Prayas

Report for the period from April 2011 – March 2012

Contents

Sections Page Nos. Field Interventions 1. Prisons Mumbai Mumbai Central Prison 3 Byculla District Prison (Youth Section) 6 Byculla District Prison (Women’s Section) 8 Thane Thane Central Prison 14 Kalyan District Prison (Youth Section) 17 Kalyan District Prison (Women’s section) 18 Bharuch Bharuch Sub Jail (Male section) 20 Bharuch sub jail (Female section) 24 Intervention with Families of Male Inmates of Bharuch Sub-jail 26 2. Juveniles in Conflict with the Law Mumbai: Umerkhadi Observation Home 29 Bharuch: Work with Juveniles 32 3. Women’s institutions Mumbai (Navjivan Mahila Vastigruha (Government Protective Home) and Kasturba Mahila Vastigruha (Government Reception Centre and Female Beggars Home) a)Training and Income Generation 35 b) Education and Awareness 36 c) Social Support for Women from Navjeevan Mahila Vastigruha 38 4. Court Based Intervention Mumbai Court 41 Thane Court 52 5. Police Station Bharuch: ‘A’ Division Police Station 54 Intervention at Mahila Police Station 55 6. Prayas Vichar Manch Libraries 62 Inter Departmental Committees (IDC) 66 Advocacy for youth affairs - Mumbai 68 Co-ordination with District Legal Aid Board and District Judge - Gujarat 69 7. Community Based Intervention (Dharavi) - Crime Prevention Project 71 and Legal Information Center 8. Prayas Livelihood and Reintegration Programme Mumbai and Thane Work with Women Emergency Services for Women 73 NGO Placement Programme for women 75

1 Citizenship Rights and Information on Schemes 79 Family and Child related work 82 Work with Youth 84 Youth Development Centre (YDC) and NGO Placement (Males) Bharuch Legal Support, Educational Support and Rehabilitation of women in crisis 86 Women’s Development Center 88 9. Training, Research and Documentation 92 10. Prayas Production Unit 99 11. Prayas Mentoring Project Maharashtra 100 Bharuch 107 12. Staff Welfare and Development 110 13. Administration Unit 111

2 Field Interventions

1. Prisons

Mumbai

Mumbai Central Prison

Interventions

During the course of work at the youth section of the Mumbai Central Prison, the Prayas social worker undertook the following: • Took up cases of inmates who approached the social worker. • Made home visits, court visits, and police station visits. • Provided emergency support to families of prisoners in need. • Referred cases to the India Center for Human Rights and Law for legal aid. • Facilitated the transfer of juveniles from prison to the Observation Home (under the Juve- nile Justice Board) and followed up on their cases. • Followed up with lawyers and families on the telephone. • Visited NGOs for case related intervention. • Visited institutions such as the Byculla District Prison and the Observation Home. • Engaged in individual counselling and small group discussions to mentally prepare clients to connect with their families, maintain health and hygiene, adjust with groups, and be- come aware of vocational education, rehabilitation options and possibilities. • Organized and conducted awareness programmes on topics such as the Prayas Rehabilita- tion Programme, vocational training opportunities provided by an NGO Yuva Parivartan, legal information, de-addiction, importance of literacy classes, planning for post release, HIV/AIDS, the Probation of Offenders Act, the BalSangopanYojna1, legal information and government schemes related to employment. • Held periodic meetings with the prison superintendent, jailors, and the medical officer to highlight issues and problems faced by prisoners, and also to share and take permission to conduct various programs. • Held Weekly discussions with students from TISS about their field work in prison. • Conducted an informal drawing competition with the objective of facilitating clients in expressing themselves and their emotions. • Concentrated on developing long-term relationships with prisoners towards enabling a continuation of positive social networks after release. • Collaborated with NGOs on the issue of de-addiction. • Arranged follow up meeting with released inmates and organized NGO placement and Career Guidance programme in YDC for 25 Youths by the resource person named Vivek Jadhav from Kotak Mahindra, it was followed by recreational activities and snacks.

Outcomes

1Bal SangopanYojana is a fostercare scheme of the DWCD, GoM

3 • Through all our interventions, we were able to reach out to 119 clients. • We made 75 visits to Mumbai Central prison to take up cases of inmates who approached us for help in protecting their rights and also for provision of specific services. • In the course of intervention, the social worker did 21 home visits to understand the so- cio-economic situation of the families of prisoners and provided emergency support in 17 cases. At times when home visits were not possible, follow up with families of prisoners and their lawyers was done through contact on phone. • 16 Court visits and 7 police station visits were undertaken to determine the status of the client’s case and to address any other problem related to the case. There were clients who could not afford to appoint a lawyer. We made 18 visits to India Center for Human Rights and Law (ICHRL) and referred 27 cases for legal aid. Legal information and guidance was provided to 72 clients as per their need. • Many clients due to being lodged in prison suffer from despair and anxiety. At such times the social worker engaged in 34 individual counseling sessions and held discussions in small groups on family life, health, vocational education and rehabilitation options and possibilities. • The social worker also came across few cases of clients who were juveniles at the time of the offence, but were still serving term in prison. A need to intervene in such cases was recognized, and Prayas facilitated the transfer of 3 juveniles in prison to the Observation Home (under the Juvenile Justice Board) and followed up on their cases. • The social worker organized 11 awareness programs on Prayas Rehabilitation Program, legal information and guidance, and information on vocational training programs by NGO Yuva Parivartan. 10 Group activities like sessions on moral education, life skills, sharing general knowledge, awareness on activities outside prison etc. were conducted with the objective of facilitating clients in expressing themselves and their emotions. • Once the social worker built a relationship of trust with the clients, he worked on plan- ning for their rehabilitation post release. A total of 25 inmates established contact with the Prayas social worker after their release and were referred to the Prayas Youth Develop- ment Centre for help. 12 cases were followed up post release. • 5 NGOs were visited and collaborated with for specific services, and also to arrange for the shelter placement of 5 clients. • Clients have continued to keep in contact with Prayas on a long term basis. • Clients in prison feel supported by the social worker’s very presence and interventions.

Challenges

• The social worker faced difficulties while working with habitual offenders. Even when they get enrolled in to YDC they are unable to adjust to a disciplined routine and drop out from the program • Due to lack of shelters and no government facilities, it is difficult to work with clients post release and even in paid lodging, identification proof is ask for, which clients do not possess • Changes in prison staff affects the response to interventions

4 Future Plan

• To explore NGOs and connect them to prison so that they can conduct awareness and vocational trainings and thus facilitate the linking of clients to different experiences and possibilities of life outside prison

Statistics

Broad Interventions Figures Services Agencies Prisons 75 Family 21 Police station 07 Court 16 ICHRL 18 JJB/Observation Home 06 NGOs 05 GOs (DWCD & Others) 04 Interventions Referral to Youth Development Centre 12 Referral for Legal Aid 27 Legal Guidance and Information 72 Follow up after release 23 Services Awareness on Rehabilitation and Vocational Training 11 sessions Individual / in-depth Counselling 34 Group Activity (Recreational Activity) 10Activity Shelter Arrangement 05 Emergency Assistance 17 Total Outreach 119

5 Byculla District Prison (Youth Section)

Interventions

• The social worker took up cases of inmates who approached him. • Home visits were made to facilitate contact between the family and inmates • Conducted visits to courts and police station • Provided emergency support to families of prisoners in need, in the form of ration and medical assistance • Referred cases to the India Center for Human Rights and Law for legal aid. • Followed up with lawyers and families on the telephone. • Visited NGOs and networked with them for case related intervention. • Engaged in individual counselling and small group discussions to mentally prepare clients to connect with family, vocational training, and other rehabilitation options and possibili- ties • Held periodic meetings with the prison superintendent, jailors, and the medical officer to highlights issues and problems faced by prisoners

Outcomes

• Good relations established in prison with the staff • Through all its interventions, Prayas was able to reach out to nearly 120 clients. • 24 visits were made to Byculla District Prison to take up cases of inmates who ap- proached us for help in protecting their rights and also for provision of specific ser- vices. • In the course of intervention, the social worker did 9 home visits to understand the so- cio-economic situation of the families of prisoners and provided emergency support in 2 cases. • Prayas facilitated the contact of 65 clients with their families due to which it resulted in release of 15 clients. • 5 Court visits and 7 police station visits were undertaken to determine the status of the client’s case and to address any other problem related to the case. Legal aid was pro- vided in the cases of 3 clients. • Prayas facilitated repatriation in 3 cases, out of which 1 client was helped through the police and the other two clients were helped to return to their homes on their own. • 3 clients were placed in the NGO sector for on the job training • Increased awareness was generated through the 3 sessions organised in prison on the Prayas Rehabilitation Program • A session was conducted on Probation of Offenders Act in the prison in September 2011 in which 70 youth participated. • A programme was held in which notebooks were distributed to 18 clients. • Post-release, 5 inmates established contact with the Prayas social worker. 3 clients were helped for basic subsistence, and two clients were help with shelter.

Challenges

6 • There are hardly any shelters for men so placement is an issue, recently BMC has started shelters which Prayas is planning to explore for its clients

Future Plans

• To conduct regular group sessions so that Prayas is able to reach out to maximum in- mates

Statistics

Broad Interventions Figures Services Visits Prison visit 31 Family visit 22 Police station visit 8 Court visit 7 NGO visit 6 Interventions Family support for mulakat 65 Released from prison due to mulakat 16 Legal Aid to clients 5 Repatriation 4 NGO Placement 8 Emergency financial assistance 3 Medical assistance 2 Services Awareness session(on prayas) 3 Note book distribution 18 Shelter Arrangement 4 Total Outreach 136

7 Byculla District Prison (Women’s section)

Interventions

• Regular weekly visits to the prison • Taking up of cases identified by the Prayas social workers, as well as of those referred by the prison staff and extension of support to the administration whenever they made a request for the same • The social workers interacted with inmates individually and provided information and counselling services to them • The social workers provided information, guidance, and counselling to families of in- mates • Prayas helped inmates to maintain communication with families through telephonic contact, home visits and meeting the family members at the Prayas contact center • Inmates were provided with a range of legal support services which comprised of tele- phonic communication and personal contact with lawyers who were not in contact with their clients and not attending court, writing applications to the court for free le- gal aid, bail, reduction of bail, institutionalisation of children etc., referring cases to the India Center for Human Rights and Law (ICHRL), referring cases of inmates to lawyers on the Prayas panel (as and when there was a need for specific intervention), facilitating access to legal documents, and meeting magistrates and judges in order to bring to their attention cases of inmates who were particularly vulnerable because of situations such as mental illness and economic backwardness. • Aftercare related Intervention was conducted in cases of recently as well as previously released persons and their families, when they approached Prayas for assistance. • Coordinating with the department of Women and Child Development, police and other NGOs towards the Rehabilitation of released, but vulnerable inmates • Continued Efforts at eliciting a response to the situation of a domestic work force of women who were in prison under charges of travelling with false documents • Visits were made to various government and non-government organizations to ex- plore the possibility of conducting sessions for women in prison • Sessions with women in prisons on PO Act, Employment options, information about projects for women and children • The social workers facilitated inter departmental communication on a case to case ba- sis when delays in processing were taking place. These were in the areas of the move- ment of court orders to prison, and from hospital to court. • Social workers provided assistance to children by facilitating institutionalization, counseling, and educational support in emergencies • Social workers made efforts to improve increase contact between prison inmates and the government legal services authorities as well as identify NGO resources in the area of legal aid • Prayas visited police stations and courts in the course of case intervention • The social worker supported the Prison administration in contacting the Bhivandi Ob- servation home to locate children of Bangladeshi women inmates. This is because the prison administration is not informed about the whereabouts of arrested Bangladeshi women’s children, and neither do the children’s institution authorities have this infor- mation. Due to this arranging for mulakat gets delayed. They have requested the help

8 of Prayas in identifying the institutions where the children were lodged. The Police and CWC need to mention the said information on the warrant record. • Prayas continued its efforts at facilitating the benefit of government schemes such as the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS), the Grant in aid scheme for re- leased prisoners, and the Bal Sangopan Yojana. In this regard, Prayas corresponded and dialogued with the prison department and the department of women and child de- velopment, followed the movement of government files, and referred clients to NGOs that were implementing a particular scheme. • Orientation sessions about Prayas work was done with students of colleges (Jhunjhun- wala, NirmalaNiketan) and social work institutions (Pragati Pratisthan, Social Service League). A total of 45 students attended orientation sessions.

Outcomes

• Prayas was able to reach a total of 400 women inmates through its overall efforts. • 149 inmates benefitted from counseling and legal guidance • 34 long term clients were helped to reconnect with their families • 108 women received individual counseling both while in prison and post release • 36 women were assisted with legal aid through referrals to ICHRL, and communication and follow up with government and privately appointed lawyers • Prayas facilitated release on personal bond for 2 women of weak economic background who had spent over 6 months in prison • Prayas assisted 5 women in accessing documents such as copies of charge sheets, court orders, medical reports, and citizenship documents • 6 women received assistance following their release in the form of counseling and guid- ance, acquisition of documents, fulfilling requirements for acquiring benefits of govern- ment schemes, and mobilizing of the administration for rehabilitation • 2 women were reunited with their families following lengthy pre-trial processing. One woman was mentally ill and had gone missing from her home, and the other woman had been promised employment by an agent, and her contact with the family had got discon- nected. Both women were from states outside Maharashtra, both families had registered missing complaints with the police, and both women were reunited with their families be- cause of Prayas’s intervention • Prayas extended legal aid to assist a woman who was undergoing a life sentence, and was eligible for pre mature release, and was instrumental in diverting a connection with a ha- bitual prisoner who offered assistance. The woman was released with immediate effect on the issuing of the order as per the Maharashtra Guidelines for premature release 2008 • 3 women who were released during the said reporting period availed of intervention from Prayas, while 7 women who had been previously released continued to remain in contact with Prayas for assistance in the reintegration process • As emergency help, ration in the form of food grains and financial help was provided to four women • Two children of a client were given educational assistance throughRed Cross , and one child of another client was provided educational help through Prayas • 3 children from a single family were institutionalized and thus assisted in moving out of a situation of vulnerability • Through Prayas initiative, a woman inmate and her child were permitted a special mu- lakhat where they were not separated by bars

9 • Two clients obtained the benefit of muktibandi scheme. They received an amount of Rs 5000/- each for the same. • The social worker facilitated a donation of Rs. 5000/- for the eye operation of a client through Cross Roads Prison Ministry • A session was conducted by Mrs. Gangurde, Probation Officer on Probation of Offenders Act in which 60 women participated, and 14 women spoke to the Probation Officer and gave their names for benefit of probation • A session was conducted by Mr. V.V.Gavandi, Additional Director from Self Employ- ment Centre on employment options for women. 72 women participated and 20 women took address and details of the center and showed willingness to contact them post re- lease. • A session was conducted by Ms. Ranjana Jadhav, Program Coordinator of Project Main- stream to orient the women in prison about their work. 45 women participated in the ses- sion and 16 women took contact details of the organization for their children. • Two students from Center of Criminology and Justice, TISS were placed with the Prayas women prison unit, and supervised

Challenges

• The staff changes from time to time and their levels of cooperation and receptiveness affect intervention. • Due to strict jail rules and procedures it is difficult to do detailed work in the limited time frame that is provided • The shortage of staff within the Department of Women and Child Development hin- ders repatriation and rehabilitation services, and also the implementation of the Proba- tion of Offender’s Act and the other schemes. As a result, Prayas efforts at eliciting the involvement of the administration are obstructed. • The honorarium for legal aid lawyers is too low so for them attending cases is not a priority. • ICHRL has stopped taking up cases for legal aid so other alternative sources for legal aid need to be explored • Jail authorities at times do not support our rehabilitation efforts

Challenges in conducting session

• The prison administration continues to neglect the necessary arrangements when awareness sessions are conducted. This causes offense to senior and cooperative gov- ernment officers and much embarrassment to Prayas. • Government authorities have issues with regard to the date and time. It takes a long time to process letters and convince them about the permission for the sessions. The jail staff sometimes does not extend adequate support. Allotment of space for the sessions is an issue, leading to irregularity. Thus it is better to conduct one session in a month rather than four sessions because the staff cooperates better during the one session • The routine that is followed for the prisoners, along with security considerations con- tinues to have an effect on sessions that are organized by Prayas

10 Note: • The Presence and intervention of Shri. Kadve, a retired government officer from the Department of Women and Child Development who is now a Consultant with Prayas, has boosted the movement of processing under the Grant in aid Scheme for released prisoners, and the movement of the Integrated Child Development Scheme for chil- dren in prison with their mothers. • The cooperation of the Jailor, and the adjustment of time constraints has facilitated Prayas intervention.

Future Plan • To explore legal resources and network with panel of the lawyers to help cases for legal aid and bring improvements in the legal aid system. • To fill up gaps in work.

11 Cases where in depth follow up was done:- Case#1: The accused woman was arrested for travelling on a false passport for domestic employment to the Middle East. On her arrest, her family was unaware of her whereabouts. The social worker contacted her family. Her maternal uncle came from Gujarat to meet her but was not given access because he did not have documents. Prayas requested the Jailor to intervene, but she forgot and was not contactable after that. He returned without the meeting. Prayas then facilitated contact between the inmate and her family and also with the lawyer.

Case#2: The case was being followed up since December 2010. The magistrate did not seem to proceed with the case. Prayas approached Justice Dharmadhikari who referred the matter to the Secretary of the High Court Legal Services Authority. Followed by our meeting with him, Prayas called for the case file and gave advice and asked to be kept updated. Finally, after two medical reports certifying the client’s mental illness and the examination by a psychiatrist, the court was satisfied about the genuineness of the case. Trial could not be carried on because of the mental status, and hence with Prayas assistance, the family was called for, from Tamil Nadu, and the woman was handed into their custody pending her complete recovery.

