27.11.2009 at 11.30

a.m. in the chamber of the Secretary (Revenue), Delhi at 5-Shamnath Marg, Delhi to

discuss the issues relating to opening of temporary night shelters for the homeless in

Delhi. NDPL and BSES, Department of social welfare, all commissioners of each

district and some NGOs were present in the meeting. It was decided that the tents

would open in phases starting from the most concentration areas. More tents would

be added up if need arise. AAA volunteered to take up the tents in the areas where it

has been running other regular shelters and also temporary ones during the past

years. Subsequent to this , a number of meetings were held from time to time, at the

office of the Secretary (Revenue), Delhi and MCD to discuss other issues (like water

proofing, thick mattresses and need for blankets etc.) relating to temporary shelters.

The additional buildings were opened on

1st. December, 2009. MCD handed over these buildings to AAA for the winter period

December, 2009 to March, 2010. MCD arranged free electricity and water connection

in these buildings.

On 4th December, 2009, Divisional

Commissioner's office started pitching up tents at the proposed sites. NDPL and BSES

provided electricity connection with electricity meters.

Preparing for the winter

Roles and responsibilitiesMunicipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD):

Delhi Government, Revenue Department:

The past record of AAA's work under winter campaign is as:

Year No. of shelters

2002-03 13

2003-04 23

2004-05 46

2005-06 50

2006-07 54

2007-08 42

2008-09 42

2009-10 41

Que for the entry into shelter–bldg.

Que for the entry into shelter (Tent)



2

3

Under this campaign shelters are run in tents and buildings (in addition to the

permanent shelters run in buildings) where beds and blankets are provided to

protect the shelter users from severe cold. MCD opens additional buildings to

be run as shelters for the homeless for the winter season. These places are usually

those ones which are unused govt. buildings. In addition to beds ` blankets, drinking

water, first-aid and emergency health care, special food are also made available for

the shelter users. These shelters are ensured electricity supply so that the users do not

have to spend their nights in dark.

The process of the 'Save the Lives Campaign 2008-2009' began with a survey by

AAA to identify unused government buildings for temporary shelters and locations for

pitching up tents. It was almost the same as that of the last year. Delhi's landscape is

under massive transition in the light of coming Common Wealth Games 2010. At

some places, the sites had to be changed.

This year, AAA's focus was on the central concentration zones of homeless population.

The details were provided to the MCD and revenue department respectively. MCD on

its own identified some new buildings for use during winters as night shelters.

Subsequently, a meeting was convened under the Chairpersonship of Secretary

(Revenue)/Divisional Commissioner, Govt. of NCT of Delhi on 27.11.2009 at 11.30

a.m. in the chamber of the Secretary (Revenue), Delhi at 5-Shamnath Marg, Delhi to

discuss the issues relating to opening of temporary night shelters for the homeless in

Delhi. NDPL and BSES, Department of social welfare, all commissioners of each

district and some NGOs were present in the meeting. It was decided that the tents

would open in phases starting from the most concentration areas. More tents would

be added up if need arise. AAA volunteered to take up the tents in the areas where it

has been running other regular shelters and also temporary ones during the past

years. Subsequent to this , a number of meetings were held from time to time, at the

office of the Secretary (Revenue), Delhi and MCD to discuss other issues (like water

proofing, thick mattresses and need for blankets etc.) relating to temporary shelters.

The additional buildings were opened on

1st. December, 2009. MCD handed over these buildings to AAA for the winter period

December, 2009 to March, 2010. MCD arranged free electricity and water connection

in these buildings.

On 4th December, 2009, Divisional

Commissioner's office started pitching up tents at the proposed sites. NDPL and BSES

provided electricity connection with electricity meters.

Preparing for the winter

Roles and responsibilitiesMunicipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD):

Delhi Government, Revenue Department:

The past record of AAA's work under winter campaign is as:

Volunteers taking clothes for

distribution among the homeless


Aashray Adhikar Abhiyan

4

5

Aashray Adhikar Abhiyan (AAA):

Details of shelters managed by AAA

AAA

took over the possession of buildings and the

tents and immediately provided a care taker

for management of the shelter. The caretakers

were selected through a process of interviews,

group discussion and references and feedback

on his/her record of volunteering with AAA.

For women shelters, women caretakers were

selected from homeless population. The

selected volunteers were provided with training on management aspects of the

shelters, providing first aid, handling any emergency /crisis situation and

record keeping of stocks and maintaining entry register of shelter users.

Adequate number of blankets, first aid boxes was arranged and food

grains by AAA and updated from time to time. The night out team was

there in the field for the entire night visiting every shelter to oversee the

shelter management and help the caretaker in case of any difficulty or

need. AAA office was central control office on 24x7 bases with one field

level control office at old Delhi.

Aashray Adhikar Abhiyan has 78 partner organizations both govt. and non-govt.

organizations and many more concerned citizens working for the common goals to

provide a dignified space to the homeless in this city. Like every winter, all our long

time partners, individual friends of AAA started their campaign before the onset of

winter for mobilizing woolens, clothes, blankets, food grains etc. for the homeless.

