We are writing to seek your support for the “sahayata kendra” initiative in Jharkhand Four years ago, two “sahayata kendras” (help centres) for NREGA workers were created in Jharkhand – one in Khunti District and one in Latehar District. The purpose of the kendras is to enable workers to claim their entitlements under the Act: work on demand, minimum wages, payment within 15 days, basic worksite facilities, among others. The kendras also conduct a range of field activities such as worksite inspections, social audits, awareness campaigns and evaluations of NREGA works. The kendras are managed by local volunteers, who earn the same minimum wage as NREGA workers. Both kendras operate in a very difficult environment – districts where there is enormous need (and potential) for NREGA work, but where standards of governance are extremely low. In spite of this, both kendras have brought about major improvements in the functioning of NREGA in their respective work areas. The kendras have also played an important role in the gradual improvement of NREGA in Jharkhand as a whole. For instance, they have contributed in many ways to the timely completion of 80,000 NREGA wells in rural Jharkhand during the last two years – the first major achievement of NREGA in Jharkhand. Aside from NREGA-related work the kendras have also been monitoring other programmes related to the right to food and the right to work, including the midday meal scheme, the Public Distribution System (PDS), and the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS). For instance, a few months ago the sahayata kendra in Khunti found out that midday meals in primary schools had been discontinued due to administrative and financial hurdles. The kendra’s prompt intervention, with a little help from the local media, ensured the timely resumption of the scheme. Similarly, both kendras have helped to ensure that the regular distribution of food under the PDS in their respective areas. In the light of this positive experience, we are trying to arrange support for the kendras for another five years. We would be most grateful if you would agree to make a contribution for this purpose. Even a relatively modest amount will go a long way in keeping the flame of hope alive in one of India’s most deprived and corruption-ridden states. How to contribute? (1) Send a cheque payable to “Research for Action (Society)” to Jean Drèze, Department of Economics, Allahabad University, Allahabad 211 002 OR (2) Make a direct transfer to “Research for Action (Society)”, Account No. 0994000101010456 Punjab National Bank, Branch Moti Bagh, New Delhi (IFSC Code: PUNB0099400). You can also contact me in case you wish to contribute with cash. - Eklavya Vasudev on behalf of Research for Action (Society)
Posted on: Wed, 03 Jul 2013 02:49:44 +0000
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