Case#3:This case had been referred to ICHRL for legal aid for the purpose of appeal, and the reduction of bail amount. However since there was delay on the part of the lawyer, Prayas assisted the identification of another lawyer and the follow up thereafter.

Case#4: In this case, Prayas enabled her to reconnect with her family. When she was in prison, her husband passed away due to tuberculosis, and her children were relocated from Mumbai to their village in Akola. Prayas networked with the Akola Childline and she was put back in contact with her children.

Case#5:The woman was not in contact with her family and was not being produced regularly in court. The legal aid lawyer was not attending court regularly as well. The social worker followed up with the court and legal aid lawyer about progress in her case.

Case#6: There was long term follow up in these cases as they were released prisoners who had applied for benefits under the Grant in aid scheme for released prisoners. Prayas fol- lowed up on the movement of their files, within the Department of Women and Child Devel- opment, and assisted them to access release certificates which were needed for completion of the processing.

Case#7:In this case, Prayas had followed up on the court trial to bring to the attention of the court that the woman had been diagnosed with mental retardation and psychosis, and was in need of special assistance for her rehabilitation. Having got the case referred to the Depart- ment of Women and Child Development and on completion of the court proceedings, Prayas continued follow up for her repatriation to Bihar. There was administrative delay and Prayas identified agencies and intervened towards reducing the delay.

12 Statistics

Broad services Specific services Numbers Work with cases Total Out reach 400 Long term 33 Interventions Phone calls 274 Counselling and Legal guidance 149 Individual counselling 108 Legal Aid and Legal support 36 Client reconnected with family 34 Release on Personal Bond 02 Emergency financial assistance 04 Institutionalization of children 03 Visits Court 49 Police Station 34 NGO 47 Home 41 Hospital 3 DWCD (Thane) 8 High Court Legal Services Authority 6 Information and Awareness Sessions 9

13 Thane

Thane Central Prison

Interventions

• The Prayas Workers reached out to youth directly and also on the basis of referrals by the prison personnel. • Home visits were done to build a positive relation and reconnect youth with their fami- lies. • Support was extended to clients to receive free legal aid services from Thane District Le- gal Services Authority • NGO visits were undertaken to make them aware about Prayas programs and provide emergency services like counseling and support cost for clients • Inmates released from prison were connected with NGOs for job placement • The social worker maintained regular contact with released prisoners. • Workers organised awareness session in youth barracks in prison. • Visits were made to the Zilla Parishad Thane to make them aware about Prayas programs, and also to explore the possibility of presentation of SGNY schemes for families of im- prisoned inmates and other government schemes in prison. • Conducted meetings with the Probation Officer, and the District Probation Officer to conduct sessions on probation of Offenders Act and its benefits with inmates of the youth barrack in Thane central prison (as a result of prayas follow up district probation officers are visiting prisons and taking up cases from there) • 3 visits were made to Thane SP office to discuss about organizing a program in prison youth barrack • NGO visits were undertaken to make them aware about Prayas programs and provide emergency services like counseling and subsistence for clients • Visits were made to the Office of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports Maharashtra, Mumbai Region, Nehru Yuvak Kendra, Mumbai Region and Nehru Yuvak Kendra, Thane to orient them about Prayas and its programs and explore the possibility of orga- nizing programs for youth in prison through them • NYK Thane agreed to work jointly with Prayas and an awareness session on Self Em- ployment was conducted in the youth barrack of Thane central prison. Probation officers have agreed to conduct sessions on the probation Act and its benefits in Kalyan with women and youth in prison • Contacted Kherwadi Social Welfare Association to conduct orientation program of Yuva Parivatan for youth in Thane Central Prison. • Obtained Information on youth schemes and programmes run by state government and central government and nongovernmental organizations for youth in prison. • Built rapport with the government department to start rehabilitation work in aftercare hos- tels.

Outcomes

• Prayas was able to reach out and provide services to a total number of 88 cases

14 • 88 visits were made to Thane central prison to take up cases of inmates who approached the social worker for help in protecting their rights and also for provision of specific services. • In the course of intervention, the social worker did 21 home visits to understand the socio-economic situation of the families of prisoners and provided family counseling. At times when home visits were not possible, follow-up with families of prisoners and their lawyers was done through contact on phone. • 54 court visits and 25 police station visits were undertaken to determine the status of the client’s cases and to address any other problem related to the case. There were clients who could not afford to appoint a lawyer. Such cases were referred to the Dis- trict Legal Services Authority, Thane. Legal information and guidance was provided to 57 clients as per their need. • Prayas provided free legal aid from Thane Court to 15 under trial prisoners • 6 clients contacted the Prayas social worker for post release assistance • Work was done with 10 upcountry youth who the social worker met in prison • CWC referred two cases and asked for reports of their socio economic condition from the social worker • Periodic meetings were held with the superintendent, jailors and medical officer to highlight issues faced by the inmates in prisons and also to share and take permission to conduct various programs. • 5 awareness sessions were organised on the Prayas Rehabilitation Program, and 2 awareness programs were organized through the Thane Court on PR bond. • A total of 10 inmates established contact with the Prayas social worker after their re- lease and were referred to the Prayas Youth Development Centre for help. The social worker continued to follow up 10 cases post release. • Prayas presented its work before the officer connected with the Sanjay Gandhi Niradhar Yojana in Thane district and requested to start a scheme for under trial prisoners. In the next meeting the officer gave a copy of the GR stating that family support will be provided to families of convicted prisoners through the SGNY scheme • As a result of the meeting with the Principal Judge, Prayas identified cases with the jailor from the youth barrack and the New Jail for PR Bond and facilitated the transfer of 92 cases from Prison • NYK Mumbai region agreed to work jointly with Prayas and an awareness session on Skin Hygiene was conducted in the youth barrack of Thane Central Prison. • Prayas conducted meetings with the Principal Judge Mr K.K. Sonawane towards plan- ning a one day workshop on ITPA and Probation of Offenders Act. The meeting was fruitful and as per his suggestion a proposal has been submitted to the High Court for approval, Prayas is awaiting feedback on the same.

Challenges

• When the prison is unable to take the inmate to the court on his date they get frustrat- ed and put pressure on Prayas. • Inmates apply for PR Bond but many a times it does not reach the court. • When an inmate gets released from jail, sometimes he is taken into custody on the grounds of preventive arrests. The social worker makes visits to police station but they do not listen. This issue has been put up in the IDC meeting.

15 Future Plans • To conduct awareness programmes on de-addiction and Probation of Offenders Act in prison. • To conduct various activities with prison inmates with support from jail staff • To discuss legal provisions on certain sections with judges to help them consider bail for the youth • To organize a workshop on ITPA and Probation of Offenders Act

Statistics

Broad Services Interventions Figures Agency Visits Prisons 88 Home 21 Police station 25 Court 54 David Sasoon Industrial School 04 NGOs 05 District Probation Officer 11 Samaj Kalyan office 07 Zilla Parishad 06 Interventions Legal Aid 15 Legal advice / guidance and Information 57 Follow up bail process 15 Family Counseling 21 CWC Visits 05 JJB/ observation home 05 Meetings Superintendent of Prison 10 Member Secretary of DLSA 06 IDC Meeting in Thane Prison 01 Probation Officer 12 Zilla Parishad Officer 08 Sanjay Gandhi Niradhar Yojana Officer 05 Kripa Foundation 03 Repatriation 10 Yusuf Meherally Centre 05 Exposure visit 02 Total Outreach 82

16 Kalyan District Prison

Kalyan Prison (Youth Section)

Work with male section of Kalyan Prison resumed in January 2012.

Interventions

• Social Workers reached out to youth directly at the youth barrack. • Home visits were done to build a positive relation and reconnect youth with their families. • Support was extended to clients to receive legal aid services. • Court visits were made with the purpose of meeting the magistrate and facilitating benefits of probation to clients. • The social worker Followed up with Advocates appointed by client / family.

Outcomes

• 3 boys from Orissa were in Kalyan prison and their families were unaware of it. Through phone contact Prayas was able to trace their families. • Family of another client was traced, his father came from Uttar Pradesh to Mumbai and got him released on cash bail and took him home. • Home visit of a client who was in a state of substance addiction resulted in the family showing support for client’s de-addiction and legal aid to get him released to place him in Prayas NGO Placement Programme and in de-addiction centre. • A total of three clients will be sent to de-addiction centre. • 7 boys from Thane, Navi Mumbai and Mumbai districts were in Kalyan prison and their families were unaware of it. Through home visit and phone contact Prayas was able to trace their family and family came for Mulakat regularly. • 8 family members of the inmates in the prison have been in regular contact with the social worker and advocates. • One session was organized in Kalyan prison in youth barrack on Probation of Offenders Act on March 17, 2012

Future Plan

• To work towards activating Nehru Yuvak Kendra to open its branch in prison. • To arrange for awareness session in Kishor Vibhag once in a month.

Statistics

Broad Services Specific services Numbers Interventions Total outreach 95 Legal Aid 03 Phone calls to relatives and employers 52 Medical help 03 Educational help 01 Visits Prison 10

17 Home visits 16

Kalyan Prison (Women section)

Although regular intervention had been temporarily put on hold at the women’s section of the Kalyan district prison, the Prayas social workers continued follow up on one case that had been raised by the Superintendent of the Kalyan district prison during a meeting. Following 3 months of correspondence, communication, and coordination between Prayas and the Prison department, work at the Kalyan Prison was resumed on the 22nd November 2012. The work was conducted on the same lines as that in the Byculla District Prison with the following activities:-

Interventions

• Regular weekly visits to the prison and taking up of cases. • Counselling and guidance to clients about the status of court cases. • Writing applications for clients for bail and release on PR bond. • Contacting the family & making efforts to reunite the client with the family for further rehabilitation. • Facilitating Contact between inmates and their families and lawyers through telephon- ic communication. • Attending court dates in order to follow, ensure, and facilitate expedition of proceed- ings when particular social circumstances need to be considered by the court. • Making regular visits to the court to facilitate coordination with lawyers for purposes of bail, reduction in bail amount, conversion of surety to cash bail or release on PR bond. • Prayas supervised the training of two students who were placed at the women’s sec- tion of the Kalyan District Prison

Outcomes

• Prayas was able to reach a total of 140 women inmates through its overall efforts. • 41 inmates benefitted from counseling and legal guidance • 36 women received Individual counseling both while in prison and post release • 13 women were assisted with legal aid through government and privately appointed lawyers • In case of two women, contact was established with the family and follow up on their cas- es in court led to their being released, presently they are staying with their family. • Women approached the prayas social workers to write applications for them for lawyers, bail and release on PR Bond. • One client has been placed in a shelter in Panvel and the follow up of her husband’s PF and children in institutions is continuing. • One tribal client and her family obtained the benefit of the Gharkul scheme- a house and two buffaloes for running a milk business. • Institution Authorities of prison and childrens institutions, as well as imprisoned mothers were not aware about the whereabouts of their children. Prayas contacted a social worker working with homes under JJB. She found that some children in Bhiwandi and Mankhurd home were not aware of their mothers locations too. A list was made and the mothers in

18 both Byculla and Kalyan became aware of where their children were lodged. Communi- cation was also done with the prison department.

Case study#1

The case was that of a woman who had spent a total of almost three years in prison custody. This included the duration as an under trial as well as after acquittal because the state went in appeal against the judgment. The woman was a native of Karnataka and had no family in Maharashtra. She was a devdasi from a poor agricultural labourer family and the family had been unable to furnish bail. The other co-accused had all been released on bail. Prayas followed up with the High Court Legal Services Authority towards connecting the accused woman with legal aid for expedition of the final appeal hearing. Then Coordinated with the prison superintendent and administration for the same as correspondence with the High court had to be directly from the prison. We also followed the correspondence by the prison to the high court to ascertain the progress in the matter. Prayas remained present in the High court when the hearing was due, in order to make available the social circumstances of the woman as per a social inquiry report that was given by a Karnataka based NGO (who worked towards the rehabilitation of Devdasis). Through the communication with the public prosecutor, the High Court Legal Services Committee, and the other lawyer in the case, Prayas ensured that the woman was legally represented at the time of the final hearing. Finally, the social workers contacted the family at the time of her acquittal and supported the family when they came to take the woman home. To work towards her future rehabilitation, the workers Identified and networked with NGOs located in the woman’s home state and made a follow up visit to Karnataka. The said woman’s case was expedited, she was acquitted, Prayas arranged for temporary shelter until her family came, after which she was handed into the custody of her family, and she was connected with local NGOs in her native state.

Statistics

Broad services Specific services Numbers Work with cases Total out reach 140 Long term 18 Interventions Phone calls 182 Counselling and Legal guidance 41 Individual counseling 36 Legal Aid and Legal support 13 Visits Court 05 Police Station 07 NGO 14 Home 23 Hospital 01 DWCD (Thane) 05 High Court Legal Services Authority 04

19 Bharuch

Bharuch Sub Jail (Male section)

Interventions

The Bharuch Prison Unit continued to provide the following services: Reaching out to inmates in prison, home visits to meet families, legal guidance and free legal aid to clients, follow-up in court, medical support, fund raising for medical emergencies, liaising with police, help with documents to obtain benefit of government schemes, job placement for clients post release, vocational training, follow-up with open university to start study center, admission of client’s children in formal education.

Co-ordination with Various Government Agencies: During home visits, the social worker found that many of the prison inmates belonged to the Scheduled tribe and their family’s economic condition was below poverty line. Since the client was in prison, efforts were made to help the immediate family members of the client to explore options for self employment by taking benefit of government schemes. Thus the worker along with the Jail Superintendent visited the Adijati Vikas Department’s office and discussed their issues with the government officials.

The department asked for details and forms were to be filled up. The worker then met with the inmates in the prison, collected the required information and submitted the forms to the department. A total number of 129 forms were completed and submitted to the Zilla Takedari Adhikari. As a result of this process the officers from the department are visiting the inmate’s homes for further details and to complete the formalities. The social worker continues to follow up the issue so that maximum family members can get benefit of the scheme.

Follow up for Centre of Babasaheb Open University: Dialogue was maintained with Babasaheb Ambedkar University to open a study centre at the Bharuch Sub Jail. 15 clients have applied to take up the BPP course under the Babasaheb Ambedkar University. The forms have been submitted to Babasaheb Ambedkar University, Ahmedabad. The social worker is following up the matter.

#Case illustration

Support in expedition of case / Protection of right to free legal aid One of the inmates is lodged in Bharuch Sub jail since 2005. The client was not aware about the status of the case. It was observed that due to this the client was getting affected mentally. The client’s case was discussed with Jail Superintendent. Accordingly our worker visited the Ankleshwar Fast track court for the details of the case. We got information that a criminal application has been admitted in the Gujarat High Court thus all his papers were transferred there. We learnt that though the case had been transferred to the High court, the client did not have an advocate to represent him thus the case was pending for long. Following this an application was then made to Gujarat High court Kanuni Sewa Satta Mandal for free legal Aid. Through this process, an Advocate was appointed to represent the client. Finally, the client got released on bail after 6 years of imprisonment

20 Support for continuing education while in Prison: An under trial prisoner, at Bharuch Sub- jail wished to appear for 12th Board examination. To encourage him to appear for the exam, worker coordinated at various levels. Visits were made to family and last school attended and jail superintendent to get necessary documents and signatures, and dialogue pursued with Department of Education in Gandhinagar, as the registration date had passed. They agreed to fill the form with late fee. The Principal of the school refused to take the form without the late fee. The matter was further discussed with the General Manager, Higher Secondary Education Board at Gandhinagar and the District Education Officer. With due procedures, Prayas worker went to Gandhinagar to submit the form without late fee. The Board also wished to support the client with text books from the District Education Officer, but as client felt it is suitable for him to study from digest; Prayas supported the client for the same. The worker supported the inmate to write an application to court, for giving him leave, or grant him bail or give an order for police escort to appear for the exam. As the court rejected the application, Prayas workers followed up the matter to High Court. The support was taken from the State Legal Aid board to appoint a lawyer for the writ in High court. But finally High court rejected the application, as the exam was to start from the same day, and there was no use giving the order.

Visits to Amerali and Junagadh district: Workers visited Amerali District Prison and Junagadh District Prison to discuss with the superintendents to explore the possibility of starting work of NGOs in the prison. During the visit, the worker also contacted various organizations working in the area to motivate them to initiate work in prison.

Welfare Programmes in Prison: Prison worker supports the Jail administration and co- ordinates with various agencies in the community to organize welfare programmes in Bharuch Sub-Jail so that inmates get opportunities and options of interacting with representatives of outside world. Some inmates showed interest in drawing and painting. Prayas provided them with materials like paper, pencils, eraser, colors etc. the paintings made by them are sent to Delhi for a competition.

Follow up with ITI, Bharuch: Follow up is going in with ITI, Bharuch to start a center in Bharuch Sub-jail.

Vocational Training For inmates of Bharuch Sub-jail: Some of the inmates of Bharuch Sub- jail had expressed the need for vocational training. Prayas workers tried to initiate training, but as maintenance work was being undertaken in prison, the jail superintendent was a little reluctant in giving the permission. As a result of continuous follow up and discussions of various options, permission was granted for training.

A computer training course has been started in Bharuch Sub-jail, where 15 inmates are undergoing the training provided by Jan Sikshan Sansthan, Bharuch.

Follow up at Vadodara Central Prison: A student from Kummarrappa College, Ghadada was placed at Vadodara Central Prison for field work, Mentoring unit worker was supporting student in the field. The student had identified many cases from the prison and had referred them to Bharuch unit for follow up. Many under trials from Bharuch Prison are also referred to Vadodara Central Prison after conviction. Workers have followed up for legal aid, supported families for legal issues, training, and education.