Media fraternity supported the campaign in its own way which helped the work

getting highlighted in the outside world.

Our long time partner –Shree Dwarkadheesh Dharmik Sewa Smiti, who has always

been the solid support to AAA by arranging as many numbers of blankets as AAA

needs on returnable basis. This winter they again provided thousand blankets on

returnable basis. This time judiciary too, acted on

its own by taking up the issue of death of a

homeless during winters.

This year AAA managed tents, at 13 locations,

total number of tents were 28. Average daily rate

of occupancy was of 70 persons and the total

number of buildings was 6 with carrying capacity

ranging from 60 to 350.Thus total number of

temporary shelters were 34. Details of these

shelters are as follows:.

Civil Society

A Briefing session in progress Volunteers

preparing for

the winter

TABLE 1

Temporary Shelters in Tents

S.

No. PLACE No. of Tents

1. Fountain Chowk, near night shelter 2

2. Yamuna Bazar, Dandi Park 3

3. Mithaipul Kothi On Over Bridge 2

4. Meena Bazar, Jama Masjid 2+1 (women)

5. Nigam Bodh Ghat, Ring Road 3

6. Nizamuddin, DDA park 1+1 (women)

7. Delhi Gate, Opp. LNJP Hospital 2

8. Mori Gate, near Gokhle Market 1

9. Jhandewalan near temple 2

10. Idgah, near MTNL office 1

11. Pusa Road roundabout,

near Rachna Theatre 2 (families)

12. Shahdra near water tank 2

13. Ratanpuri Chowk,

opposite Pusa Research Institute 2

14. Anand Parvat, near J.J colony,

backside liberty cinema 1

Total number of tents 28

TABLE 2

Pucca Building (Regular Shelters)

S. No. PLACE People

1 Fatehpuri, Aashray Griha Men and children

2 Fountain Chowk, Aashray Griha Men

3 Community Center, Jhandewalan Road-I Men

4 Community Centre, Jhandewalan Road-II Men

5 Community Centre, Gali Ravi Das Men

6 Community Centre, Gali Tel Mill Men

7 Nand Nagri, Porta Cabin Aashray Griha Men

Temporary Shelters in 'pucca' buildings

S.

No. PLACE People

1. Community Center,

Teli Warra Men

2. Community Centre,

Sarai Phoos Men


Kabir Basti Men


Phool Mandi Men


Gali Boriyan Men


Kotla Mubarakpur Men

As mentioned earlier permanent shelters,

running through out the year, were also

used for servicing homeless population.

There were 7 such buildings which are

as follows:

Volunteers taking clothes for

distribution among the homeless


Aashray Adhikar Abhiyan

4

5

Aashray Adhikar Abhiyan (AAA):

Details of shelters managed by AAA

AAA

took over the possession of buildings and the

tents and immediately provided a care taker

for management of the shelter. The caretakers

were selected through a process of interviews,

group discussion and references and feedback

on his/her record of volunteering with AAA.

For women shelters, women caretakers were

selected from homeless population. The

selected volunteers were provided with training on management aspects of the

shelters, providing first aid, handling any emergency /crisis situation and

record keeping of stocks and maintaining entry register of shelter users.

Adequate number of blankets, first aid boxes was arranged and food

grains by AAA and updated from time to time. The night out team was

there in the field for the entire night visiting every shelter to oversee the

shelter management and help the caretaker in case of any difficulty or

need. AAA office was central control office on 24x7 bases with one field

level control office at old Delhi.

Aashray Adhikar Abhiyan has 78 partner organizations both govt. and non-govt.

organizations and many more concerned citizens working for the common goals to

provide a dignified space to the homeless in this city. Like every winter, all our long

time partners, individual friends of AAA started their campaign before the onset of

winter for mobilizing woolens, clothes, blankets, food grains etc. for the homeless.

Media fraternity supported the campaign in its own way which helped the work

getting highlighted in the outside world.

Our long time partner –Shree Dwarkadheesh Dharmik Sewa Smiti, who has always

been the solid support to AAA by arranging as many numbers of blankets as AAA

needs on returnable basis. This winter they again provided thousand blankets on

returnable basis. This time judiciary too, acted on

its own by taking up the issue of death of a

homeless during winters.

This year AAA managed tents, at 13 locations,

total number of tents were 28. Average daily rate

of occupancy was of 70 persons and the total

number of buildings was 6 with carrying capacity

ranging from 60 to 350.Thus total number of

temporary shelters were 34. Details of these

shelters are as follows:.

Civil Society

A Briefing session in progress Volunteers

preparing for

the winter

TABLE 1

Temporary Shelters in Tents

S.

