Barmer workshop raises awareness of government welfare schemes
On 19th November, 2015 Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF) in partnership with Henvalvani, a local community radio station, organised a district level workshop at Chamba, Tehri Garhwal district, Uttarakhand. The objective was to create awareness about various government schemes and how the benefits could reach last mile beneficiaries. Elected members of gram panchayats, district/block officials, social activists, local influential NGOs, CBOs, self help group workers, primary health centre officials, bank officials and a few beneficiaries were the participants.
The workshop sought to build a deep conceptual understanding of the public schemes and programmes and the processes needed to avail the information/benefit. Participating stakeholders learnt how the benefits of such government schemes could reach last mile beneficiaries, especially those who are unaware of their rights and lagging behind in obtaining their entitlements. The workshop also provided participants an opportunity to explore in depth the various areas that required dissemination of information on citizen entitlements.
The event began with an inaugural speech by Rajinder Negi, station manager of community radio Henvalvani that broadcasts programmes highlighting problems faced by local people in Chamba and also informs people about other issues and current affairs. He also invited the guests to the podium in order to light the inaugural lamp and begin the proceedings.
Brijesh Dharma, District Manager, Soochna Seva, Tehri Garhwal, presented a brief description about the Soochna Seva project and the work that is being done in the district.
The chief guests expressed their opinion and suggestions regarding the development of people in the district. Raghubhai Jardhari praised the work of DEF and Soochna Seva. Sushil Bahuguna, Rural Development Society (an NGO) emphasised that information is like a bridge that fills the gap of ignorance and poverty. Baby Aswal, Block Head of Jakhanidhar, Tehri Garhwal encouraged the participants to provide relevant information to the needy and fight for women empowerment and against female foeticides. The DEF team and Henvalvani team presented Garhwali caps and shawl to the guests. The inaugural session was followed by two group sessions.
Group Session I:
Public Schemes Information Dissemination, Entitlement Status in Tehri Garhwal District
Focal points for discussion:
- Status of public schemes available at district level for citizens and community benefit
- Status of means and methods for information dissemination and delivery of entitlements
- Community engagement for information access and entitlement benefits including public grievance system
- Challenges in information dissemination and delivery of actual entitlements to the needy population
- Why is it required to disseminate information regarding public schemes to the needy communities and ensure delivery of entitled benefits?
Discussion Highlights of this Session:
- Teachers are not punctual and hardly pay attention to the children. Also, Computer and English teachers are not available.
- Deficit of medical facilities and modern instruments hinders proper treatment of the people.
- Lack of jobs force youngsters to migrate to other states for better livelihood and lucrative opportunities.
- Wild animals are a menace and creates difficulties for people to commute at night.
- LPG is not supplied on time at Anganwadi Kendras and it delays preparation of food for children.
- Specially- abled children below 12 years cannot avail disability pension.
- There is no provision from government’s end to hear women’s appeal.
- Government representatives do not reach out to people to give them information correctly.
Group Session II:
Strengthening Public Schemes Information Dissemination, Entitlement Benefits in Tehri Garhwal District
Focal points for discussion:
- Innovative ways and means to improve last mile delivery and access to public schemes information and entitled benefits for citizens
- Role of Information Communication Technology (ICT) or digital applications to improve delivery mechanism and access to public schemes information
- Whether and how Soochna Seva programme can improve delivery and access to public schemes information and citizen entitlements in Tehri Garhwal District?
Discussion Highlights of this Session:
- Self-employment is one of the good options to avoid migration and it can be achieved by providing vocational training to youth.
- Proper physical infrastructure and facilities such as library, computer lab and playgrounds should be provided at schools.
- To counter the scarcity of water supply more number of hand pumps should be installed by government within a distance of 1 km of all habitations.
- Technical facilities and awareness about alternative farming should be provided to increase agricultural productivity.
- Proper information centre should be established to create awareness on government schemes in order to cater to the need of applicants.
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES:
Ved Kishore Rayal, a retired officer sang a beautiful Garhwali song named “Chitthi”. This song was about a lady who complains to her husband about the troubles faced by people who reside in the hilly region.
PARTICIPANTS
The guests who shared the space with the participants are:
- Awdhesh Kaushal, Padmashree, Founder & Patron, Rural Litigation & Entitlement Kendra, Uttarakhand
- Raghubhai Jardhari, Social Worker, Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand
- Sushil Bahuguna, Rural Development Society (an NGO), Dehradoon
- Baby Aswal, Block head, Jakhanidhar Block, Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand
- Budhi Singh Pundirji, a social worker, Chamba, Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand
- D. P. Chamoli, Assistant Block Development officer, Chamba, Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand
- Avinash Bhadauria, District Social Welfare Officer, Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand
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