21 #Case illustration

A case is referred to us from Vadodara Central Jail by a student social worker. According to the student, the convicted inmate was juvenile at the time of offence. The inmate is undergoing conviction since 10 years. Prayas workers are following up the case at High court. Follow up is also made with the family to get their support. Prayas worker is also in coordination with Prison Welfare Officer. To follow up the case, the worker has also visited State Legal Service Authority, Gujarat High Court, and on their advice will follow up with National Legal Service Authority, Supreme Court.

Meetings attended: The worker held a meeting with the District Judge to discuss the issue of starting legal aid clinic at the Bharuch sub jail. The District judge has agreed to the idea, but since there is renovation work going on in prison, the jail superintendent has not given the permission.

With the intention of organizing training on Probation of Offenders Act, the worker has met Samaj Suraksha Adhikari and Secretary, Bharuch District Legal Service Authority. The discussions are still going on. One of the suggestions is to have a meeting with President, Bharuch District Bar Association.

Prayas workers are actively following up with District Legal Services Authority and Department of Samaj Sureksha to organize a workshop on Probation of Offenders Act. Worker has had a meeting with Chief Probation Officer, Bharuch district and Secretary, Dist. Legal Services Authority to discuss the need for such a workshop. The Chief Probation officer has agreed in principle the need for such training and has consented to support Prayas. As a follow up of this meeting, Prayas workers along with Chief Probation Officer are going to meet the District Judge.

Prayas workers have visited State Legal Services Authority to discuss issues of appeal and assistance of SLSA in High Court for convicted inmates transferred to Vadodara Central Prison

Statistics

Broad Services Specific Services Number Individual Outreach Total Outreach 1028 cases Awareness Sessions Vocational guidance/Awareness 64 inmates Awareness about citizenship rights 85 inmates Awareness about legal aid 52 inmates Group Discussions Discussions on government schemes 280 inmates Discussion on de-addiction 65 inmates Discussions on BPP course & other 35 inmates Education courses form baba saheb open university Home visits 18 visits Court visits 03 visits Government Office visits 17 visits NGO visits 04 visits

22 Jail visits 02 visits Social work college visits 01 visit Legal Aid/guidance Applications to Magistrates, District 45 applications Legal Aid Board Visit to Taluka & District Legal Aid 11 visits Board Discussion with advocates 06 sessions Referrals to District Legal Aid Board 08 cases Provided legal guidance 308 cases Meetings with Jail Meeting with Superintendents 74 meetings Staff Meetings with other jail staff 63 meetings Other services Discussion with clients about their future 37 inmates (short rehabilitation and long time clients ) Phone calls 91 calls

23 Bharuch Sub Jail (Female Section)

Intervention

In women’s section in Bharuch Sub jail our worker contacted the women inmates, established relationship with them and supported them in their various needs:-

Legal Aid: Most of the women were unaware about legal status of their cases. The social worker therefore coordinated with the lawyers of women clients to get the information for them. For those women clients who did not have lawyers, applications were made to the District Legal Aid Board.

Medical Support: It was observed that female inmates were embarrassed to express their medical and gynecological problems. Medical support is given to inmates in terms of coordination with jail superintendent and visiting doctor from civil hospital. In one case, a woman was found to be severely ill in the prison. The social workers coordinated with the doctors in the civil hospital, the advocate and the magistrate or bail on medical grounds. The case is being followed up. In another case, the son of a woman imprisoned in Bharuch Sub Jail had suffered severe burn injuries at home and needed to undergo operation for the same. The worker mobilized resources for the operation. Post operation the child has shown considerable improvement.

Securing social security for the aged in prison: One of the inmates was a beneficiary of the Vidhva Sahay Yojana and received Rs. 400 per month. But she stopped receiving the benefit of the scheme after her imprisonment. The matter was followed up with the Mamlatdar’s office for continuation of her pension even while she was lodged in prison as she has no other source of income.

Work with children of Prisoners: In one case, the inmate’s children were living with her parents. The parents of the inmate were planning to get her 15 year old daughter married. Both the daughters of the inmate were sent to a relative’s house in Ahmedabad. The prisoner mother informed Prayas’ worker that their relative was engaged in brewing of illegal liquor and prostitution. During a home visit, the worker discussed the matter in detail with them and convinced them to get the girls back home. The case is being followed up in order to transfer the girls in to safe custody of government home.

Addressing stigma and medical needs of the HIV affected: One of the inmates who was HIV positive was released from prison. The community in which she stays has been isolating her and the family due to her illness. Prayas contacted an organization which works for this cause, so awareness can be brought about it in the community. Prayas’ worker is also following up for BPL card, income certificate and caste certificate so that she can get medical card from the government for her further treatment. Efforts to obtain support from the family: To obtain support from the family for clients, the worker made home visits or contacted the family during court dates. Through discussions and counseling we helped the family to understand client’s point of view. It is observed that clients need support from the family to pay fees of the advocate, and for the education and safe shelter facilities for their children.

Vocational Training for women inmates: A vocational training for door mat making was organized for women inmates. 5 women participated in training.

24 Activities for women inmates: Various activities are organised for women inmates towards recreation. Activities like games and singing rangoli during diwali , etc were conducted.

Statistics

Broad Services Specific Services Numbers Individual Outreach Long term cases 05 cases Short term cases 28 cases Visits Home visits 31 visits Legal aid/guidance Court visits 26 visits Discussions with advocates 23 sessions Discussions with magistrates 03 sessions Discussion with legal support 17 discussions Applications for Legal aid 06 applications Follow up for legal aid 01 case 4 visits Meetings with Jail staff Meetings with Superintendent 28 meetings Meetings with other jail staff 27 meetings Other services Follow up with prison doctor 10 cases - 4 Discussions Follow up hospital 1 case 4 visits Follow up for Medical 4 cases 2 visits NGO visits 5 visits Phone calls 238 cases Discussions with the families 18 cases-15 Discussions Follow-up with regard to the 04 cases education of the children of prisoners Support provided in regard to 02 cases furlough Medical Support to children left 02 cases- 4 Hospital visits outside Visit to government offices 36 visits Training in Door Mats making 15 05 cases days two hours

25 Intervention with Families of Male Inmates of Bharuch Sub-jail

Support to families: The social worker follows up with families of youth to provide Educational support, Medical support, Counseling, Legal support and follow up with advocates, Support in relation to government schemes, Support to obtain citizenship documents, Support in training (skill based), Discussions for self employment, Referrals to WDC and Support to gain community acceptance.

Benefit of Government Schemes: Most clients largely being from lower socio economic background are eligible for various government schemes in district and rural areas: In rural areas, for any work related with the government, documents like income certificate, caste certificate and others are mandatory. Getting these certificates issued involves a long process. The worker follows up with Taluka administration-Sarpanch, Talati, Mamlatdar so that clients get these documents.

Interventions were directed to obtain the following documents and scheme benefits: Income certificate, caste certificate, BPL card, addition of name in ration card, support for old age pension, bus passes for physically challenged, birth certificate, scholarship form for children, Manav Sahay Yogna, schemes of District Industries Center, Kaidi Sahay Yojna , parole and furlough

School level work for families of prisoners: Follow up for education of children, admission in schools, school leaving certificate, scholarship, to get books and text books under government scheme, freeship in school, for appearing for re-exam, to support inmates to give exam (both school and college exam), and for obtaining admission in college.

Training: Prayas has been working with a group of women whose male family members were convicted for life. In the last reporting year, a tailoring training course was organized for the women in the community. 3 women have continued their training at WDC, Bharuch unit. One woman took a computer course, and now works as a nurse. Application forms of 17 women from the group were submitted at District Industries Center, to get benefit of Manav Kalyan Yojna. Under this scheme the beneficiaries get income generating kits; 16 clients received sewing machines under this scheme. As these machines are of Chinese make, and the clients were not comfortable using the machine; training was organized in the community itself for using of Chinese make machines.

As the women reside near an industrial area some of the women have expressed a need for training in tiffin and catering services so that they can provide tiffin and snacks to industrial workers. Prayas is exploring options for organizing training.

26 # Case Study

Work with Juvenile We had organized training for families of convicted clients in their community. During the training we learnt that Madhuben’s (name Changed) son Rajeev (name changed) was not eighteen at the time of crime. The police had registered his age as 18 years. He was convicted in the case. When this was brought to our notice, we decided to intervene. We discussed the matter with I.G.(Prisons) and the Superintendent of the prison where Rajeev was lodged. Following this an application was made to High Court Legal Aid Authority to provide an advocate for appeal of the case. The High court refused on the ground saying his appeal was pending and he already had an advocate to represent him. But the appeal made by his advocate was to review the sentence, he did not take into consideration that Rajeev was juvenile at the time of the offence. We discussed the matter with his advocate, who was not clear on the provisions of Juvenile Justice Act. We sent him the details, the copies of Act and judgments on the similar issue. We also convinced the advocate not to charge extra fees as client’s family could not afford it. After the application was made, the High court sent the papers to District court to verify the age of the client. Our worker followed up with the case at District Court. The court asked the client’s mother to produce documents of age proof like birth certificate and school leaving certificate etc. We supported Madhuben to get the required documents. We followed up with the school, Mamlatdar and Talati offices for the same. Finally, district court sent its report to the High Court. On the basis of the report the case was discharged. The police had also implicated Rajeev in another rape case for which he was imprisoned during the time he was a minor. Court discharged him in that case too. Finally client got justice after 3 years of imprisonment.

Support to inmates’ family: While the client is in prison, the family faces several difficult situations, and goes through crises. They are also vulnerable to crime and prostitution, if not supported on time.

A client’s mother had stopped receiving pension from ‘Vidhawa Sahay Yojna’. The social worker coordinated with the family and Department of Samaj Suraksha, Taluka administra- tion for necessary documents and got the pension restarted. Another client’s brother was physically challenged. Support was extended to him to get free bus pass from Samaj Surak- sha Department. The social worker coordinated with different agencies to collect and submit the necessary documents.

There was a client whose family had no information about his whereabouts. They thought that the client s in Vadodara Prison. The worker visited the family, and gave them necessary information, and the family was able to meet the inmate. The case was referred to District Le- gal Aid Board for legal aid. A client’s family needed medical support for treatment. The same was extended by coordinating with an NGO providing medical assistance.

Educational support was extended to children of inmates. In one case, follow up with the school was made so that the child got a scholarship. With Prayas’s support a clients’ son will finish his fitter training at ITI soon.

Training: Family members are also supported to pursue training. A client’s daughter is pursu- ing tailoring training, a clients’ brother took computer training, and Prayas is in the process of arranging for training for family members of 3 clients

27 Support to family members to get benefits of Kaidi Sahay Yojna: The worker supported the clients to get various documents, so that they can avail the benefit of Kaidi Sahay Yojna.

Legal Support: The families of clients are continuously provided support in terms of legal advice; follow up of cases in courts, discussion and coordination with advocates, if necessary to get copies of documents like charge sheet, copy of judgment etc.

Statistics

Broad Services Specific Services Numbers Total number of cases Contacted cases 59 cases Long term cases 18 cases Referred to male prison worker 07 cases Legal aid/guidance Court visits 26 visits Discussions with advocates 38 sessions Discussions with magistrates 13 sessions Discussion with Families of clients 18 cases Cases referred by Legal Aid Board 5 cases 2 visits Legal support provided to families 4 cases Visits Home visits 66 visits Visits to Collector’s office 2 visits Visits conducted in regard to the 1 cases 4 visits education of the children Visit to NGOs 21 visits Meetings with jail staff Meetings with Superintendent 36 cases Meetings with other jail staff 36 cases Other Services Provided medical assistance 3 cases Phone calls 348 calls Follow up to School 1 case 6 visits Follow-up in Observation Home 1 case 1 visit Follow-up with regard to training 4 case 13 visits Support extended to obtain ration card 3 cases 9 visits Follow up to obtain clothes 3 visits Support extended for self employment 4 cases - 9 visits Admission into Juvenile Home for 3 follow up visits for 2 Boys old clients Admission into Juvenile Home for 8 follow up visits for 3 Girls clients Support obtained in police station 2 cases 5 visits Follow up to training at Sub-Jail 4 visits Support Provided in regard to furlough 5 cases 5 visits Follow up visits to initiate Computer 5 visits classes in prison Applications written 5 applications Follow up to Awareness programme 7 visits Follow up to medical camp 1 visit

28 2. Juveniles in Conflict with the Law

Mumbai

Umerkhadi Observation Home

The work with Juveniles in Conflict with the Law has been established since 2009. Prayas is referred cases of male adolescents by the Juvenile Justice Board, Chief Probation Officer of Observation Home and the Probation Officer of David Sasoon Industrial School. In cases where the social worker feels that an adolescent needs help but is unable to reach out due to various reasons Prayas takes up such cases on its own.

Interventions

• Home visits were undertaken to understand the socio-economic situation of families, counsel them, and provide emergency support and legal guidance in particular. • Legal aid was provided to clients through India Center for Human Rights and Law and through Prayas. • Financial assistance towards educational expenses for cases was allocated from funds available with Prayas and was mobilized through other organizations. • Visits were made to NGOs in the area of child support to explore the possibility of placement • Field training was provided to students of TISS, NirmalaNiketan, Law College Baro- da through block placement at Prayas within the JJB unit. • Meetings were conducted with parents at observation home to make them aware about the legal aid system and to help them explore career opportunities for the children inside custody • Vocational training was arranged for youth in different NGOs and stipend was paid by Prayas towards travel and other expenses. • Exposure visits to various agencies were arranged for children discharged from the institution • Juveniles in need of treatment were Identified and referred for De- addiction and De- toxification to lonavala post release

Outcomes

• Prayas has been recognized by the Juvenile Justice Board which has renewed the per- mission to work for the rehabilitation of children in conflict with the law. • Prayas made a total of 48 visits to observation home to take up cases of children in conflict with the law • The social worker intervened in a total of 109 cases; 78 cases referred by the Chief Probation Officer of Observation Home and the Probation Officer of David Sasoon Industrial School, and 31 cases identified by the social worker of Prayas. • 37 home visits were made which helped the social worker to make decisions about the interventions in the case. • Legal aid through resources from Prayas and through ICHRL for bail and ongoing tri- al was made available in the cases of 20 clients.

29 • Emergency support in terms of providing ration, payment of rent, and travel expenses was provided in 11 cases. • Prayas supported the educational needs of 24 youth and mobilized sponsorship for ed- ucation of 8 children from other agencies. • Visits were made to 12 NGOs to explore the possibility of client placement post re- lease. • The social worker Visited 18 schools and vocational training centres to identify train- ing and placement options • Two sessions were conducted with parents of Children. A resource person from ICHRL took a session about the important provisions in the JJ Act, Child rights and a Police Inspector from Byculla police station was invited to orient the parents about in- vestigation help and cooperation through the police in this regard. Parents of 24 chil- dren attended the session and found it to be useful. • Post discharge 18 clients were referred to Youth Development Centre for enrollment in the Prayas after care program • Visits were made to 12 NGOs to explore the possibility of client placement post re- lease • 13 youths continue to undergo vocational training through Prayas Placement Programme • Prayas organized an exposure visit to Maria Ashiyana, lonavala. 11 children participated in this visit. • 2 parent meetings were held at observation home with the objective of making parents aware about the legal aid system and different opportunities of career for the children inside custody • 19 children were placed for training in the NGOs of Mumbai on stipend paid by Prayas • Prayas has prepared a database of NGOs providing vocational training, legal aid, and sponsorship for different purposes etc. • Sahara Organization is ready to provide books regularly for the children who want to complete their further studies. • Some police stations have expressed a positive response towards youth rehabilitation • Due to Prayas intervention with the youth’s family a positive change is observed in the youth group and their families.

Challenges

• Due to re-arrest Prayas has problem in the rehabilitation program of the youths. • As Prayas cannot provide shelter facilities many youth drop out from the placement program. • Prayas needs to make additional effort with the addicted youth. • Placement outside Mumbai is not possible as Prayas does not have a social worker in other parts of the state.

Future plans

• Working towards a system whereby the Government directly refers children from homes to after care hostels for shelter.

30 • Creating a help desk run by volunteers to provide guidance to parents so that they are able to release children without the help of lawyers. • Developing contacts with NGOs who could sponsor children, with the help of trainee students. • Intensifying work with police stations so that police become aware of the Prayas rehabilitation programme and make referrals.

Statistics

Broad services Specific Services Number Cases Referral cases 78 Self-pick up cases 31 Total outreach 109 Interventions Legal aid 20 Legal guidance 29 Emergency support 19 Ration 05 Housing Support (Rent) 05 YDC Referral 18 Sponsorship for educational purpose- by Prayas 24 Sponsorship for educational purpose- other NGO 8 Visits NGO Visits 12 Home visits 37 School and Vocational training centre 18 Observation home/Court visit 48 Police Station Visit 12 Follow up visits after discharge 15

31 Bharuch

Work with Juveniles

Work with Juveniles released on bail from Juvenile Justice Board has been a new initiative by Bharuch unit of Prayas.

A list of the children requiring assistance is obtained from the observation home and then follow-up with the cases begins. During visits to discharged children, it was difficult to build rapport with the client as they probably thought that it was police who was visiting them. It was also observed that the juveniles were facing various problems post release and thus a definite need was felt to intervene with them. The worker has now adopted a different strategy to contact clients. The worker visits observation Home on the days of sittings of JJB. During these days, worker gets case referrals from the staff of the home. During the visits, workers meet the clients and discuss follow up of cases with them. During these visits, worker also discusses the details of follow up of cases with the staff. The legal status of the case is also discussed with the client and the staff. The Superintendent of Observation Home himself also refers clients to our worker. Detail discussions with clients are also possible as clients are waiting for their case to come up for hearing. It is also possible at times to the meet the family and advocate of the client. When the worker is speaking to one client, other clients also approach the worker with their problems.