No. PLACE No. of Tents

1. Fountain Chowk, near night shelter 2

2. Yamuna Bazar, Dandi Park 3

3. Mithaipul Kothi On Over Bridge 2

4. Meena Bazar, Jama Masjid 2+1 (women)

5. Nigam Bodh Ghat, Ring Road 3

6. Nizamuddin, DDA park 1+1 (women)

7. Delhi Gate, Opp. LNJP Hospital 2

8. Mori Gate, near Gokhle Market 1

9. Jhandewalan near temple 2

10. Idgah, near MTNL office 1

11. Pusa Road roundabout,

near Rachna Theatre 2 (families)

12. Shahdra near water tank 2

13. Ratanpuri Chowk,

opposite Pusa Research Institute 2

14. Anand Parvat, near J.J colony,

backside liberty cinema 1

Total number of tents 28

TABLE 2

Pucca Building (Regular Shelters)

S. No. PLACE People

1 Fatehpuri, Aashray Griha Men and children

2 Fountain Chowk, Aashray Griha Men

3 Community Center, Jhandewalan Road-I Men

4 Community Centre, Jhandewalan Road-II Men

5 Community Centre, Gali Ravi Das Men

6 Community Centre, Gali Tel Mill Men

7 Nand Nagri, Porta Cabin Aashray Griha Men

Temporary Shelters in 'pucca' buildings

S.

No. PLACE People

1. Community Center,

Teli Warra Men


Sarai Phoos Men


Kabir Basti Men


Phool Mandi Men


Gali Boriyan Men


Kotla Mubarakpur Men

As mentioned earlier permanent shelters,

running through out the year, were also

used for servicing homeless population.

There were 7 such buildings which are

as follows:



6

7

Food distribution AAA runs a common kitchen at one of the shelters wherein it provides meals to the

patients discharged from the hospitals & are undergoing treatment and to the children.

Till they recoup with their health, they are provided with hot three time's meals. This

kitchen fed 3822 persons during four months of winter. In addition to these people,

hospitalized patients were also provided with additional nutrition.

Gur and Chana Distribution

'Volunteer with Chana' 'Inside shelters people having *Gur and

*Chana' 'Volunteer with Gur'

* Gur- Jaggery ; Chana- Roasted Black Gram

Since it was not feasible for AAA to reach out to all shelters Gur and Chana was

distributed among the shelter users. At 28 tents, 10,000 homeless were provided

with Gur and Chana. Out of these tents, 6 tents were managed by other NGO. The

night out team distributed gur and chana to about 8000 shelter users in Building

shelters.

AADI, our partner for woolens campaign, started its

campaign for collecting woolens from its own partner

organizations and individual friends.

Clothes were distributed widely both inside shelters as well

as on streets. AAA distributed clothes in Sadar Bazar slums

when a major fire

b r o k e t h e r e .

Altogether 21000

c l o t h e s w e r e

distributed during

the entire winter

period.

Campaign for woolens andclothes by our partners

TABLE 3

Occupancy of shelters Temporary Shelters in Tents (Frequency distribution)

Month Men Women & children Total

December ‘09 11931 817 12748

January ‘10 27713 1637 29350

February ‘10 22429 2752 25181

March,10 18526 3278 21804

Total 80599 8484 89083*

TABLE 5TABLE 4

Occupancy of shelters in Temporary Buildings (Men) (Frequency distribution)


December ‘09 3586 124 3710

January ‘10 7696 132 7828

February ‘10 5938 129 6067

March,10 4868 120 4984

Total 22088 505 22593*

*Total reach out through shelters for this winter period was 2, 30,104.

Occupancy of shelters in Permanent Buildings (Men) (Frequency distribution)

Month Total

December ‘09 28869

January ‘10 34515

February ‘10 30642

March,10 24402

Total 118428*

Services in the shelters:

Mattresses, blankets

Visit by medical van of

Govt.'s health department

Drinking water

Toilets

First aid

Library, newspapers

Television

Clinic by qualified doctor

n

n

n

n

n

n

n

n

Hon'ble Chief Minister,

Smt. Sheila Dikshit along with

Sh. Mangat Ram Singhal,

Minister of Labour and Social Welfare;

Mr. K.S. Mehra, Commissioner, MCD

on her visit to Shelters

Sh.S.C Sinha, Exe. Director,

Oriental Bank of Commerce, with

blankets for the children at shelter

Children inside shelter



6

7

Food distribution AAA runs a common kitchen at one of the shelters wherein it provides meals to the

patients discharged from the hospitals & are undergoing treatment and to the children.

Till they recoup with their health, they are provided with hot three time's meals. This

kitchen fed 3822 persons during four months of winter. In addition to these people,

hospitalized patients were also provided with additional nutrition.

Gur and Chana Distribution

'Volunteer with Chana' 'Inside shelters people having *Gur and

*Chana' 'Volunteer with Gur'

* Gur- Jaggery ; Chana- Roasted Black Gram

Since it was not feasible for AAA to reach out to all shelters Gur and Chana was

distributed among the shelter users. At 28 tents, 10,000 homeless were provided

with Gur and Chana. Out of these tents, 6 tents were managed by other NGO. The

night out team distributed gur and chana to about 8000 shelter users in Building

shelters.

AADI, our partner for woolens campaign, started its

campaign for collecting woolens from its own partner

organizations and individual friends.

