Friday, 9 August 2013

Reflections from the Field - Saroj Dash

"Collecting potable water for use of  family is not my job"- Statement  of  a male head of household of village Pahilundi, Chipurunga GP, Kanas Block in Puri District

Dear Members,

The above is not a shock statement to me as it is the mirror of the prevailing social order in rural India.

I am really moved by the spirit of brotherhood, solidarity and fellow feeling among the villagers. After my visit and also very fruitful interaction as well as transect walk in the village, three  issues really disturbed me in appreciating our development initiatives over the last 11 plan periods.

Village Pahilundi is still to have full proof and fail proof access to  basic services like  potable water and sanitation especially using of toilets . Access to sustainable livelihood by majority of households is a greater challenge and so also getting rid of chronic water logging of their arable lands . One positive thing which I appreciate, villagers have strong faith  on the institutional structures like Palli Sabha, Gram Sabha and also CBOs namely Self Help groups.

We all through our collective action need to be capitalise and work out our  strategy by strengthening the existing institutional arrangements as mandated under the various schemes/programmes and also through community governance approach .  Hopefully such initiatives may bring a better world for  countless such Pahilundi villages across the country.

Best wishes,

Saroj Dash
Deputy Director
State Institute of Rural Development (SIRD)
Odisha

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