There have been many cases that have been pending since a long time. One such case was pending since the year 2000. The co accused in this case was proved innocent in Sessions court. The social worker brought this to the notice of the Superintendent of the observation Home. The case papers and judgment order of the co accused are to be presented before the JJB, so that the trial can be expedited. The issue of pending cases was also discussed before a High Court Judge who had come for inspection in Bharuch Court.

Support for Education: Many juveniles expect educational support from Prayas. In one case the school authority did not allow children to give exams of class IXth. The social worker co- ordinated with the police, school authorities, JJB, client’s family and Zilla Shikshan Adhikari in this regard. Finally an order was obtained from Zilla Sikshan Adhikari to allow the children to appear for the exams. Support was also given to another child to appear for board exam.

Clients are encouraged to pursue education. There is a government scheme ‘Gujarat State Open School’ through which one can appear for direct 10th or 12th class. One school is assigned in each taluka and a form is to be filled there. The school will give coaching to clients on holidays. 3 clients were supported to enroll for this programme. To register oneself the client had to submit at least 10 documents like passing certificate from the last attended school, leaving certificate, income certificate, caste certificate, residence proof, affidavit establishing the gap in education etc. It was very difficult for clients to collect all these documents. The worker supported clients at each step. Till the last date of submission all documents of only two clients were collected. All the required documents for the 3rd client could not be obtained by the deadline for submission of forms. Thus two clients will appear for board exams conducted by open university, one for standard X and another for standard XII. To collect these documents worker visited Sarpanch, Talati, and concerned school authority etc.

32 Support for Training: Both government and non-government centers for vocational training of clients have been identified. Clients who are above 18 years of age have undergone training in driving. Follow up for exploring I.T.I recognized trainings is being pursued.

One client was supported for training in motor driving. As mentioned earlier the client has to pass online computer exam to get learning license. The client was given a lot of support to clear this exam. But the client was unable to do so. At present, he is focusing on his 10th exam, and is exploring training in housekeeping at a later stage. Another client was supported for CCC computer training. He has already appeared for the exam, but the result is still pending

Support to families of clients: One of the client’s mother needed help for training so she could sustain herself and the family. She is presently undergoing training in tailoring at WDC.

Legal aid: Support is provided in the form of guidance and legal aid.

Challenges

• Clients live at far off places, thus follow up both from client and worker takes considerable time • Due to the low education levels of the client, it is difficult to identify trainings that suit their needs. • As the clients are Juveniles, the decisions in the family are taken by adults. It is difficult to contact them as they work 2-3 kms away from home, so the worker has to make repeated visits.

Statistics of work with children release from Juvenile Justice Board

Broad Services Specific Services Number Case referrals 10 cases Visits Home visits 126 visits Number of contacted clients 18 clients (referred by observation home and police station worker) Visits for training 45 visits Visits to support education 27 visits Visits to observation Home 04 visits Rehabilitation work Number of clients placed for training 04 cases Discussions with clients 05 cases 35 discussions Discussions with family members 5 Cases 28 Discussions Attended meeting of juvenile justice 09 meetings board Discussions with observation home 10 discussions for staff Education support 08 cases

33 Statistics of Rehabilitation of Children

Broad Services Specific Services Numbers Total cases 39 cases (old cases) Legal aid/guidance Legal guidance to families 44 cases Visits Home visits 30 visits Follow up Follow up of cases 22 cases Follow up of cases in observation home 13 cases

34 3. Women’s Institutions

Mumbai

Interventions undertaken in the following institutions:

• Navjivan Mahila Vastigruha (Government Protective Home) • Kasturba Mahila Vastigruha (Government Reception Centre) • Female Beggars Home

Outreach within the above mentioned institutions extended to 293 women.

The profile of the women in these institutions, while similar, are also different. Some issues to be noted that the time of interventions:

• Most women approaching Prayas or open to exploring the programme are from families with weak socio economic status • A large percentage of them have been in contact with the CJS, indicating a breakdown in their personal support structures. They have now reached a point where they have been picked up by the police for protection or engagement in illegal sectors. • Women in all three institutions are processed differently as the institutions are governed by different rules. Hence, Women in Female Beggars Home cannot move out. Women in Navjivan Mahila Vastigruha can move out according to state rules, but are prevented from doing so due to fear of them leaving the institution. Since they are referred to the institution by the court, any even of women leaving the institution on her own is treated as a case of escape. Women from Kasturba Mahila Vastigruha can move outside the institution and are free to leave the institution as per their wish. a) Training and Income Generation

Intervention in Kasturba Mahila Vastigruha, Navjeevan Mahila Vastigruha and Female Beggars Home:

• Basic activities like knitting, cross-stitch, embroidery, stitching, flower making, cro- chet, paper bags, paper beads, bag making and crackle painting, home management, fancy candle, decorative pots and origami. • Exposure visit to exhibition cum sale for women in Kasturba Mahila Vastigruha • Exploration of initiating training programmes of Kora Kendra Khadi Gramudyog in- side the institutions • Exploring opportunities for obtaining work on piece rate basis

Outcome

• Interest in alternative economic activities demonstrated. • Through activities, rapport is developed thereby providing space for further social work intervention

35 • Some women who participated in this programmes have moved on to advanced training in other agencies. Challenges

The dropout rate is high so continuation of training becomes difficult. We have to initiate new training programmes as per the interest of new girls who attend class. The main reasons for women dropping out of these activities were: remand period (in Beggars Home) was completed, reintegration with family, pursuing further training, release from government protective home and health problems. b) Education and Awareness

These activities were provided to women in Kasturba Mahila Vatigruha, and Female Beggars Home. There were two kinds of activities undertaken as women from Kasturba Mahila Vastigruha could move outside the institution while women were Female Beggars Home were detained within the institution. Curriculum included non formal education, literacy, exposure visits and informative sessions, entertainment and recreational activities.

Information and Awareness session focused on providing life skills for day-today work, giving information about NGOs that offer institutionalised services to senior citizens, importance and access to education and personality development sessions for the clients. Information and awareness sessions covered topics like health care, hygiene, citizenship rights, child care, savings, etc.

During this period, sustained efforts were made to encourage women with mental disturbances to participate in activities. Most of these women were detained in the Female Beggars Home. They would attend the activities of the Centre, but could not engage in activities due to mental disturbance or extended periods of isolation due to long-term institutionalisation. Their participation was limited, though some communication and participation could be enabled by the facilitator of the sessions. The student social worker placed at this Centre was engaged in undertaking creative activities such as origami, dumb chards, role plays, pictionary and others.

Women from the Kasturba Mahila Vastigruha were encouraged to participate in exposure visits to NGOs in order to obtain information about organisations. This focused on building confidence by providing them relevant information about their rehabilitation. This was an attempt to also expose them to the Placement Programme of Prayas.

Such visits were conducted to:

• Shanti Sadan Reception Center in Ulhasnagar and Badlapur Balika Ashram, to develop an overall understanding about the centre in terms of location, structure, facilities, capacity, and profile of the residents there. The staffs of the institution have been requesting Prayas to extend intervention to this institution as well. The feasibility of following the request in under consideration. • Matoshree Old Age Home at Khadawli, to explore shelter facility and job placement of our clients. • Shatabdi Hospital in Govandi, to help in getting the age verification of the client. • Sukhshanti, to inform participants about 24 hours shelter facility.

36 • Prayas Offices, to familiarize them with the location of the office. • Pragatik Vidyarthi Sangh, to explore possibility of placement. • Aashray, to explore the possibility of residential placement. • TISS, to explore possibility of placement in response to vacancies for M-Ward project.

Outcome and Challenges

Out of 85 (11 cases as of April 2011 and 74 cases during the period April 2011 to March 2012) women who attended the programme: a) Transferred to another institution: 3 women were transferred to another institution. Transfer to another institution indicates a shift to another protected shelter. This indicates that the woman has not moved to another unstable place of stay – a factor that significantly contributes to drift into engagement or exploitation in the illegal/antisocial sector.

On the other hand, social workers are confronted with the matter of mainstreaming. Institutional stay serves a purpose for a limited period of time. However, prolonged stay in an institution further excludes the person for normal transactions and relationships. In the absence of alternative and economically feasible shelter options, institutions continues to be the most explored option. b) Return to family2: 20 women returned to family following individual counseling and sessions that addressed family related issues such as future stay with family vis a vis independent stay. Often, contact is established with the family and family counseling pursued to facilitate the woman and the family arrive at a mutually accepted arrangement. c) Referred to the NGO Placement Programme: 10 women opted to continue with the placement programme of Prayas. This indicates a choice over a range of options, the placement programme being one of the stable options. d) Obtaining employment with the help of institutional staff: Where institutional staff identify progress, they have been known to refer cases for employment. 3 such women were identified by institutional staff and linked with employment opportunities. e) Termination of attendance to programme: 5 women from the Female Beggars Home stopped attending the programme die to administrative issues. For women to be referred, the caretaking staff or probation officers are required to regularly ensure that the referral is made. Since they are occupied with other duties, they get more engaged in duties involving discipline and maintaining of routine procedures.

This also indicates that the significance for developmental activity has not been demonstrated despite Prayas setting up its Centre and government appointed teachers. It also requires social workers to review work and future direction in this placement.

2 Return to family is an indicator of impact. However, where the family condition and relationships are so disturbed, one cannot use it as an indicator.

37 f) Discharge from institution: 44 women were discharged from the institution, there has been no confirmed information about how they have been doing after their discharge. Future Plan

• Organize picnic for the girls in shelter homes. • Strengthen information and awareness sessions inside the institutions

Statistics

Services Education and awareness for women in No of girls offered institutions Recreation Film (5 Sessions) 63 Film screenings (4 times) 15 clients Sessions/ Information about old age home 11 Training conducted Importance of education (2 sessions) 26 Distribution of educational kits 12 Health and Hygiene (2 sessions) 15 clients Citizenship Rights (2 sessions) 12 clients Phenyl making by “Project Mainstream" 28 Agarbatti making by “Project mainstream’’ 25 Savings 09 Origami by TISS student 12 Information sharing 09 Exposure Badlapur Balika Ashram 11 clients Visits Prayas office (WDC and Worli) 4 clients Pragatik Vidyarthi Sangh (2 visits) 4 clients Sukhshanti 1 client Ashray 1 client Tata Institute of Social Sciences 4 clients

c) Social Support for Women from Navjeevan Mahila Vastigruha

Work with women rescued from commercial sexual exploitation continued to focus on providing family support and guidance, post-release assistance and finding the possibility of other alternatives.

Interventions

• Home visits and follow up visits were made with families of women rescued as per court order. • Hospital visits were made for referral of cases to Regional Mental Hospital, Thane for assessment and treatment of mentally challenged and J.J. Hospital for HIV affected case. • Preparation of clients and in-house placement with Probation Officer’s Section, medi- cal section and kitchen unit of the home.

38 • Encouraging women to pursue training • Working with Magistrates towards rehabilitation of clients • There was coordination and meeting with NGOs about cases was conducted. • Follow up of cases after discharge to help women to deal with difficult circumstances. • The State and District advisory court meeting on ITPA issues were regularly attend- ed.

Outcomes

• The Special ITPA Court is well aware about rehabilitation program of Prayas as a result of our interventions. • 35 trainees completed exposure to placement. • 5 trainees were placed in NGOs after discharge. • Returned to families: 7 • Obtained birth certificates for children : 2 • The Magistrate of the Special Court has started referring cases for long term rehabilitation • Emergency and medical support after discharge: 9 • Work with families showing scope for partnering in the rehabilitation programme: 11

Outcome of the activity was measured using the following yardsticks:

• Extent to which regularity and attendance to the programme stabilizes • Increased tendency to share future plan and work out joint plans with the Instructor and social worker • Whether trainees are able to translate inputs received from the informative sessions to their life situation. • The extent to which trainees enroll for income generation activities and further training. • Enrollments in the placement programme after discharge. • Contact with the social worker after discharge in crises or making important decisions.

Challenges a) Transfer to another NGO and institutions: Eleven women were transferred to other NGOs for shelter, for obtaining family support or for pursuing training (placement programme). This indicates an interest in exploring further options outside commercial sexual exploitation. b) Deported as girls from Bangladesh: 8 women were deported to Bangladesh. Deportation of Bangladeshi women is an area that needs to be addressed. Given that they are victims, the state does not follow the same deportation procedures as is the case with those accused of an offence. However, the procedure takes a long period of time (longer than deportation of offenders). During the period the women are in the institution, they are preoccupied with discharge and delays. Eventually, interest in developmental activities reduces, although they are in the institution for months – enough time to acquire additional information and skills. The issue of delayed procedures needs to be addressed perhaps by both nation states of India and Bangladesh.

39 c) Transfer to Deonar minor home: Where a girl was found to be a minor she was referred to the Special Home for minor Girls in Deonar. d) Return home: 80 women said they were returning home at the time of discharge. However, the information has not been verified. For victims of commercial sexual exploitation, this does not necessarily indicate positive impact. Experience has gone to show that return home cannot be a natural process where the family is being supported from prostitution activities, the women would eventually return to it. Where they are unaware, but where the woman has been away from home, she has to account or her absence. Besides this, she would be returning to the same situation that may have been problematic at the time of leaving it. Return home needs to be a planned process.

40 4. Court Based Intervention

Mumbai Court

Interventions

The unit has picked up and grown after getting office premises in the City Civil & Sessions Court premises in the last week of August, 2010. Prayas had to make a lot of effort to get referral of cases in the initial stage and lot of adjustment while dealing with the court administration and a watertight judicial department which has no scope for third party influence or intervention under the Indian law.

As a strategy, Prayas started interacting with the judicial officers from Mumbai Sessions Court, which led to gradual referral of cases by them. But the judicial officers from Sewri and Dindoshi Sessions have not been able to refer cases as Prayas worker had difficulty in remaining in constant touch with them due to their consistent presence in City Civil & Sessions Court.

So far, Prayas gets referrals from judicial officers, community, NGOs and clients directly approaching the Prayas contact office in the court premises.

Objectives of the Unit in Court Setting: a) To establishes the need of a social worker in the court setting. b) To bring together the different functionaries of CJS for better co-ordination to implement social & correctional laws and provisions meant for poor socio-economic class. c) To develop and strengthen the functioning of legal aid machinery. d) To encourages legal professionals to take up legal aid matters. e) To study the functioning of legal aid machinery and provides suggestion for its improvement. f) To develop a model project at court/legal aid setting and helps other NGOs to duplicate the same in other parts of the state. g) To develop a mechanism for improving/strengthening the legal aid service.

Outcome /Results a. Regular prison visits along with the designated Sessions Court judge and law students for providing legal aid. b. Better co-ordination between Mumbai District Legal Services Authority, prison authorities and Session Court judge visiting prisons. c. Increase in the number of cases for using the benefit of Personal Bond and Probation of Offenders Act by the judicial officers. d. Improvement in liaising with Session Court judges / staff, Bar Council representative and Mumbai District Legal Services Authority. e. The 29th Court Dadar has referred more than 30 custody cases to Prayas to study their socio-economical background and chances of reformation. f. Prayas invited as Resource person for Probation Seminar by four District Judges.

41 Legal Awareness programs under the grant in aid Scheme of NALSA

1. Women Under trial Prisoners Date: 20th January 2012 Venue: Byculla District Prison Time : 9.00 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Topics covered: Rights of woman prisoners, documents required & procedure for obtaining benefit of government schemes, historical development of the women's movement, government schemes for women, Legal aid scheme of Maharashtra State Legal Services Authority.

Speakers

• Shinde Madam, Hon’ble Magistrate of 9th Court • Prof. Harish Gaikwad, Siddharth Law College • Shri Kshirsagar, Field officer, Prime Minister Nehru Rojgar Yojana. • Smt. Vaishali Jadhav, Manager, Mahatma Phule Arthik Vikas Mahamandal. • Shri. Gafar Shaikh, General Manager, Abdul Kalam Arthik Vikas Mahamandal. • Adv. Silvin Kale, Legal Resource Person, Prayas • Shri S.V.Vengurlekar, General Manager, Dena Bank • Shri Sawant, Manager, Dena Bank

More than two hundred woman prisoners attended the programme. Smt. Shinde Madam spoke on the legal rights of woman prisoners provided by the Indian Constitution and various legislation and answered the queries pertaining to their individual cases.

The government officers from various departments spoke on the topics of procedures involved in getting the necessary government documents and how to apply to receive benefit under the various schemes.

Prof. Harish Gaikwad spoke on the historical perspective of woman’s movement with present issues and how the women can access their rights through the legal as well as social struggle. The speakers from the government department also distributed forms and brochures to participants and explained them about filling of the forms and the procedures to access to schemes.

Adv. Silvin Kale informed the participants about the purpose of organizing the programme and how the same could be help them and their families to overcome their economic situation. He explained about the legal aid scheme run by the Maharashtra State Legal Services Authority and how the prisoners can get benefit under the same. Shri Kulkarni, the Superintendent of Byculla District Prison extended the vote of thanks and requested the inmates to avail the benefits of government schemes and assured them co-operation from the prison administration.

2. Male Under trial Prisoners Date:21st January, 2012 Venue : Mumbai Central Prison Time : 9.00 a.m. to 11 a.m.

42 Topics covered: Rights of prisoners, government documents required & procedures for obtaining benefit of government schemes, roles played by various social reformers in social development, government schemes for prisoners, legal aid scheme of Maharashtra State Legal Services Authority.

Speakers

• Shri Kshirsagar, Hon’ble Magistrate of 29th Metropolitan Court • Shri Dange Saheb, Regional Manager,Mahatma Phule Finance Corporation • Shri Gaikawad, Manager, Mahatma Phule Arthik Vikas Mahamandal • Shri Sawant, Manager, Dena Bank. • Adv. Silvin Kale, Legal Resource Person, Prayas • Shri S.V.Vengurlekar, General Manager, Dena Bank

More than two hundred prisoners attended the 43 programmes. Shri Kshirsagar, Metropolitan Magistrate spoke on the rights of prisoners enshrined in the Indian Constitution and various laws and answered the queries about their individual cases.