Clothes were distributed widely both inside shelters as well

as on streets. AAA distributed clothes in Sadar Bazar slums

when a major fire

b r o k e t h e r e .

Altogether 21000

c l o t h e s w e r e

distributed during

the entire winter

period.

Campaign for woolens andclothes by our partners

TABLE 3

Occupancy of shelters Temporary Shelters in Tents (Frequency distribution)


December ‘09 11931 817 12748

January ‘10 27713 1637 29350

February ‘10 22429 2752 25181

March,10 18526 3278 21804

Total 80599 8484 89083*

TABLE 5TABLE 4

Occupancy of shelters in Temporary Buildings (Men) (Frequency distribution)


December ‘09 3586 124 3710

January ‘10 7696 132 7828

February ‘10 5938 129 6067

March,10 4868 120 4984

Total 22088 505 22593*

*Total reach out through shelters for this winter period was 2, 30,104.

Occupancy of shelters in Permanent Buildings (Men) (Frequency distribution)

Month Total

December ‘09 28869

January ‘10 34515

February ‘10 30642

March,10 24402

Total 118428*

Services in the shelters:

Mattresses, blankets

Visit by medical van of

Govt.'s health department

Drinking water

Toilets

First aid

Library, newspapers

Television

Clinic by qualified doctor

n

n

n

n

n

n

n

n

Hon'ble Chief Minister,

Smt. Sheila Dikshit along with

Sh. Mangat Ram Singhal,

Minister of Labour and Social Welfare;

Mr. K.S. Mehra, Commissioner, MCD

on her visit to Shelters

Sh.S.C Sinha, Exe. Director,

Oriental Bank of Commerce, with

blankets for the children at shelter

Children inside shelter



8

9

DevelopmentsAAA has an experience of leading this campaign for years together. The tents are

erected in open parks, side passages etc. There are a number of landowning agencies

in Delhi. Thus, the entire work of winter requires proper coordination among all the

departments and bodies of the government.

grace period to find out an alternate site for the tent so that no one dies in cold. Even the

hot arguments and AAA's resistance did not stop the Official to remove the tent. On 23rd.

December,2010, the tent was brought down with the help of police and other MCD

officials. AAA team immediately got engaged in finding out alternate site nearby. Few

locations identified near that area were rejected by the people. They did not want to move

to those places. Finally within one week's time, an alternate site (Ratanpuri) nearest to the

previous site was identified and the people agreed to this site. AAA's immediate focus was

to save people from the cold. AAA reported to the Revenue secretary office about this

location and on 3rd. January,2010, two tents were erected at that place, one for women

and for women and children.

Morning of the 1st. January, 2010, brought the news of death of a young man 'Bhima'

from the families while sleeping outside. There was much furor and the MCD was taken to

task by the High Court by taking suo-motto notice of the incident. Though this man never

used to sleep inside the tent when it was operational, still it was unfortunate. Within one

week's time approximately, two more tents were pitched in the gole chakkar.

With this incident the community became rigid and demanded for a tent inside the same

roundabout and not to move to the Ratnapuri chowk tent – the alternate site. Still, AAA

tried to persuade some people to move to Ratnapuri chowk tent and not shiver in the open

in the cold and avoid any more death. Some people moved to the new tent leaving behind

one group.Though after some time-----, tent was erected in the same park again at the

order of the High Court.

At Pusa Road,

There are about 100 families migrated from Karnataka about 40 years ago living around

Pusa road. They are engaged in petty jobs like balloon selling etc. Due to construction work

all around and then metro rail passing by that side, they kept being displaced from place to

place, For the last few year they have been living in open inside this roundabout

surrounded from all sides by a fast moving traffic. AAA had been working with these

families for the last six years. For the last three years, with AAA's efforts, tents used to be

erected in the same roundabout to save these people from cold weather. AAA's volunteers

from the community used to manage these tents

This winter again, the tent was erected in first week of December, 2009 and was in

operation for about a week's time. So, the shelter in tent was a boon to them in this chilly

weather. All of a sudden, the concerned govt. official from MCD objected to this tent inside

the roundabout as he did not have any communication from his department about this tent.

AAA explained to the DC about this initiative by the State and asked him to give some

CASE STUDY 1

AAA at the site-pusa road

Police arrived at Pusa road Condolence meeting at

Pusa Gole Chakkar at Bhima's death

AAA arguing with MCD officials for not

removing the tent with the people

The temporary shelters not only provided a roof to the homelessbut also provided a shelter to the stranded travelers from Assam.



8

9

DevelopmentsAAA has an experience of leading this campaign for years together. The tents are

erected in open parks, side passages etc. There are a number of landowning agencies

in Delhi. Thus, the entire work of winter requires proper coordination among all the

departments and bodies of the government.

grace period to find out an alternate site for the tent so that no one dies in cold. Even the

hot arguments and AAA's resistance did not stop the Official to remove the tent. On 23rd.

