PARAB @ Narayanpatna

                It is for the first time since last one and half year that the small dingy village called Narayanpatna was breathing freely. Starting from small children to old person was on the street celebrating their own PARAB. It was the occasion they were probably waiting to come out of the unnatural atmosphere of fear and depression.


              It all started with the celebration of GP level PARAB in all but two Panchayats on 1st and 2nd January. The attendance and participation of people was huge and unexpected. This encouraged the organizers to organize the Block level PARAB with more involvement. Hon. MP koraput and MLA Laxmipur attended the second day celebration. All school and college going students actively participated in quizzes, debates, song and dance competitions. Over 10 departments participated in erecting their stall highlighting all their activities and programes. Health camp was also organized for two days. Forest right, GKP and other pattas were also distributed on the occasion.

               Finally, the icing on the cake was the performance of dance troupes who came all the way from various panchayats. Their performances were breathtaking and very exciting. All of them were looking as original and natural as if they were performing in their own village. The crowd of 5000 enjoyed the DEMASA and forgot themselves in the PARAB fervor.

               In order to address all issues pertaining to land in the area a new initiative was proposed whereby on the 5th of every month Collector, Sub-Collector and Tahsildar along with a legal team would hold a “Land Adalat (Jami Adalat)” whereby all land related issues will get registered and necessary action would be initiated by appropriate authority. The preceding month’s cases would be followed in next months seating.

Thus, the PARAB raised new hopes, gave people an opportunity to come out from their shell and gave new ray of hope for better tomorrow.

Samarthya Sibirs : a successful attempt to take different entitlements for differently abled citizens to their doorsteps

                     As all know Differently Abled people constitute around 2% of our population. They face herculean task to get themselves educated and many times being treated as burden on the family. Poverty along with disability is more difficult and painful. In order to provide all services to this section of society Govt Of Orissa has devised a concept called Samarthya Sibir wherein all the services are provided in the single window manner at their door step. Generally, camps are organized at block level at Block point and a team of doctors visit the spot constituting panel for issuing disability certificate.

               This year in koraput we made an attempt to make these camps special. We made elaborate planning by forming a Samarthya Sibir organization team headed by each BDO, MO (I/C). Sub-Collectors were assigned the tasks of overall supervision. Mapping of differently able persons was done in advance with the help of AWWs. This gave an idea about the number of DA persons with their location. Subsequently, picking points were selected from where vehicles were supposed to pick up the DA persons. So that they may not have to walk or travel at their own. Adequate volunteers were arranged for smooth management of the camps. As done in Ganjam it was decided to give unique identification number to all DA persons so that proper database can be maintained for future reference. For the first time services like SGSY and IAY were offered. Even though 3% of it is reserved for DA but they hardly get their due share unless special efforts are being taken. Proper planning was made to provide following services to the eligible beneficiaries.

• Disability certificate

• Bus concession and Rail concession
• Disability Pension under MBPY
• SGSY Individual loan to all the willing candidates who are wanting to start small enterprises for their    livelihood security
• IAY house to all the eligible candidates
• DRI loans from Banks
• SHG groups to be formed of more than five DA persons from one village/GP
• Enlisting for vocational Training by VRC and Aide et Action

                 Finally the camp was being organized successfully in 13 of the 14 blocks till date attended by thousands of DA persons giving the administration opportunity to provide them services at their doorsteps. The whole exercise was very satisfying.

         Report of Samarthya Sibir

• Registration                                        :  7954
• Disability Certificates issued                :  2526
• Bus concession issued                         : 2578
• Rail concession issued                         : 1545
• DRI loans                                           : 131
• SGSY (Individual)                              :  335
• IAY                                                   :  506
• MBPY (Disability Pensions)               :  2100
• Vocational Training (VRC)                 : 1016
• Vocational Training (Aide et Action)   : 381
• SHG groups of DA formed                 : 242

                                              Samarthya Sibir at Laxmipur

                                                      Samarthya Sibir at Lamataput