The government officers from various departments spoke on the ways to get the necessary government documents and explained in detail about the various schemes. The speakers from the government departments also distributed forms and brochures to participants and explained them how to fill the forms and the procedures to get access to the above-mentioned schemes.

Adv. Silvin Kale enlightened the prisoners about the objectives of organizing such informative sessions and the responsibility of various government departments in the process of reformation and rehabilitation of prisoners. He further gave information about the work done by Prayas, legal aid scheme runs by the Maharashtra State Legal Services Authority and how the prisoners can get benefit under the same.

3. Youth and Mahila Mandal members from Antop Hill Slum Date: 2nd February, 2012 Venue: Triratna Buddha Vihar, Dadasaheb Gaikwad Nagar, Antop Hill Time: 6.00 p.m. to 10.00 p.m.

Topics covered: Indian laws and citizen’s rights, Prevention of Atrocities Against SC/STs Act, its use and misuse, and legal aid scheme of Maharashtra State Legal Services Authority.

Speakers

• Adv. Ravindra Gavai. • Adv. Raj Chavan. • Prof. Harish Gaikwad. • Shri K.S.Shinde • Adv. Silvin Kale, Legal Resource Person, Prayas

This programme had been organized in co-ordination with local youth mandals namely Triratna and Navchetna Mitra Mandals from Antop Hill Area. More than 100 youth and women attended the programme.

43 Prof. Harish Gaikwad spoke on the social and religious sanctions of the caste system and the political movements to protest against the age old caste system. He further enlightened the audiences on the contribution of Mahatma Phule, Chatrapati Shahu Maharaj and Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar.

Adv. Gavai enlightened the participants about the Indian Constitution’s mandate, whereas Shri Raj Chavan and Shri Shinde spoke on the Atrocities Act.

Adv. Silvin Kale stressed on the mandatory provisions of the Indian Constitution banning the caste system and any form of inequality. He further spoke about the legal aid scheme run by the Maharashtra State Legal Services Authority and how the workers can get benefit under the same.

4. Lawyers working under Legal Aid Panel of Mumbai District Legal Services Authority Date: 3rd February 2012 Venue: Siddharth Law College Time: 6.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m.

Topics covered: Enhancement of skills & knowledge to conduct criminal trials, legal aid scheme of Maharashtra State Legal Services Authority, use of correctional laws in criminal trial.

Speakers

• Prof. Munde • Adv.Vijay Desai • Adv. K.P. Pawar • Prof. Reddy • Prof. Inamdar • Adv. Silvin Kale

This Programme was organized in co-ordination with the Siddharth Law College. More than hundred lawyers attended the programme.

Prof. Inamdar explained about the theoretical aspects of basic concept of criminal jurisprudence. Prof. Munde explained about the mens rea and liability of accused in criminal trial, whereas Prof. Reddy enlightened the participants about the various exceptions to criminal liability in Indian laws.

Adv. Vijay Desai spoke on the basic skills and knowledge a lawyer should possess. He shared experience in the cases handled by him. He also spoke on skills to cross examine expert witnesses such as medical and hand writing experts.

Adv. K.P.Pawar shared his experience conducting lengthy trial of Ajmal Kasab.

Adv. Silvin Kale narrated about the legal aid scheme run by the Maharshtra State Legal Services Authority and how the weaker sections of the community can avail benefit under the Scheme.

44 5. Youth from Scheduled Caste & Schedule Tribe Community from Naigaon, Parel. Date : 4th February,2012 Venue : Lokseva High School, Naigaon. Time: 6.00 p.m. to 10.00 p.m.

Topics covered: Fundamental Rights under Indian Constitution for Scheduled Caste /Scheduled Tribes, Prevention of Atrocities Against SC/STs Act, its use and misuse.

Speakers

• Adv.Vinay Jadhav. • Prof. Harish Gaikwad. • Shri Shinde. • Adv. Silvin Kale.

This Programme was organized in co-ordination with a local community groups from the BDD Chawl area in Worli. Prof. Harish Gaikwad in his speech narrated the history of how the caste system came into the existence.

Adv. Jadhav while speaking on the Fundamental Rights enshrined in the Indian Constitution, also spoke on the Atrocities Act, whereas Shri. Shinde shared his views on misusing the provisions of Atrocities Act.

Adv. Silvin Kale summarized the points brought by the speakers and informed the participants about the work done by Prayas and how they can use the legal aid scheme run by the Maharashtra State Legal Services Authority if they wished to redress their grievances through the legal forum.

6. Rights of woman under various Indian laws Date: 13th March, 2012 Venue: Maharashtra Kamgar Kalyan Mandal Hall, Wadala Time: 1.00 p.m. to 3.00 p.m.

Topics covered: Various Central & State Government scheme for women, rights of women under various legislations, legal aid scheme of Maharashtra State Legal Services Authority.

Speakers

• Prof. Chitra Lele, SNDT College • Adv. Noshin Khan • Adv. Silvin Kale

This Programme was organized as joint venture of Mahila Swavikas Utpadak Sanstha and Prayas for the Anganwadi workers, Health Workers and members of Self-help groups from Wadala and Sewri area. More than 100 Aanganwadi teachers participated in the camp. The legal awareness programme began with a speech by Adv. Nausheen Khan, who spoke about the various provisions of laws for women. She explained the provisions of Domestic Violence Act, Section 125 of Cr.PC, matrimonial laws including the Hindu Marriage Act,

45 Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act, Muslim Personal Law and Section 498-A of IPC. She also answered various queries put up by the participants.

Prof. Lele spoke on the historical struggle of womanhood by giving an account from the famous Chicago movement. She also spoke about the ancient Sindu culture, how a women’s kingdom existed in Asia and how the patriarchy made them slaves using the family and religion institutions.

Adv. Silvin Kale emphasized the need for women’s organization as despite being a 50 % of the total population, yet they remain scattered, unorganized and vulnerable. He further informed them about the legal aid scheme run by the Maharashtra State Legal Services Authority and how the participants can get benefit under the same.

7. Rights of woman under various laws Date: 22nd March, 2012 Venue: SNDT College, Matunga. Time: 9.00 a.m. to 12.00 p.m.

Topics covered: Historical perspective of women’s movement, rights of women under various legislations, women’s empowerment, Domestic Violence Act, problems in implementation of legal aid scheme of Maharashtra State Legal Services Authority.

Speakers

• Prof. Harish Gaikawad • Adv. Mansi Save • Prof. Jethmalani • Prof. Sindhu • Adv. Vasant Gaikwad • Adv. Silvin Kale

This Programme was organized in co-ordination with SNDT Law College, Matunga for female students on the general topics of “Women & Law”. More than 60 students participated in the seminar. Adv. Mansi Save from Majlis made the participants aware on the matrimonial laws and emphasized on the rights of woman. She covered various important provisions of Hindu Marriage Act, Domestic Violence Act, Muslim Women’s Protection Act, Hindu adoption & Maintenance Act and Muslim Law. She also answered various questions put forth by the participants.

Adv. Vasant Gaikawad spoke on empowerment of women by asserting themselves in today’s era. Prof. Jethmalani spoke on Domestic Violence Act whereas Prof. Gaikawad enlightened the students on the historical perspective of women’s movements.

Prof. Sindhu stressed on rights of women under the Indian Constitution.

Adv. Silvin Kale informed the participants about the legal aid scheme run by the Maharashtra State Legal Services Authority and the objective of Prayas in the Criminal Justice System.

46 8. Role of Police in N.C. & Matrimonial Matters for Police Personnel (PSI & ASI) from Port Zone

Date: 24th March, 2012 Venue: Knowledge Centre, Wadala Time: 9.00 a.m. to 12.00 p.m.

Topics: Role and obligation of Police in N.C. Matter & Matrimonial Disputes.

Speakers

• Police Inspector Sonandakar • Prof. Harish Gaikwad • Adv. Silvin Kale • Shri Ashok Pawar • Smt. Deepa Kedare

This Programme was organized in co-ordination with Wadala Police Station and Prayas at the Knowledge Centre. Around round 70 to 80 police officers from Yellowgate, Sewri and Wadala Police Stations attended the programme. Prof. Gaikwad spoke about the mandate of the Indian Constitution specifically devoted to protect the rights of the vulnerable groups in society.

Smt. Deepa Kedare shared her experiences while handling cases of matrimonial disputes at the Special Cell for Women and sensitize the police personnel to play a proper role when such cases come to their police stations.

Shri Ashok Pawar enlightened the police about the history of the police system, its relation with the State and how the State deliberately uses the police for its pecuniary gain.

Inspector Sonalkar shared his experiences in handling NC Matters and guided the audience to give a patient hearing to problem-affected persons. He also explained about the provisions of Bombay Police Act, and the obligation of the police to take care of mentally disturbed and distressed people.

Adv. Silvin Kale spoke about the work done by Prayas and summarized the various points raised by the above eminent speakers.

9. Inmates of Protective Home

Rights of Inmates under Indian law Date: 28th March, 2012 Venue: Protective Home, Deonar Time: 6.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m.

Topics covered: Historical perspective of women’s status in society, rights of inmates under ITPA.

47 Speakers

• Prof. Harish Gaikawad • Hon’ble Magistrate of Spl. ITPA Court, Smt. S.B.Mahale • Adv. Silvin Kale.

This programme was jointly organized by Protective Home and Prayas. The programme began with the speech of Prof. Harish Gaikawad. He provoked the participants by making them aware about the history of women’s kingdom that once existed in India and how matriarchy had social equality. He also went on to explain the reasons which made them slaves of patriarchy, creating a compulsion even to sell their bodies.

Smt. Mahale in her speech involved them by asking various queries and about their apprehensions being locked. She further explained how they can help themselves and other victims in rehabilitation. Ms Neeru Sharma, the Probation Officer came out with the problems faced by their Department in the rehabilitation process. Adv. Silvin Kale after summing of the issues, explained the inmates of the legal aid scheme of MDLSA and how they can use services of Prayas.

10. Rights of Women under various laws & Government welfare schemes for women. Date : 30th March,2012. Venue : Matoshri Utkarsh Mandal Hall, P. L. Lokhande Marg, Chembur, Mumbai. Time : 3.00 p.m. to 6.00 p.m.

Topics covered: Rights of women under various laws, government schemes for economic development of women, legal aid scheme of Maharashtra State Legal Services Authority.

Speakers

• Adv. Gajanan Lasure • Shri Sunil Bhise • Adv. Silvin Kale • Shri Hitesh Jagtap • Smt. Neeta Torne • Shri Rohit Amrutsagar

This programme was organized at Matoshri Utkarsh Hall at P.L.Lokhande Marg, Chembur for women activists working with women’s self-help groups from Chembur and Govandi slums. The Programme started with the speech of Smt. Neeta Torne, who has been with the self-help group concept since last ten years. She spoke on the strategies to organize women and to strengthen the group through the medium of self-help groups.

Shri Sunil Bhise too has long standing experience with the women’s self-help groups. He stressed on the various hurdles in organizing self-help groups and the ways to counter the same.

Shri Hitesh shared his experience while working with Mahila Milan Group, an NGO in Mumbai as well as of other parts of Maharashtra. He also spoke about more than 32 Schemes of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation and its criteria of eligibility to apply.

48 Shri Rohit spoke on government schemes for women in slums. He explained about the special schemes available specifically for SC and ST women such as Mahatma Phule Mahamandal and Vasantrao Naik Mahamandal. He also spoke on the various schemes of the Central Government funding to women’s self-help groups and how to avail the benefits of these schemes.

Adv. Janardan Lasure explained the various provisions of the Indian Constitution, the Domestic Violence Act, Section 498-A of IPC, Section 125 of Cr.PC and matrimonial laws.

Adv. Silvin Kale advised the women about the legal aid scheme of the Maharashtra State Legal Services Authority and how the women can help themselves by using benefit under the free legal aid Scheme.

11. Govt. Schemes for Youth and Competitive Exams of SBI & Railways Date: 31st March, 2012. Venue : Knowledge Centre, Wadala Time : 6.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m.

Topics covered: Govt. Schemes available for youth belonging to SC/ST &OBC, guidance and preparation for Competitive Examination (S.B.I. & Railways).

Speakers

• Prof. Chirankar. Chairman, Mahatma Phule Knowldege Point • Prof. Gamre, Dr. Ambedkar College for Commerce • Shri. Mhaske, Manager, O.B.C. Finance Corporation • Prof. Harish Gaikwad. • Adv. Silvin Kale.

This programme was organized as a joint venture of Mrutuyanjaya Mitra Mandal and Prayas to focus on the issues and problems of today’s youth, different government schemes available for them according to their case and guidance to the competitive examination of State Bank of India and the Railway Board.

Prof. Harish Gaikwad in his speech awakened the youth members on the impact of globalization and consumerist culture killing the soul of youth in third world countries and corrupting the mind set. He warned them on future problems in India and what should they do in order to sustain in today’s competitive world.

Shri Mhaske explained the youth about OBC schemes and also distributed pamphlets and brochures.

Prof. Gamre and Prof. Chirankar guided the members on the competitive examination of State Bank of India and Railways.

Adv. Silvin Kale explained about the legal aid scheme run by the Maharashtra State Legal Services Authority, the role of Prayas in prevention of crime and how the youth members can become self-reliant with the help of government schemes.

49 Case Illustrations

Legal Aid and Guidance

#Case1

A case was transferred from Mumbai Central Prison to the Observation Home, as he was a minor, due the efforts made by the Prayas worker. He was arrested by Matunga Police Station from his house and thereafter produced before the court. The police illegally detained him for three days and thereafter produce before the court. The client reported that the police had snatched the mangalsutra and earrings from his mother and the same jewellery had been shown as stolen and recovered property. Prayas helped him to write application to higher authorities and court.

#Case 2

Some people had been cheated on the promise of overseas jobs. Their passports had been seized after the arrest of the accused persons. They were from a very poor socio economic background and had no money to engage lawyers. They were helped to get their passports back from the court.

#Case 3

A young girl became victim of a false case by the collusion of an Electronics Goods Shop and a Finance Company. They had filed a case under section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act for a cheque of Rs 1000/-. She and her family were harassed by the company’s agents for unlawful purposes. She was given legal aid to fight the false case.

#Case 4

A taxi driver was falsely implicated by the traffic police because he dared to refuse to pay the bribe for an offence which he had not committed. He was abused and assaulted by the police. He was helped and guided to fight the false case filed under the Motor Vehicles Act.

Future Plans

• Submit a proposal to the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate’s office and the Hon’ble High Court to study the effectiveness of the Jail Court. To study the issues and problems, Prayas is in the process of informally interacting with magistrates about their experiences about jail courts and their suggestions.

50 Statistics

Broad Services Specific Services Figures Interventions Legal Guidance 12 Government legal aid 22 Prayas legal aid 07 Referral from judges 34 Jail visits 05 Meetings attended Meetings with judicial officers 11 MDLSA meetings attended 06 Training related/ Resource person to judges 04 Awareness training programs (Mumbai City programs & Suburban, Kolhapur, Sindhudurg) NALSA Legal Awareness 11 programmes organized for the police, inmates from prison inmates and Protective Home and other vulnerable groups in society Total outreach 112

51 Thane Court

Interventions

• Workers reached out to youth directly and also on the basis of referrals by the court & police personnel. • Home visits were done to build a positive relation and reconnect youth with their families. • Support was extended to clients to receive free legal aid services from Thane District Legal Services Authority • Inmates released from prison were connected with NGOs for job placement, • The social worker maintained regular contact with released prisoners. • Workers organized awareness session in the Youth Barrack of Thane Central Prison on the rehabilitation programme of Prayas and the Probation of Offenders Act. • NGO visits were undertaken to make them aware about the Prayas programme and to arrange services like counseling and support cost for clients. • Conducted meetings with Probation Officer and the District Probation Officer to conduct a session on the PO Act and rehabilitation scheme for released prisoners in Thane central Prison and in Kalyan District Prison with women and youth prisoners. • Built rapport with the government departments to connect their welfare schemes with released prisoners towards their rehabilitation. • Obtained Information on youth welfare schemes and programmes run by the state government and central governments and non-governmental organizations for youth in prison. • Visits to Zilla Parishad and Social Justice Department resulted in our obtaining information on schemes by the state and central governments for BPL families of convicted prisoners. • Participated in the District IDC meetings in Thane Central Prison, and discussed isues such as lack of police escort to take prisoners to courts on their court dates and to regularize visits of probation officer in the prison.

Outcomes

• Reached out to and provide services to total number of 81 cases. • Provided free legal aid from Thane Court to 14 under trial prisoners. • 6 Clients contacted the Prayas social worker for post release assistance. • Referral of cases increased due to Prayas presence in courts and prisons. • Increased awareness about schemes of the Social Justice Department for families of convicted prisoners. • Prayas workers invited as a resource persons by the DLSA in awareness camps organised by them. • Conducted meetings with the Principal Judge, Thane District and Sessions Court towards planning a one day workshop on ITPA and Probation of Offenders Act. The meeting was fruitful and as per his suggestion we have submitted our proposal to the High Court for approval.

52 Future Plans

• To conduct vocational guidance and awareness activities with prison inmates with support from the prison staff. • To provide psycho-social information about Prayas cases to judges to help them consider bail / probation in these cases. • Organise workshop on ITPA and Probation of Offenders Act.