December,2010, the tent was brought down with the help of police and other MCD

officials. AAA team immediately got engaged in finding out alternate site nearby. Few

locations identified near that area were rejected by the people. They did not want to move

to those places. Finally within one week's time, an alternate site (Ratanpuri) nearest to the

previous site was identified and the people agreed to this site. AAA's immediate focus was

to save people from the cold. AAA reported to the Revenue secretary office about this

location and on 3rd. January,2010, two tents were erected at that place, one for women

and for women and children.

Morning of the 1st. January, 2010, brought the news of death of a young man 'Bhima'

from the families while sleeping outside. There was much furor and the MCD was taken to

task by the High Court by taking suo-motto notice of the incident. Though this man never

used to sleep inside the tent when it was operational, still it was unfortunate. Within one

week's time approximately, two more tents were pitched in the gole chakkar.

With this incident the community became rigid and demanded for a tent inside the same

roundabout and not to move to the Ratnapuri chowk tent – the alternate site. Still, AAA

tried to persuade some people to move to Ratnapuri chowk tent and not shiver in the open

in the cold and avoid any more death. Some people moved to the new tent leaving behind

one group.Though after some time-----, tent was erected in the same park again at the

order of the High Court.

At Pusa Road,

There are about 100 families migrated from Karnataka about 40 years ago living around

Pusa road. They are engaged in petty jobs like balloon selling etc. Due to construction work

all around and then metro rail passing by that side, they kept being displaced from place to

place, For the last few year they have been living in open inside this roundabout

surrounded from all sides by a fast moving traffic. AAA had been working with these

families for the last six years. For the last three years, with AAA's efforts, tents used to be

erected in the same roundabout to save these people from cold weather. AAA's volunteers

from the community used to manage these tents

This winter again, the tent was erected in first week of December, 2009 and was in

operation for about a week's time. So, the shelter in tent was a boon to them in this chilly

weather. All of a sudden, the concerned govt. official from MCD objected to this tent inside

the roundabout as he did not have any communication from his department about this tent.

AAA explained to the DC about this initiative by the State and asked him to give some

CASE STUDY 1

AAA at the site-pusa road

Police arrived at Pusa road Condolence meeting at

Pusa Gole Chakkar at Bhima's death

AAA arguing with MCD officials for not

removing the tent with the people

The temporary shelters not only provided a roof to the homelessbut also provided a shelter to the stranded travelers from Assam.



10

11

Other ActivitiesDuring winters, though AAA's focus shifts towards saving people's lives from cold

weather, its other regular programmes like community health outreach services, food

for the sick and children, education programme for children; free legal aid at beggars

court as well as at Appellate court continued with the same pace.Some shelters serve

as a half way homes for the patients who are under long term treatment but don't

need hospitalization.

The activities are explained as:

AAA's existing community health outreach service acts a boulder to the additional

demand during winters. During the Save the Lives Campaign 2008-2009 Aashray

Adhikar Abhiyan also reached out to 2966 people through its various health

initiatives. The details of cases handled by various health initiatives of Aashray

Adhikar Abhiyan during the campaign are shown below:

1. Community Health Outreach Services

2. Organising and Mobilising the Homeless

All the homeless do not use shelter due to various factors. To reach out to the

unreached, AAA's specially trained team reaches out to those who sleep on the streets

at their convenient time. This team adopts more than 20 ways involving them into

this campaign. Through all the activities thus, AAA reaches out to 20,765 persons.

CASE STUDY 2

On 26th. December, 2009, Sh.Rajeev Kumar, SDM (HQ), Revenue Department,

Government of Delhi and Mr. M.C. Sharma, Dyp. Director of Social Defence department

of social welfare and Sanjay Kumar of Aashray Adhikar Abhiyan on a night out for

insuring the best possible facilities for the homeless of Delhi. Around 9.30 p.m. Mr.

Rajeev Kumar noticed a lady weeping near one of the tents. Upon being asked, she

hesitatingly narrated her story. She along with her husband, twelve year old son and

one more relative were en-route to Sonipat for some employment there. At old Delhi

railway station, their all belongings, cash got stolen. Their all contacts saved in the

mobile were lost in the mobile. The entire family was stranded with no money, no

contact number in a new unknown city. The lady told that, 'Some one at Railway

station told us to go to Jamuna Bazar tent where we can sleep and feel safe. That is

the reason we are here'.

The SDM, (HQ) immediately gave some Rs. 200 for food to the family. AAA's volunteer

Mr.Praveen Kumar took them to a shelter at Jama Masjid and provided food, medicine

to the sick child. The lady stayed at the women shelter being managed by AAA. The

others stayed in men's section. AAA's volunteer provided meals to the entire family.

On 27th December 09, evening, AAA volunteers brought the family to another shelter

located at Fatehpuri near old Delhi Railways station where other team members of AAA

had taken rail tickets to send them back. When that family reached at the shelter, the

lady and the child were seemingly upset and scared because the family had gone

through the experience of homeless life in an unknown city. Family was realizing the

pain of the losing home but she was thanking GOD that they found AAA. The child

was complaining of acute stomach pain. After taking medicine and hot fresh meal at

our kitchen the child felt okay. AAA arranged one night stay at Gurudwara Shishganj

Saheb, dharamshala at chandni chowk. The family was relieved to a great extent.

On 28th of December AAA arranged their railway ticket to their home, gave three time

meals home cooked meals for the journey , two blankets each ,woolen clothes , packed

food , four tickets and five hundred rupees in cash for further journey from Darjeeling

to their hometown. AAA volunteers remained with the family at the railways station till

the train started. The family has hopefully reached their home and got saved from

being homeless. After reaching hometown all the family members called up many a

times and thanked AAA for the efforts. Family consisted of Ms. Puja (34), Vijay (39),

Ashish (12), and Bahadur (28).

TABLE 5

Number of Patients attended by Community Health Outreach Services

Month HIGH SSA Emergency/Crisis* Mental De-addiction Total

Health sessions &

medicine

December, 2009 516 91 17 14 152 790

January, 2010 547 167 20 15 156 905

February, 2010 304 108 14 22 198 646

March, 2010 314 96 15 23 147 595

Total 1665 462 66 140 653 2966

* An attendant was provided to all the hospitalized patients and arrangements for special food were also made along

with purchasing medicines from the market.



10

11

Other ActivitiesDuring winters, though AAA's focus shifts towards saving people's lives from cold

weather, its other regular programmes like community health outreach services, food

for the sick and children, education programme for children; free legal aid at beggars

court as well as at Appellate court continued with the same pace.Some shelters serve

as a half way homes for the patients who are under long term treatment but don't

need hospitalization.

The activities are explained as:

AAA's existing community health outreach service acts a boulder to the additional

demand during winters. During the Save the Lives Campaign 2008-2009 Aashray

Adhikar Abhiyan also reached out to 2966 people through its various health

initiatives. The details of cases handled by various health initiatives of Aashray

Adhikar Abhiyan during the campaign are shown below:

1. Community Health Outreach Services

2. Organising and Mobilising the Homeless

All the homeless do not use shelter due to various factors. To reach out to the

unreached, AAA's specially trained team reaches out to those who sleep on the streets

at their convenient time. This team adopts more than 20 ways involving them into

this campaign. Through all the activities thus, AAA reaches out to 20,765 persons.

CASE STUDY 2

On 26th. December, 2009, Sh.Rajeev Kumar, SDM (HQ), Revenue Department,

Government of Delhi and Mr. M.C. Sharma, Dyp. Director of Social Defence department

of social welfare and Sanjay Kumar of Aashray Adhikar Abhiyan on a night out for

insuring the best possible facilities for the homeless of Delhi. Around 9.30 p.m. Mr.

Rajeev Kumar noticed a lady weeping near one of the tents. Upon being asked, she

hesitatingly narrated her story. She along with her husband, twelve year old son and

one more relative were en-route to Sonipat for some employment there. At old Delhi

railway station, their all belongings, cash got stolen. Their all contacts saved in the

mobile were lost in the mobile. The entire family was stranded with no money, no

contact number in a new unknown city. The lady told that, 'Some one at Railway

station told us to go to Jamuna Bazar tent where we can sleep and feel safe. That is

the reason we are here'.

The SDM, (HQ) immediately gave some Rs. 200 for food to the family. AAA's volunteer

Mr.Praveen Kumar took them to a shelter at Jama Masjid and provided food, medicine

to the sick child. The lady stayed at the women shelter being managed by AAA. The

others stayed in men's section. AAA's volunteer provided meals to the entire family.

On 27th December 09, evening, AAA volunteers brought the family to another shelter

located at Fatehpuri near old Delhi Railways station where other team members of AAA

had taken rail tickets to send them back. When that family reached at the shelter, the

lady and the child were seemingly upset and scared because the family had gone

through the experience of homeless life in an unknown city. Family was realizing the

pain of the losing home but she was thanking GOD that they found AAA. The child

was complaining of acute stomach pain. After taking medicine and hot fresh meal at

our kitchen the child felt okay. AAA arranged one night stay at Gurudwara Shishganj

Saheb, dharamshala at chandni chowk. The family was relieved to a great extent.

On 28th of December AAA arranged their railway ticket to their home, gave three time

meals home cooked meals for the journey , two blankets each ,woolen clothes , packed

food , four tickets and five hundred rupees in cash for further journey from Darjeeling

to their hometown. AAA volunteers remained with the family at the railways station till

the train started. The family has hopefully reached their home and got saved from

being homeless. After reaching hometown all the family members called up many a

times and thanked AAA for the efforts. Family consisted of Ms. Puja (34), Vijay (39),

Ashish (12), and Bahadur (28).

TABLE 5

Number of Patients attended by Community Health Outreach Services

Month HIGH SSA Emergency/Crisis* Mental De-addiction Total

Health sessions &

medicine

December, 2009 516 91 17 14 152 790

January, 2010 547 167 20 15 156 905

February, 2010 304 108 14 22 198 646

March, 2010 314 96 15 23 147 595

Total 1665 462 66 140 653 2966

* An attendant was provided to all the hospitalized patients and arrangements for special food were also made along

with purchasing medicines from the market.