Statistics

Broad Specific Services Number Services Interventions Family Counseling 43 Legal Aid (DLSA) 14 Legal Aid (Private) 15 Follow up bail process 10 Legal Advice& Information 49 Repatriation 01 Visits Prisons 72 Home 30 Police station 27 Court 90 Collector office 04 District PO 13 Samaj Kalyan Office 04 Zilla Parishad 06 Sanjay Gandhi NiradharYojana 01 Juvenile Justice Board 03

NGOs 02 Meetings Superintendent of Prisons 06 Member Secretary of DLSA 10 IDC Meeting in Thane Prison 01 Probation Officer 08 ZillaParishad Officer 06 Sanjay Gandhi NiradharYojana 05 Collector Office 02 Total Outreach 81

53 5. Police Station

Bharuch ‘A’ Division Police Station

Intervention

The social worker contacts women and youth in lock up and extends support in terms of giving information, contacting families, legal guidance, medical support, coordinating with police and discussion and follow up with regards to rehabilitation.

During the reporting period, the social worker along with the after care worker met and discussed strategies for addressing rehabilitation needs with the detection branch staff, crime branch staff and M.O. B. staff and obtained the list of youth involved in crime in Bharuch City.

The after care worker then did home visits to meet the accused and his family where options for rehabilitation were discussed. The contact ratio was found to very low in these cases, as the addresses given were wrong, some had shifted homes, others had resumed normal life after release on bail, thus worker has to do intensive follow up. But while working with this group, we felt there was a genuine need for intervention. The police station worker supported the aftercare worker to counsel and discuss training options with the client.

The strength of this strategy is that police now views Prayas’ work differently. They are interested to know progress in cases of youth, and are willing to refer new cases.

Statistics of youth in Lock-up

Broad Services Specific Services Numbers Individual Counselling Counseling for his medical and 49 cases rehabilitation Legal Counselling Legal aid/guidance 39 cases Case referrals Referred to prison social worker 14 cases Referred to aftercare social worker 20 cases Referred to District Legal Aid Board 9 cases Other Services Medical Support 4 cases Family Counselling 12 cases Providing information 15 cases Phone calls 23 calls

Statistics of Work with Women in Lock-up

Broad Services Specific Services Numbers Individual counseling Discussion for training 7 cases Legal counselling Legal aid and guidance 7 cases Case Referral Referral to female prison social worker 4 cases Referral to after care workers 3 cases Other Services Family support 2 cases Providing Information 7 cases

54 Statistics of Work at Station House

Broad services Specific services Numbers Total Outreach 234 cases Work with mentally ill Discussions with families of clients 03 cases cases Discussions with and sensitization of the 8 times police Legal Counselling Legal aid/guidance 154 cases Case Referrals Referred to District Legal Aid Board 16 cases Referred to NGOs 13 cases Referred to Hospital 07 cases Other services Contacting families of clients 25 cases Home visits 41 visits Follow up with police chowkies 29 cases Follow up with other police stations 38 cases Writing applications 08 cases Obtaining the support of the police in case of 13 cases emergency

Intervention with Women in Crises

The social worker intervenes in cases of women reaching Police Station in crisis, or referred by personnel within Criminal Justice System, voluntary organizations, ex-beneficiaries of Prayas and general public. The social worker co-ordinates with the CJS and the following services are provided to women in crises: Counselling, emotional support, legal guidance, alternative options , support in obtaining legal aid, contact with family and obtaining support from the family, support in obtaining police assistance, emergency assistance, arranging for appropriate referrals to government and non government agencies, support in obtaining emergency shelter, educational support for family, and support for training for family.

Intervention at Mahila Police Station

A new Mahila Police station was established in Bharuch City. There was an order that all cases of women reaching all the police stations in Bharuch District are to be transferred to Mahila Police Station.

The worker at the Police station visits Mahila Police Station and other police chowkies to understand the nature of offence committed by women.

Social worker now intervenes at Mahila Police Station providing services such as: Counseling, referral for training, discussions and planning for rehabilitation of clients , follow up of cases registered with the Mahila Police Station.

The workers have observed that neither all women in crisis were able to reach Mahila Police Station, nor was the Mahila police station staff capable enough (in terms of staff strength and training) to deal with so many women reaching there. An issue arises here: Do all women in crisis reach Mahila Police Station? What happens to cases of women not reaching Mahila Police Station? To understand this issue better, visits have been planned to other police stations in the District, and understand the cases of women and follow up done by the police.

55 Another role emerging at Mahila Police Station is to support the staff there in terms of sensitivity, motivation, and support during counseling and during conciliation sessions. Student social workers from Social Work Department of Veer Narmada South Gujarat University have started placements at Mahila Police Station. There have also been discussions with Superintendent of Police in regards to legal training and sensitizing sessions with Women Police staff.

There have also been discussions with Superintendent of Police, Bharuch, regarding referrals of cases from other Police Stations in Bharuch. The SP has given us the permission and has also directed police stations in the district to refer the cases of women and youth in crisis.

Training of Women Police Constable

In the meeting with I.G. the issue of training Women Police Constables at Mahila Police Station was discussed. The I.G. has asked us to look into the matter and to do the necessary follow up.

Statistics of Rehabilitation of Women reaching Police Station

56 Broad Services Specific Services Numbers Contacted cases Long term cases 16 cases Short term cases 46 cases Follow up cases Previous cases 12 cases Prohibition cases 07 cases Case Referrals Referral by police 20 cases Referred by other NGOs 10 cases Visits Home visits 29 visits Nari Kendra visits 96 visits Observation Home visits 35 visits Visits to police chowkies 27 visits Visits to other police stations 51 visits Hospital visits 07 visits School visits 14 visits Visits to District Legal Aid Board 37 visits Court visits 35 visits Visits to identify training 14 visits Visits to NGOs 21 visits Visits for job placement 09 visits Discussions with magistrates 06 discussions Discussions at District Legal Aid Board 37 discussions Discussions with advocates 11 discussions Other Referrals Referrals to WDC 06 cases Support extended for education 06 cases Support extended for shelter 02 cases Discussions with NGOs during follow-up of 10 cases cases Phone calls 140 cases Discussions with Advocates 07 times Family support 01 case Discussions with Police for long term cases 06 cases Visits to Taluka Panchayat 02 visits

Intervention with Children

Police have referred many cases to the worker and the social worker has worked towards education of education of juveniles in conflict with the law (JCL). During the reported months, Prayas has worked on issues of children in conflict with law and in need of care and protection.

Many children of clients are in juvenile homes for boys and girls. Till now, the workers followed up with the staff of the homes for issues concerning the children. But now the issues have been taken up with the CWC so that orders can be passed for the rights of all the children living in the institution. The coordination with CWC has helped to improve relationship between the client’s family and staff members of the institution. We also discuss issues regularly with the staff to sensitize them.

Repeated meetings are going on with JJB, with the objective of sensitizing them to pass orders keeping in mind the rehabilitation of JCL. The after care worker is also following up

57 the cases of JCL from a rehabilitation point of view. Follow up with advocates of JCL is maintained , so that their arguments are based on the provisions of J. J. Act.

# Case study

A group of children were arrested U/s 302 of IPC. Two of them were juveniles and were released on bail while a 19 year old was in judicial custody. Both the juveniles were in class IX and the boy in judicial custody had to appear for 1 paper in class X. We were informed that the school was not allowing both Juveniles to appear for the examination of class X. The workers visited the school and discussed the matter with school authorities. Initially they agreed but later refused to allow them to give exam on the grounds that it would set a wrong example to other children, and the discipline of the school might be affected. The School authorities also asked the parents to give an application to the school asking for the leaving certificate of the children. They also made an excuse that their attendance was not up to the mark. Our workers discussed the matter with Chairman of the Juvenile Justice Board. He said that he had no control over this matter as the juveniles were out on bail. We discussed this matter with the advocate of the children following which an application was made to the Zilla Shikshan Adhikari (District Education Officer). He was of the opinion that he could not do much as their attendance was below the required number of days in school. We discussed with him and sensitized him to the fact that children could not attend school; as they were felt they would be ostracized and even face physical beating from school authorities. Finally, District Education Officer sent an order to the school to allow the children to sit for the exam. Both the children appeared and passed the examination. They have now registered for class X. We supported the 19 year old boy to appear for his board exam from the judicial custody. Parents were supported to give application to the concerned magistrate, for the necessary permission. The magistrate gave the order, the boy appeared and passed exam.

58 Work with clients released from Bharuch Sub-Jail and ‘A’ Division police station

During last six months there was many ups and down in work at the Police Station. Prayas worker was placed at ‘A’ Division Police station since Prayas began its work in Bharuch District. Due to administrative reasons, a separate ‘C’ division Police Station was formed. A lot of area from ‘A’ division police station went to newly formed police station, the police staff were also transferred to the new police station. In the initial period, a Police Inspector was not appointed for ‘C’ division. Prayas observed this transition period, and tried to understand how this would affect the work. There were different questions. Whether to continue work at ‘A’ division police station, this would mean less case work, as much of the area went into ‘C’ division. Whether to start work also at ‘C’ division? This would mean one worker, visiting two police stations, which was not feasible. Prayas had started taking up cases from Mahila Police Station. Direction of work was being explored.

Though work continued in ‘A’ div. police station, there was not much case reference. ‘C’ division police station was also visited, and some cases were referred from there as well as from Mahila Police Station.

Therefore, a new plan has been formulated for the next financial year. And for the time being, the decision is taken to continue work at ’A’ division police station, and take case referrals from Mahila Police Station and ‘C’ Division Police station.

Challenges

Need for regular follow up: To get reference of cases, regular follow up with police is necessary. There is a gap in this because concerned police staff are not always available during worker’s duty timings. And this means the worker has to pay many visits, and this is always not possible because of work load. Worker is trying to form some schedule so that we can overcome the limitation

Lack of faith of police in process of rehabilitation: Most police do not believe in the possibility of correction and rehabilitation. So while referring the case they are not serious in scrutinizing the cases they are referring. This does not help worker, and also lot of time is wasted in making visits on the wrong addresses.

Need for regular intervention at ‘C’ Div. Police Station: As ‘C’ division police station is newly formed, presence of Prayas is not much established. Prayas workers will have to make visits and do a regular follow up so that referral of cases from ‘C’ division is made possible.

Intervention with clients released from Bharuch Sub Jail and follow up of youth arrested by Police

Contact is made with clients in two ways: The prison worker refers the cases to the worker; and the worker also visits police station and contacts the clients in police custody along with the police station worker.

The police station worker and the aftercare worker together, take up cases from the Detection Staff and from the MOB branch. The list is taken from the police and then home visits are made. During the visits the contact is made with the client and the family and rehabilitation

59 and legal issues and options are discussed. Support is also provided to them for training purpose.

While working with these groups certain observations were made:

1. It is difficult to establish rapport with clients released on bail from police custody. They do not trust workers easily. They are ready to move on with their life as soon as they are released. Usually they have some kind of support, and thus they are out on bail and not send to judicial custody.

2. Generally clients are not contacted directly while in custody, the list of such clients is obtained from MOB branch. When visits are made to such clients, it is observed that they are hesitant to speak, while at times it is learnt the client has shifted home.

3. The clients have at times provided wrong names and address to the police.

4. The education level of the clients is very low, thus they do not fit into certain trainings. The trainings offered to them like plumbing, automobile repairing does not impress them as it requires hard labor.

5. It is also observed that where worker has been able to establish relationship with the family, and family is convinced about our work, the relationship with the client also becomes stronger. The family becomes instrumental in motivating the client.

Though many clients are contacted, home visits made, rapport built, long term work has not been possible for various reasons mentioned above. To be able to understand the problems and issues, we have placed a student from Veer Narmada South Gujarat University at the Police station. This being new initiative needs more focus and it will take some time to establish our work with this group.

Workers intervene with clients with regard to counseling, giving information, discussing options for rehabilitation, legal guidance to client and family members, support for training to clients and family, educational support and coordination with Criminal Justice System.

Support for Training

Worker discusses various options of trainings with client and they mutually decide a suitable training for the client.

Two clients from Police station have pursued training in driving. The worker supported client to identify training and also to get learning license. According to new rules, to get learning license client has to clear online computer test. Since this requires a lot of practice, the software has been downloaded in the office computer, and clients come to office for training. Both the clients have passed the test and have got their driver’s license.

One client was supported for training in computer course; the client has completed the training and is awaiting results. This client was also supported for a training which was organized under a government scheme. The social worker is in the process of identifying a job for him. There is some survey going on in the district. The worker has contacted concerned department, for job placement of this client

60 Follow up is being maintained for clients pursuing training. One client is pursuing training in Multi Media and designing, another as a Fitter under Goal Skill Development Programme organized by G.I.D.C., Jhagadia. A prison inmate’s brother is under training for mobile repairing. One client is under training in Basic computers and Tally at Sunshine Academy, Ankleshwar.

Support for Employment

One client has completed CCC course in computer was supported for employment as data entry operator in a survey organized by government. He was selected but could not take up job, as he did not have motor cycle needed for the job. We have had a discussion with Talati of his village for a job in Gram Panchayat office as a data entry operator.

One of the clients was supported to get on the job training in lumbering and shunting at L&T., Ahmedabad organized by Jan Vikas Project, Vadodara. But at final stage the client’s father did not allow him to go to Ahmedabad, he is now attending training in computers.

Statistics of Work with clients released from Bharuch Sub-Jail and ‘A’ Division police station

Broad Services Specific Services Numbers Case referrals Referred by prison social worker 8 cases Referred by police station social worker 21 cases Visits Home visits 150 visits Visits to various government offices 45 visits Visits to police Stations 15 visits Rehabilitation work Establishing contact with clients 50 visits Establishing contact with families 38 visits Discussions with clients 15 Cases, 68 discussions Discussions with family members 13 cases, 38 discussions Discussions with employer 05 cases Identifying training centers 19 centers Visits to observation home 06 visits Visit to Jhagadia mission for education 02 visits Discussions with client’s Advocate 02 visits Visits to vocational Bharuch Patrawala Motor Training School 47 visits training centers Krishna Motor driving training centre 03 visits Maruti Motor driving training 02 visits Jan Shikshan Sansthan 03 visits Indira Gandhi Institute vocational training 28 visits Kaushalya Vardhan Kendra 06 visits Jhagadia Gumamdev ITI visits 02 visits Ankleshwar ITI visits 31 visits C-Dac computer training 18 visits Navjivan high school 03 visits C.K.G High School-Govali 11 visits

61 St. Xavier High School-Jhagadia 02 visits Ankleshwar Patrawala motor driving centre 06 visits ITI, Bharuch 05 visits G.I.D.C –goals (skill programme) for 05 visits vocational training centre Sun shine academy for computer training 09 visits center Yuva Parivartan project of Gram Vikas 01 visit Sanstha Image Classes , Institute of Digital 03 visits technology Shah Institute 07 visits

62 6. Prayas Vichar Manch

Maharashtra

Libraries

Prayas continued to direct its efforts at promoting libraries in prisons in Maharashtra. Efforts have been invested in:

• Strengthening existing libraries in prisons. • Co-coordinating between District libraries (government) and prison libraries. • Identifying possible budgets for membership fees in order to strengthen the library infra- structure in prison.

Interventions

• 62 Meetings and 30 visits were conducted with various libraries and government departments (State Library, Central Library, Nerul Dist. Library, Ganesh Vachnalaya, Parbhani, Nagpur District Library, Vardha District Library, Worli District Library, Amravati District Library, Mumbai city library, Nerul District Library, Kolhapur District Library, Sangli District Library, Satara District Library) to meet the Librarian regarding the opening of bank account to start library membership for prisons. • Our workers made 20 visits to 8 Prisons to meet the Superintendents and Teachers of the prison to discuss about the membership issue: Kolhapur Central Prison (male), Kolhapur Central prison (Female), Kalyan District Prison, Byculla District Prison (female), Taloja Central Prison, Arthur road central prison, Sangli District Prison, Satara District Prison and to the Department of women and child department(Mumbai) • Visited Vedanta foundation to explore the possibility of starting computer training in prison and job for the released prisoners identified by the superintendents • Attended the National Conference on Library issue organized by CDAC and BOSLA. • Attended the 35th All India National Conference on Criminology organized by TISS, BPRD and ISC. • Provided 20 books from Prayas to Taloja Jail for library purpose. • 3 students from TISS were provided guidance for issues related to Mumbai Central Prison Library. • Visits to DIG Office to follow up on permission letters submitted and update about meetings. • Visits to women institutions to explore the possibility of starting library in shelter homes

Outcomes

• A total of 5 prisons have acquired library membership in this reporting period: Kolhapur Central Prison (male), Kolhapur Central prison (Female), Kalyan District Prison, Bycul- la District Prison (female), Taloja Central Prison • 3 prisons are in the process of obtaining library membership: Kolhapur District Prison, Sangli District Prison, Satara District prison • In response to a suggestion by Prayas, Additional D.G. Prison, Shri. Prakash Pawar issued a circular regarding library membership to all superintendents of the District Prisons. The

63 deposit for the membership will be Rs. 500.00 and fees for two years will be Rs. 150.00 this amount will be from the prisoner’s welfare fund by the superintendents of prisons. • Meeting Western region – Pune Special I.G. Sanjay Kumar Verma – Yerawada Central Prison on 13.5.2011 regarding circular be issued stating to all superintendent to get books for the library and library membership. • Meeting with Pune IG Office – regarding membership to all prison and follow up for per- mission to visit all the prisons by Prayas Staff members. • Regular meetings were conducted with Teacher of the Prison (Meeting with Nagpur Cen- tral Prison, Taloja Central Prison , Mumbai Central Prison) towards strengthening library activities • Correspondence with Special I.G. Shri S.K. Verma, South Region and Shri. Surinder Ku- mar, Eastern Region and Shri. BipinBihari, Central Region - regarding permission to visit the prison and library • In response to a suggestion by Prayas, I.G. Prison, Shri. PrakashPawar issued a circular dated 05.08.2011 to start library membership to Superintendents of all Prisons. • Correspondence with Special I.G. Shri S.K. Verma, South Region and Shri. Bipin Bihari Central Region – resulted in obtaining permission to create information and awareness about library facilities in prison.