12

13

3. Legal Aid At The Beggar-Court And Appellate Court

(Since 2001)

AAA's law research and advocacy unit has been working consistently on studying and

analyzing the anti poor laws being practiced against the homeless and urban poor.

The homeless and the urban poor being socially excluded fall easy prey to such laws.

Bombay Prevention of Begging Act, 1959 (BPBA) is one of such laws upon which

AAA has been working continuously since 2001. AAA has been providing free legal

aid to the people arrested under this law and unable to pay fee to advocate for their

defence both at beggar court and appellate court. People arrested under the Act who

are capable of paying the Advocate fee do not approach AAA.

During the period from December, 2009 to March 2010, AAA provided free legal aid

to 210 homeless and poor arrested under the Bombay Prevention of Begging Act,

1959 at Beggar-Court. Out of these, 135 accused persons were released after due

admonition on furnishing personal bond, 5 accused persons were ordered by the court

to be released after due admonition on furnishing personal bond and surety bond (in

the absence of any one to come forward to stand surety for them, they do not come

out of detention), 70 accused persons were ordered to be detained in certified

institutions (incidentally, most of these 70 persons were patients suffering from

leprosy). These leprosy patients were sent to certified institution at Tahirpur, Delhi and

the remaining were sent to certified institution at Lampur and Nirmal Chhaya.

AAA provides legal aid to those who are sent to certified institution after being

convicted under the said law. During these four months of winters, AAA filed 29

appeals at the appellate court (Sessions court). Out of these 29 appeals, 24 were

allowed meaning the convicts got released; 5 cases are pending in different courts.

Minister of Health, Ms. Kiran Walia,

Ms. Asha Menon, Secretary, Delhi Legal Services Authority,

Mr. Hashmi, Secretary, Health,

Dr. Nimesh G. Desai, Director, IHBAS, Director, AAA

at HIGH clinic at Jama Masjid

Sh. Mangat Ram Singhal

Minister of Labour, Social Welfare, Delhi

on Christmas Day with

Celebrating Holi together



12

13

3. Legal Aid At The Beggar-Court And Appellate Court

(Since 2001)

AAA's law research and advocacy unit has been working consistently on studying and

analyzing the anti poor laws being practiced against the homeless and urban poor.

The homeless and the urban poor being socially excluded fall easy prey to such laws.

Bombay Prevention of Begging Act, 1959 (BPBA) is one of such laws upon which

AAA has been working continuously since 2001. AAA has been providing free legal

aid to the people arrested under this law and unable to pay fee to advocate for their

defence both at beggar court and appellate court. People arrested under the Act who

are capable of paying the Advocate fee do not approach AAA.

During the period from December, 2009 to March 2010, AAA provided free legal aid

to 210 homeless and poor arrested under the Bombay Prevention of Begging Act,

1959 at Beggar-Court. Out of these, 135 accused persons were released after due

admonition on furnishing personal bond, 5 accused persons were ordered by the court

to be released after due admonition on furnishing personal bond and surety bond (in

the absence of any one to come forward to stand surety for them, they do not come

out of detention), 70 accused persons were ordered to be detained in certified

institutions (incidentally, most of these 70 persons were patients suffering from

leprosy). These leprosy patients were sent to certified institution at Tahirpur, Delhi and

the remaining were sent to certified institution at Lampur and Nirmal Chhaya.

AAA provides legal aid to those who are sent to certified institution after being

convicted under the said law. During these four months of winters, AAA filed 29

appeals at the appellate court (Sessions court). Out of these 29 appeals, 24 were

allowed meaning the convicts got released; 5 cases are pending in different courts.

Minister of Health, Ms. Kiran Walia,

Ms. Asha Menon, Secretary, Delhi Legal Services Authority,

Mr. Hashmi, Secretary, Health,

Dr. Nimesh G. Desai, Director, IHBAS, Director, AAA

at HIGH clinic at Jama Masjid

Sh. Mangat Ram Singhal

Minister of Labour, Social Welfare, Delhi

on Christmas Day with

Celebrating Holi together



14

15

It is important to note that the number of people being provided legal aid keeps

varying from time to time. The variance depends upon various factors like frequency

And intensity of arrests and raids.

Trainings and development helps inincreasing job knowledge and skills of team at

each level. It helps to expand the horizons of human intellect and an overall

personality of the volunteers.

Such on the job trainings constitute an important component of AAA's work. During

winter period a number of trainings were conducted for capacity building of volunteers

associated with winter work. Some of these trainings were : Trainings on Legal

Awareness; Awareness about rights of the homeless and volunteerism; Child rights and

protection; Developing leadership skills; Understanding mental health issues among

homeless; Yoga practice; Gender equity and Development.

About 120 homeless volunteers and six core team members worked 24x7 braving the

chilling cold to save the homeless from cold and to achieve the above mentioned

reach out. The volunteers remained on the streets day in and day out to ensure that

the chilling cold could not claim any vulnerable life.