Challenges

• It took nearly one year to get a circular issued for library membership. • There is need of suitable infrastructure to set up library in prisons. • Human resource to maintain library in prisons. • There is confusion between superintendents regarding membership fees in (District Prisons).

64 Statistics

Broad Services Specific Services Numbers Activate libraries Libraries activated in prison 05 libraries Libraries activation in process 03 libraries Meetings held and Meetings with prison officials (supt. 21 meetings attended Jailors, teachers, collector, Dy. Collector, secretary of legal authority , Principal judge of court, Tahsildar of Kolhapur, Satara Sangli district , D.P.O. & P.O Office related to District Interdepartmental committee meeting and Prison Library (strengthen) , District women and child welfare Department (Mumbai) Meeting with Prison and Library 41 meetings Department and others (Supt. Jailors, Teachers, Collector, Dy. Collector, Secretary of Legal Authority, Principle Judge of Court, Tahsildar of Kolhapur, Satara, Sangli District , D.P.O. & P.O Office related to District Interdepartmental committee meeting and Prison Library (strengthen) , District women and child welfare Department (Mumbai) Meeting with district I.D.C. 01 meeting Circulars/Letters issued Circulars and Permission letters regarding 1 Circular and 2 prison library issues permission letters Thank you letter to A.D.G. Pune 01 letter Permission letters from Prison department 04 letters Visits conducted Visits to libraries 15 visits Follow up visits 05 visits Visits to other departments (Kolhapur , 10 visits Sangli ,Satara, Karad, PanhalaTasgaon (Collector office, Principle judge of session court, legal service authority, sub jails, Tahsil office, D.P.O. office ) Home visits 04 visits NGO visits 01 visit Visits to women’s institutions 02 visits Visits to DIG Office 03 visits Other work/services Phone calls made (Superintendents, Jailors 95 calls Teachers Of Mumbai , Pune, Kalyan, Byculla, Taloja, , D.I.G.Office Southern & central region Satara , Sangli, Kolhapur, Library dept. of State Librarians (Satara, Sangali, Kolhapur , Dhule, IGNOU, NavjeevanMahilaVastigriha, N.G.Os

65 Books given to Taloja Jail from Prayas for 20 books library purpose Case work (Minor boy referred by 01 case community) addiction and school dropout Conferences Attended Attend National Conference on Library 02 conferences issue organized by CDAC & BOSLA.

Attend 35thAllIndia National Conference on Criminology Organised by TISS & BPRD, ISC. Orientation Orientation programme to TISS students 03 students towards running the Mumbai Central Prison Library

66 Inter Departmental Committees (IDC)

Prayas continued to direct its efforts to facilitate the functioning of the State and District Inter Departmental Sub-Committees on Prisoners.

Interventions and Outcomes

• One of the Prayas staff visited two prisons in Rajasthan in the districts of Jaipur and Ajmer. These visits were undertaken with a view to understand how Industrial Train- ing Institute (ITI) conducts their courses within the prisons. These courses are being offered through the district ITI. • A follow up of district IDC decisions (balwadi, computer classes, tailoring classes conducted through Yuva SevaBhavi Sanstha) was also done. • Prayas participated in the district IDC meeting held on 18th June, 2011 which was in- augurated by Hon. Principal Judge Shri Sangeetrao Patil. During the meeting discus- sion was held on issues like Vocational Training for jail inmates, running of factories already established in the jail premises, Meditation programmes, Starting Anganwadi, Counseling of the jail inmates, Absence of some of the members of the sub-Commit- tee etc. • A meeting was held with Thane Principal Judge Shri. K.K.Sonawane towards follow up of district IDC and regarding calling an IDC meeting to take a follow up of issues of Aurangabad IDC. • Visits were made to Aurangabad, Jalna, Kolhapur, Satara and Sangli districts to find out about district IDCs. It was learnt that district Inter-Departmental Sub-Committee meetings were held in Aurangabad, Jalna and Kolhapur. In these meetings discussions were held on issues of police escort and vocational training in prisons. • In the meeting in the Aurangabad district, a decision was taken that ITI will give training in plumbing to inmates in prison free of charge. But the Sub-Committee did not send a letter to ITI due to which the plan for training did not materialize. • The Aurangabad Municipal Corporation is planning to start training in paper bag making in the female prison and distribute 1 tailoring machine to released women prisoners. • Due to regular follow up done by Prayas, in Kolhapur district the Principal District Sessions Judge called for a meeting of the District IDC. It was held after one year. In that meeting, various issues like police escort, health support, and female medical officer for women, literacy sessions and educational material for inmates were discussed. • In the Jalna district IDC meeting discussion was held on 8 points, in that a proposal was presented to start a sub jail in Jalna. • Prayas visited the sub jail in Sangli and learnt that the sub jail in Tasgaon has closed down since last six months as the food tender could not be passed as is 2 kms far from Sangli. Panhala sub jail is functional, but there are no inmates • In Satara, Karad sub jail is functional, but there are only two inmates there. In this prison, the writer is working on the post of Jailor. • In Maharashtra there are 114 sub jails. There is a high court order on setting up of a visiting committee in which Prayas is a member to monitor the condition of the sub jails. • Visits were made to Aurangabad Central prison, Aurangabad Court and Mantralaya

67 • Prayas followed up to start ITI in Aurangabad Central prison. In the District IDC meeting dated 18.6.2011, a point related to ITI was discussed. Prayas also spoke to the Principal Secretary Ms. Medha Gadgil about starting a course on Plumbing from government ITI. She has asked for a proposal to be sent, with a letter through the District IDC. Follow up with the Principal District Judge of Aurangabad District Court and Superintendent of Aurangabad Central Prison is on. The Superintendent of Aurangabad central prison has written a letter to Principal Secretary Ms. Medha Gadgil with a proposal for plumbing training through ITI.

Future Plan

• To visit Marathawada Central Region (Prabhani and Nanded) and to facilitate IDC meetings there. • To start ITI training in Aurangabad district prison.

68 Advocacy for youth affairs

Mumbai

Follow up with Youth Affairs & Sports Mumbai office and Thane district office regarding or- ganize program in prison youth barrack.

Intervention

• Our worker made 12 visits to Mumbai Office and 15 visits to Thane Office of Youth Affairs and Sports (Government of India) to explore the possibility of starting pro- grams for youth in prison.

Outcome

• Through these visits Prayas became aware of the programmes by the Youth Affairs department. Their two main programmes are targeted towards two groups of youth: Nehru Yuva Sanghatana for school going children and Nehru Yuva Kendra for out of school children.

Future Plan

• To work towards activating Nehru Yuvak Kendra to open its branch in prison.

69 Gujarat

Co-ordination with District Legal Aid Board and District Judge

The social worker at the police Station coordinated with the District Legal Service Authority in relation to cases reaching police station and their follow up in court. Workers of Prayas also visited State Legal Services Authority for follow up of cases in High Court.

A discussion was held with the Secretary, State Legal Service Authority about Prayas workers on the committee of the District Legal Service Authority. A suggestion for Para-legal training organized by the High Court was made by him. On completion of training, a card would be given by High Court, which would enable the holder to be on the conciliation board. According to the Secretary, conciliation centres are to be set up in police stations. If Prayas’ workers have cards issued by the court, they can be on the panel. As a follow up of this meeting, the idea was discussed with the District Judge who was convinced of the need for of Prayas Workers at Community Participation Center at Police station.

Various issues were followed up with judiciary for the rights of clients.

# Case study

One inmate of judicial custody had to appear for his diploma exam at Bardoli. The application was made from the prison to grant him the permission. The magistrate passed the order, but the order mentioned that the client’s family had to pay escort charges of Rs 5000/-. The client’s family could not afford the escort charges and at the same time as the client was in the judicial custody it was the responsibility of the state to support him to appear for the exam. We discussed the matter with the In charge, District Judge. After the discussion the judge passed an order to allow the boy to appear for the exam with police escort at government expense.

Statistics of Policy & Advocacy

Broad Services Specific Services Number Meetings Meetings with D.S.P. 08 times Meetings with Police Inspectors 67 times Meetings with District Judge 04 times Coordination with the Follow-up with the District Legal Aid 06 times District Legal Aid Board Board and District Judge regarding training for advocates

Training for Aanganwadi workers

During work both at police station and prison, it was observed that women got involved in crime or they accept their fate and continue being victims of crime because of lack of awareness of law and services available for them. Many of the women were in regular touch with aanganwadi workers, as they go to anganwadis to drop or receive their children daily. Thus the need to train aanganwadi workers to reach out to women in crisis emerged. With this objective, last year, legal training was organised for aanganwadi workers in order to equip them with knowledge of laws relating to women and services available in crisis situations. This year, ICDS department had approached Prayas with a request to conduct such

70 training for another group of aanganwadi workers. 77 aanganwadi workers attended training on the first day and 69 workers on the second day. The training session was very interactive and the women got involved in discussions also. Prayas’ women clients also participated in training on the first day. Programme Officer, ICDS, Taluka development Officer, and 2 CDPOs attended the inaugural session.

As a result of Training of anganwadi workers, there have been case referrals from anganwadi workers to Prayas. As the department realized the importance of legal training for women, a session on legal rights for women was also included in a training organized for SHG groups. The training was organized by Mahila Arthik Vikas Nigam.

71 7. Community Based Intervention (Dharavi) - Crime Prevention Project and Legal Information Centre

In the course of the year, Prayas social worker continued to be based at Dharavi for the purpose of preventive intervention. His focus was on youth and families within the community. He accessed the community through local youth groups and members of the community, coordinated with community based organizations, and conducted activities directed at awareness and training as follows:-

Interventions and Outcomes

• Individual meetings were held with ten youth in the community to orient them about Prayas and to provide information about the criminal justice system. • Taking up of cases referred by local activists for provision of legal aid. • 120 home visits including visits to inform about following sessions: 1) Personality development 2) English speaking 3) Career guidance and vocational training options 4) Documentary screening 5) Presentation skills for job interview 6) Rapport building and group formation. • Emergency Help: 13 visits were conducted to provide help to clients in cases of medical emergencies, proposal submitted to donors for medical assistance, search for a client’s relative and to arrange for house on rent. • Short-term help was provided to clients in preventing arrests of relatives, legal guidance, and referral for free legal aid. Home visits, police station visits and visits to lawyers were made for the same. • Follow up to provide medical, housing aid and client’s admission in boarding school at Thane is in process.

Support provided to clients

• Support was provided to a woman client in Rajiv Gandhi Nagar, Dharavi whose daughter had been kidnapped. Prayas worker accompanied her to Kurla Crime Branch Office twice but did not get a proper response. Police delayed in her case so Prayas helped her register a case with the State Human Rights Commission. Prayas also accompanied her to the hearings on three occasions. • Repeated visits were made to Rajiv Gandhi Nagar, Dharavi to mobilize the local boys and to meet the members of the community to help identify the accused. Eight visits were made for the same. • One client had two cases registered against him by the Railway Police and by Dharavi 90 Feet Road Police Station. Work was initiated with the client and his family. Eleven home visits were made to work towards his rehabilitation. • One of the clients was arrested along with his family and were kept in the lock up at Dharavi 90 Feet Road Police Station in a family dispute case. Prayas social worker made two visits to the police station and spoke to a lawyer Mr. Korade who agreed to provide them free legal aid. Due to Prayas’s intervention in the case the Police did not charge any case on the client and now he is attending college regularly. • One of the clients was arrested by Dharavi Police Station for stealing a mobile phone. He is out on bail. Prayas is following up this case towards his rehabilitation.

72 Programmes conducted

• Prayas coordinated with Maharashtra Kamgar Kalyan Kendra to facilitate participation of youth in the cultural programs organized by them. As a result, youth from Dharavi took part in the competitions organized as a part of their programme in Kalachowkie, Kannamwar Nagar, Worli and Dadar centers.

• Fifteen youth participated in the session on ‘Snakes and Nature’ organized by Sarpa Mitra in Nature Park, Dharavi on account of Snake Day.

• On 22nd January, 2012 Prayas in association with Kripa Foundation conducted an awareness programme against substance abuse in Rajiv Gandhi Nagar, Dharavi.

Awareness was conducted on two topics: a) Substance abuse and blind faith b) Types of substance abuse and its effects c) Development of Dharavi sector and criminality: In this programme around 70-80 persons comprising both youth and adults attended the same. This was held in Ambedkar Maidan.

Challenges

• Working with a slum community on the issue of crime prevention is a challenge. • A lot of physical strain is involved as workers have to spend long periods standing or walking from one end to the other to contact the youth. • It becomes difficult to mobilize the youth as a lot depends on their availability. • Even after putting lot of efforts towards mobilization, they turn up in small numbers. • Follow up with youth is difficult because of limited human resource.

Future Plans

• To continue to conduct various activities with the youth group. • To introduce a rehabilitation program to prevent youth from getting involved in anti- social activities.

73 8. Prayas Livelihood and Reintegration Programme

Specific objectives of the programme are:

a. Prevention of persons from drifting into/returning to crime or prostitution. b. Improving social and vocational skills to increase employability in the legal sector. c. Connecting individuals with the NGO sector for meeting various needs, thereby de- veloping an alternative support system within the legal sector. d. Empowering the person to exercise citizenship rights (e.g. acquiring ration card, open- ing savings accounts, availing of government welfare schemes, housing rights, etc.)

Mumbai

Work with Women

Mumbai and Thane

Emergency Services for Women

Counseling and information on shelter was provided to 24 women. Out of these, 17 were residing in shelter homes.

Interventions

• Women in need of shelter are often referred by different units of Prayas, NGOs and also by women themselves when they are in situations of distress. • An attempt is made to match the profile and needs of the clients with the services. • After the admission of women in the shelter home, follow up is maintained to help her adapt to the rules and regulations and also to develop positive relations with the authorities of the home. • Wherever necessary, case reviews were conducted by involving the institutional staff concerned. • Meetings with the staff of Kasturba Mahila Vastigruha was undertaken once in every fortnight to review case progress and report on work undertaken. • Medical support was extended to the needed clients. • Some of the clients were shifted from one shelter home to another, when it is needed. • Home visits are made to towards extend support to the client and to settle differences between client and her husband or other members in family. • Regular counseling of client was undertaken to help them deal with their problems. Efforts were made to identify resources to support the clients.

Outcomes

• Shelter was arranged for in 17 women in Kasturba Mahila Vastigruha, Sukh Shanti, Ashray, Bapnu Ghar, Shantisadan. • Individual counseling was done in case of 24 women clients. • Medical support was provided in case of 11 clients.

74 • Follow up with ex-clients was done in 10 long term cases and 7 other cases.

Challenges

• In view of the fact that most shelter homes have common programmes and similar rules and regulations, matching of interests and needs of the clients is often a difficult task. • Procedures for admission and discharge proved to be an obstacle in the rehabilitation process. • At times, admission to women is refused on various grounds due to which we have to make alternative arrangements on emergency basis. • Some clients have not adjusted in various shelters home.

Future Plan

• To motivate and enroll clients in NGO Placement program. • To understand needs of clients and address them to reduce the dropout rate.

Statistics

Particular Total Women/ Inmates Total shelter cases 17 New cases 9 Follow up of ex-clients (Long term) 10 Follow up of (Short term) 7 Counseling 24 Medical support 11 Hospital visit 8 Follow up with family 3 Transfer to other institutions 4 VISITS NGO / Government Shelter 32 Government offices- to obtain copy of various 5 (Thane dist. Office, Government Resolutions and & case related work Chembur DWCD office) Home visit 4 Court visit 6 Meeting with staff of Kasturba Mahila Vastigruha 3 District Advisory meeting 2 Shift to Job 1

75 NGO Placement Programme for women

Intervention included:

A total of 21 women were enrolled in the placement programme.

Interventions

• Efforts were made to increase the enrolment of women and explore future placement of clients. • Many girls were placed from shelters and communities in NGOs in the placement programme. The supervision responsibility done by NGOs and the stipend is paid by Prayas. • We are attempting to indentify interests and skills of girls so they could be placed at various levels in NGOs as outreach workers, community workers and para-professionals. • We conducted individual and group exposure visits to explore various options for client. • Regular meeting with placement agency was carried out to get an insight on our trainee’s progress and feedback. • Efforts were made to indentify other NGOs for placement opportunities for future. • Different types of training were conducted for the clients including para-professional, para-medical, Balwadi teacher, Para-legal, rationing training, paper furniture and others. • Women trainees enrolled in this program were referred from Kasturba Mahila Vasatigriha, Navjeevan Mahila Vasatigriha, Prisons and Shelter Homes, communities in and across Mumbai. The placement agencies included Pratham, Swayansiddha Mission, Pragatik Vidyarthi Sangh and Navdurga Vruddhashram, Naseoh, Ashraya, PremKiran, Apnalaya, Prerna, WIT, Shramik, Yuvaparivartan, Pushapanjali, Sahara, CEHAT, Vidyavardhani, Balanand. Trainees were placed in settings offering exposure and training in balwadi’s, caretaking, training in handicrafts, piece-rate work, cooking and tailoring, office assistance, literacy, assistant teacher in balwadi, day care centre. • While placing trainees in NGOs, mentoring and developing their personal self and professional skills forms a core component of intervention. The social workers implementing this program are required to conduct regular meetings with the trainees to orient them to the work, address their queries, and personal issues such as health, communication capacities and mental preparedness. Workers also conduct home visits to develop positive understanding between the trainee and the family members and to make arrangements for shelter if it is required. If these matters are not addressed at the pre- placement stage, it has implications on the sustenance of the trainee’s placement. • With a view to prepare the trainees for placement programme and providing sufficient exposure to nature of work in the social work sector, group and individual exposure visits were organized. The visits were oragnised to Manaswini Mahila Prakalpa at Ambejogai, Lokpanchayat Sangamner Bachat Ghat, Ankur Sanstha, Priyadarshi Sanstha, Balgruh and Swadhar Kendra Sangamner. Mahila Parivartan, Vedant Foundation, Prayas workshop, Pragatik ICDS centre, Gazetteer office, Central library, Apnalaya, Salam Balak trust, TISS, Sukh Shanti, Nehru Science Centre, Mahalaxmi, and Prayas office. The individual exposure visits were made to Naseoh, Shramik, ITI, Ashray, Pragatik samajik pratisthan, Aditya Birla day care centre, Mangal Mandir Anand, Seva Daan, Vidyavardhani, Pushapanjali, CEHAT, Sahara, Balanand, Snehsagar to explore future placement of clients.