5. Trainings

6. VOLUNTEERS

AAA ready to welcome homeless

HomageAAA bid its last pray to it's the senior most associate –

Sh. Prithvi Chand Baba.

AAA's team performed his last rites with full rituals.

He passed away in the hospital at the age of 85 years.

AAA pays its homage to all those homeless who might have

succumbed to this year's harsh winter and gone unnoticed.



14

15

It is important to note that the number of people being provided legal aid keeps

varying from time to time. The variance depends upon various factors like frequency

And intensity of arrests and raids.

Trainings and development helps inincreasing job knowledge and skills of team at

each level. It helps to expand the horizons of human intellect and an overall

personality of the volunteers.

Such on the job trainings constitute an important component of AAA's work. During

winter period a number of trainings were conducted for capacity building of volunteers

associated with winter work. Some of these trainings were : Trainings on Legal

Awareness; Awareness about rights of the homeless and volunteerism; Child rights and

protection; Developing leadership skills; Understanding mental health issues among

homeless; Yoga practice; Gender equity and Development.

About 120 homeless volunteers and six core team members worked 24x7 braving the

chilling cold to save the homeless from cold and to achieve the above mentioned

reach out. The volunteers remained on the streets day in and day out to ensure that

the chilling cold could not claim any vulnerable life.

5. Trainings

6. VOLUNTEERS

AAA ready to welcome homeless

HomageAAA bid its last pray to it's the senior most associate –

Sh. Prithvi Chand Baba.

AAA's team performed his last rites with full rituals.

He passed away in the hospital at the age of 85 years.

AAA pays its homage to all those homeless who might have

succumbed to this year's harsh winter and gone unnoticed.

The most important aspect of the campaign was that the entire campaign was

managed by the homeless volunteers groomed by AAA over a period of time. It is

becaue of the utmost commitment and sincerity of the entire team of AAA who

sacrificed their sleep and cosy comforts of beds in the chilly nights, went without

meals at many times, got sick due to overwork and stress but went relentlessly to

provide comfort to their brethren in need and thus AAA could succeed in achieving

such a commendable reach out in collaboration with Delhi Government and MCD,

Slum & JJ Wing.

This year is marked as a 'Beghar Muskan Varsh' by the homeless.

AAA believes in an environment of a family for the homeless. Within this family, the

homeless irrespective of caste and creed celebrate festivals of all religions together. On

December 25th, 2009, AAA celebrated Christmas at Delhi Gate, park near a

temporary shelter. Hon'ble Minister of Social Welfare and Labour, Mr. Mangat Ram

Singhal graced the occasion with his presence. Leecy, a homeless lady and cancer

survivor celebrated her birthday the same evening. Clothes and sweets were

distributed among all present. The people enjoyed music and dance programme.

Community band from Pusa Road played their band. It was a night with lights evening

which showed the brighter side of the otherwise gloomy life of the homeless.

The entire winter work was carried out by AAA in complete coordination with both

MCD and Divisional Commissioner's office. To oversee the work and to support to the

campaign, Delhi Chief Minister, Minister, Social Welfare and Labour; Minister of Health

and Commissioner, MCD and Chairman, MCD standing Committee Chairperson visited

AAA's shelters personally. AAA is grateful to all its partner organizations, media,

individual friends and all others who joined first time in this endeavour and

contributed in different capacities and manner to make this campaign successful.

Celebration Time:

Acknowledgements

Background



16

1

Aashray Adhikar Abhiyan (AAA)

•

•

is a rights-based programme of Action Aid

India, which believes that homeless people have the right to live in peace, dignity

and security.

Aashray Adhikar Abhiyan (AAA), a campaign for the rights of the homeless, since

year 2000 aims to make an impact on the status with respect to exploitation and

marginalization of the homeless people in Delhi. It developed into a model which got

replicated in other parts of the country. AAA's strength has been its participation mode of

working. A large majority of its field workers viz: community workers are the homeless who

constitute AAA's field workforce.

The aim of the initiative is to:

Empower, mobilise and strengthen the capacity of the homeless so they are

able to assert their rights and live with honour and dignity.

Make the citizens and Government of Delhi recognises that the homeless have

inalienable rights and that it is their responsibility to help the homeless live in

dignity.

Aashray Adhikar Abhiyan has been shouldering the responsibility of saving homeless

human lives from severe cold during winter in collaboration with Government of

NCT of Delhi and Municipal Corporation of Delhi since year 2002-03 under the

banner of 'Save the Lives Campaign'. 'Save the Lives Campaign' is one of the major

activities of Aashray Adhikar Abhiyan which is run during winter (November to

March) in collaboration with Revenue Department, Government of NCT of Delhi

every year and Municipal Corporation of Delhi. Civil Society joins this campaign in a

big way in different capacities.





S-442 school Block, shakarpur, Delhi-110092;

phone: 91+ 011-22481609

mail: [email protected];

www.homelesspeople.in;

blog:www.aaahomeless.blogspot

Health & Medicine

Aaa campaign[1]