76 • Resources were mobilized in districts and states other than where Prayas offices are located in. • Home visits to obtain and provide family support for helping trainee enroll and sustain in the programme • Provide different types of training to client like para professional, para medical, Balwadi teacher, Para legal rationing training, Paper furniture training. • 4 outstation visits to Bijapur, Roha, Banglore,and Satara for upcountry placement and fol- low up of cases

Outcomes

• 21 women enrolled during previous period(s) continued • 16 girls were placed in NGOs for placement and continue till date • 4 client dropped out and was reconnected with the program • 3 client got job through placement. • 6 clients get training of para professional and para legal rationing training • 6 vacancies as caretakers, cooks and teachers were identified in NGOs

Yardstick for assessing outcome:

Extent to which trainees are equipped with skills for being placed in other NGO’s for placement or production unit placements & Sustainability in the placement programme

Indicators of impact of the Placement Programme are: a) Stable shelter and associations b) Reduced health crises c) Improved caretaking for children d) Opening of bank accounts e) Increased exposure to the NGO sector for social supports

Challenges

• Due to the increase in number of cases, doing following up is becoming difficult. • It takes considerable amount of time to look for an alternative placement for the clients. • Placement is difficult if the family is in crisis or if the woman is mentally unstable. • The government procedure takes a lot of time. • The stipend amount insufficient for the client. • It is difficult to fulfill the immediate needs of the client group. The first thing they expect is a job with a good salary. • In some cases, the link with the clients is broken and there is no news about the whereabouts of the clients. • In some cases, behavourial aspects of the client have been an obstacle in their rehabil- itation. The family of the client also poses hurdles at time. The intervention in many cases is a mix of firmness, counseling, flexibility, persuasion and bargaining.

77 Future Plan

• With the taking up of new cases, follow-up with old cases will continue. • New agencies will be identified and contacted. They could function as host agencies for the placement programme.

Statistics

Services Offered Specific Services Number Work with Clients Total counseling 51 (Annual cases) Total number of persons in 21 (Annual cases) placement New Cases 19 (Annual) Pre-placement planning 11 Shift to another NGO for placement 3 Absorbed by placement agency for 2 training Shift to job 3 Drop out cases 4 Pursuing further Providing para-professional 3 training training Para-legal training on food security 3 trainees & rights Paper making furniture, Origami, 2 trainee Literacy Pre-placement Local cases 7 planning

Up country cases 4 Exposure visits Group exposure visits 21 Individual exposure visits 14 Home visits 23 NGO visits 68 Up country NGO visits- Bangalore 25 & Satara Hospital visits 6 Interventions Information provided 51 clients Meeting with trainees 15 Meeting with placement agencies 8 Placement Agencies 18 Placement agencies 18 (Yuva Parivartan, Pratham, Swayamsidha, Pragatik Vidhyarthi Sangh, Navdurga, Apanalaya, Pratham, Anand Vihar Centre and Naseoh, Sehat, Shramik, WIT, Ashraya,

78 PremKiran, Prerana, Pushapanjali, Sahara, Vidyavardhani, Balanand) NGO visit for follow up and to 10 explore the possibility of placing a trainee outside Mumbai. Contacted new organizations for 14 placement * Aarya Samaj Hostel, Grant Road * Priyadarshini Sanstha, Sangamner * Balgruh, Samgamner * Swadhar Kendra, Samgamner * Rochiram Thandani school for hearing handicapped * Navjeet community health centre * National Association for Disabled enterprises * Sulabha school for mentally retarted children * Aftercare hostel for boys * Sevasadan Special school * Shri manav sewa sangh * Sheha Sadan * Matoshri Vriddhashram * Anil asrani Vocational training institute.

79 Citizenship rights and information on schemes

Outreach was extended to 30 women and families.

Interventions

• The existing schemes and government training programmes for the illiterate were reviewed, as most of the women in contact with the Prayas programme have no or minimal literacy. • Follow up for obtaining ration cards and for getting documents like gazetted document for change in name, and school leaving certificate. • Coordinating with government department, ration and collector’s office for implementation of schemes for small scale business and housing. • Meetings with medical social workers to get financial and medical aid. • Opening of bank accounts for trainees in Prayas’ Placement Programme. • Clients who needed individual counseling were referred to professional counselors. • Home visits were made to extend support and settle differences between client and her husband or other members in family. • Exposure visits along with physically challenged clients were made to help them explore alternatives for shelter and livelihood. • Meetings with donor organizations were done to get financial help for women living BPL. • Sessions were conducted for girls and women on various schemes that could benefit them. • Follow up with authorities concerned for obtaining pan card and UID card for women in institutions. • Follow up with BMC for including women in institutions in the Census Survey • Ngo visits for follow up of documents like Residential proof, Identity cards and other was done.

Outcome

• Gharkul scheme was sanctioned to one client’s family. The client’s name has appeared in the list of beneficiaries for grants and an amount of Rs. 1 lakh has been sanctioned. The process of building house will start from month of May 2012. • A client’s family got a loan (Rs. 15,000/-) for starting small-scale business. • Through regular visits to government offices, rapport was build with officers and they are supportive in rehabilitation of the clients. • Our clients do not possess the required documents to open account. In one case, the client knew the District Officer in Thane. We requested the District Officer to give a letter for the client. The letter was then submitted to Manager of Central Bank and thus we could open account for this client. • A total 10 trainees account opened in Central Bank of India. • It is difficult to follow up directly with UID department, so we wrote to the Commissionerate DWCD for the identity documents. In response to our letter, it has been decided if we get recommendation from Gazette Officer then the client will be eligible for UID. In continuation of that, we are following up with the Superintendent of Kasturba Mahila Vastigruha.

80 • Sessions were conducted in shelter homes on giving information about scheme. Some cases were identified where schemes could be availed. • Our worker facilitated two clients to get ration from the PDS shop.

Challenges

• Getting a marriage certificate for the client group has been problematic. Many of the clients groups have been living with their partners for long without a formal marriage or a registered marriage. This has proven to be an obstacle in availing many schemes. • In absence of the required documents, availing scheme is a big challenge. • The donor organizations support mostly health and educational needs and it is difficult to find funds to meet the other needs of the client groups. • Most of clients stay on rent. Hence when we apply for ration card the owner does not issue a NOC and we are unable to obtain ration card for our client. • It has been observed that the government officials hardly show any interest when it comes to conducting BPL survey within shelter homes and institutions. There are similar experiences in UID card procurement for clients.

Future Plan

• The process of making documents like birth certificates, voting cards, domicile certificate, PAN Card, UID, BPL certificates, senior citizenship cards and other needs to be planned better. • Helping the client base to obtain the benefits of Sanjay Gandhi Niradhar Yojana for widows and senior citizens. • Taking forward the work of helping client base to get the identity documents, the future efforts would focus on getting permissions from the concerned authorities so to enable them avail various schemes. • A survey needs to be carried out on the status and requirement of residence in the government shelter homes. • There is follow up to be done with DWCD to get BPL survey done in shelter homes and institutions. • UID cards for girls and women in shelter homes and institutions need to be done. • It is important to work on possible admission, readmission and arrangement of shelter facilities for women above 60 years age in government run shelter homes. • Some schemes including Jivandayi Arogy yojana needs to be availed for our clients.

Statistics

Services Specific services Number offered Interventions Individual counselling 39 Access to supplies from ration shop 8 Process of bank account opening 04 Bank account opened 10 • Beneficiary of Govt. Schemes (Adivasi Prakalp 1 office-small scale business): a grant of Rs. 80,000/- was released to client

81 • Gharkul Yojana Scheme of Rs.1 lacs. 1 Women connected to local NGOs 4 Follow up Follow up of cases for access to Sanjay Gandhi 1 Vidhwa Niradhar Yojana Follow up for name change document 1 Follow up cases of UID Card 1 Follow up of government schemes (Aadhiwasi Prakalp 3 office) Visits Home visits 34 Visit at Health dept. for including women in 2 institutions in the Census survey Government department visits (B.M.C Office-1, 65 D.W.C.D office -1, Mantralaya -2, Tribal dept.-3 Bank visits (for account opening) 27 Ration office visits 19 NGO visits 36 C.W.C visits 2 Hospital visits 01 Meetings Meeting with 10 1) Action aid about census for homeless 2) RKS about B.P.L survey issue 3) Apnalaya about a case (2 meetings) 4) Ms. Jyoti Pandya (B.M.C officer) about including our clients in B.P.L survey 5) Sadguru Cooperative Society about a case with house repairing problem 6) RKS about Rajiv Gandhi Jeevandayi Yojana. 7) Food Right Committee on foods rights issues. 8) Stree Mukti and Apanalya for case. 9) Attending workshop about rationing issue.

82 Family and Child related work

Interventions and Outcomes

• We conducted 16 home visits of girls from shelter homes to understand the socio- economic background and work towards their reunion with their families. • Medical support was extended to 6 children of women in shelter homes. • Two visits were made to the hospital to follow up on medical treatment of two clients. • Emergency support was provided to 3 women for their ration needs. • Made visits to 6 NGOs to explore placement options for women to suit client needs. • Referral of cases to other organizations which deal specifically with the issue of domestic violence and alcoholism. • Follow up with family for admission of children in to hostels, or guidance with regard to Child Welfare Committee and counseling the woman towards child care.

Challenges

• To explore options for self-employment for woman to help balance work and children. • To find about day care centers for children while their mothers are at work.

Statistics

Broad Services Specific Services Number Interventions Counseling 16 Medical support 02 Rationing support 03 Child medical support 06 Visits Home visits( finding family background 16 and trying reunion with the client family) NGO visits ( NASEOH, Mahila 06 Parivartan, Prerna, Param Shantidham, Jaipur boot, Sukh Shanti) Hospital visits 02

Case Illustrations

Case 1: Meena Case History: Meena, around 24 years of age reported that she had been brought up by her maternal aunt in her village. After her aunt passed away, she shifted to Mumbai and started residing with her mother and her mother’s male companion who earned their livelihood by running an eatery stall. When in Mumbai, she got acquainted with peers who contributed to her engagement in prostitution. She subsequently had a relationship with a man and delivered a girl child. After she was picked up by the police for practice of prostitution, she was referred to an institution for women rescued from commercial sexual exploitation. Her daughter – then a

83 couple of months old – resided with her. At that time, she was pregnant with her second child. In view of her pregnant status and need for special care, the magistrate passed an order for her transfer to another institution that could offer necessary facilities for both mother and child. Following delivery, Meena communicated to the social workers of the institution and the magistrate about her desire to return to her family.

Prayas' Intervention: Meena's family was traced after the magistrate contacted Prayas with a request to locate Meena’s family, reunite her with family and follow up the case after discharge. Meena was subsequently discharged from the institution and started residing with her mother. However a couple of weeks later, she approached the magistrate saying she did not want to reside with her mother as her mother’s companion appeared to attempt sexual advances towards her. She thought it best to leave home and settle down elsewhere with her children. The magistrate referred her to an institution. Prayas' social workers had to now explore alternative plan with Meena. With some co- ordination between ngos, she was placed in an ngo for on the job exposure and training as a caretaker to children. Since the ngo had residential facilitates for children Meena could live there with her children and continue training. If she was able to show progress in this direction, she could be offered a job. After a disagreement with a colleague, she decided to leave training returned to the institution after around a month. She was therefore referred to a shelter. During this time, there was constant follow up and attempts to address issues such as the need for child care, communication with colleagues in an agency, and strategies for dealing with difference of opinions. She has now been placed in another residential agency for women and children. Meena resides in a shelter home and visits this placement agency where she undertakes caretaking duties. She takes one of her child with her to the placement agency while another is left at a creche within the shelter she resides in. Currently, Meena goes through a process where she tries to find a space for herself and her children. During this process, she faced with challenges of shelter and earning for herself. In this entire process, she has fallen back on the support and advise of the magistrate and social workers of Prayas on matters such as child care, names for children, shelter etc. While Meena still has a long way to go, there are some areas where there appears to be progress. The staff of the institution she was residing in prior to placement made observations about her neglect of her children's needs – especially hygiene. She was also harsh with them. Following her placement, her children appear well kept, she has been particular about their cleanliness and hygiene. The staff of the placement agency appears satisfied with her contribution and is reported to have sometimes reprimanded others in the agency for giving Meena additional work. Differences with other women in the shelter continue. There are some other areas that need focus on. For instance, communication skills, birth certificate for the older child, pursuing some further education or vocational training. In short, the placement programme has had the effect of providing her with space and the guidance to explore other options, focus on an area of work and improve parenting skills. A bank account has been opened and she is not being encouraged to budget her expenses. This brief is also being presented as an illustration of co-ordinated efforts between the criminal justice system, civil society organizations and the community. It demonstrates an initiative undertaken by a magistrate towards rehabilitation a woman who was institutionalized under the Immoral Traffic Prevention Act.

84 Work with Youth

Youth Development Centre (YDC) and NGO placement (Male)

Interventions

Services of the YDC were geared towards rehabilitation of released (youth) male prisoners and juveniles in conflict with the law who were discharged from the Observation Home.

Services included the following: a) Counselling and information b) Educational support and vocational training c) Work with families of youth towards facilitating heir reintegration into family d) Contact with police to enlist their involvement in the rehabilitation programme e) Arrangement of shelter, medical aid and basic subsistence f) Enrollment in the NGO Placement Programme g) Exploring employment and career counselling.

Group sessions included:

• Career guidance and vocational training opportunities • Educational guidance • NGO Placement Programmer • Communication with family (attended by families of youth as well)

Exposure visits with clients towards their training and rehabilitation were organised to:

• Larsen and Toubro Public Charitable Trust (Udyam) Kotvalwadi Trust, Neral, Raigad – Vocational Training Institute. • A Project of Larsen and Toubro Nirman Dakshata Training Institute, Bhokarpada village, Panvel, Raigad – Residential Training Institute. • Navjeevan Gramin Vikas Sanstha, Jambhulpada – Khopoli • Shelter Don Bosco De-addiction Residential Centre, Lonavala (Maria Ashiana) • Sai Baba Sevadham (NGO Campus) • Sampark– Balgram, Lonavala, Pune. • Saddhamma Pradip Dhyan Shibir Kendra Bhaje Gaon (Meditation Center) –Malvali, Pune. • Visit to Karla Caves - Lonavla

NGO Placement Programme:

Around 13 persons were part of the NGO Placement Programme. 10 NGOs were host agen- cies to the placement programme. Out of these, 5 continue with the placement programme, 3 trainees have found employment in NGOs, 2 trainees have found employment in a diamond cutting factory and as an auto driver respectively, 1 has been recommended bed rest due to chronic health disturbances, and the whereabouts of 1 trainee is not known.

85 Statistics

Programs Interventions/Activities No of clients Attending YDC activities 15 NGO placement program 28 Education/Literacy 3 Training Short Term (Computer training) 6 Long Term 7 Employment Found Employment on own 6 Placement in private sector 6 Services Return to family - out of Mumbai 2 Medical Support 15 Shelter 14 Legal Aid 7 Personality Group Activities (Personal development, life skills, use of 5 Development money) Recreational Activities (games, songs, film screening) 6 Exposure Visit to NGOs 25 Personal In-depth counseling 32

86 Bharuch

Legal Support

Intervention for 4 clients included:

1. Legal advice to client and family 2. Visit to courts on court dates 3. Discussion with advocates and magistrates 4. Visits and follow up with District legal service authority 5. Follow up with Protection officer at Dept. of Samaj Sureksha 6. Follow up with police 7. Follow up at Permanent Conciliation center at District Court

Educational Support

As mentioned in previous report, one client’s children were motivated for pursuing education. As exams were approaching, worker paid frequent visits to children, family members, school and his tuition center for motivation. The child has appeared for his 10th class board exams very confidently.

Rehabilitation of women in crisis

Follow up continued with our old cases regarding training and placement. As a result of training, two clients got employed in a beauty parlour. However one of the clients had to leave job due to problems at work place. Some other clients continue to work at a tailoring and designer shop.

Case Study: Namita (name Changed)

Namita’s case was referred to us by police station. Namita’s husband was very ambitious; he left very well paying job to start business. He could not do much in business, he started another business, and there also nothing worked out. Finally he left Bharuch and went to another city in search of job. He gave Namita minimum money and left. Namita went to her in laws for support. They didn’t support and instead beat her up. Namita, helpless, approached the police. Police supported her to get in touch with her husband and referred case to Prayas for support.

Prayas intervened at various levels:

1. Counselling to client, husband and children 2. Training of client and her husband 3. Job Placement 4. Education of children 5. Legal guidance

Namita was referred to Prayas’ Women’s Development Centre , where she took tailoring training. Once the tailoring training was over at WDC, she went for specialized training in blouse making. As she grew little confident, a designer was contacted and case was discussed. She assisted Namita to specialize in choli making. While at designer’s place she

87 underwent many problems. Most crucial was not reaching on time and taking too many leaves. Worker had to follow up intensively both with client and the trainer. One of the main reasons of client not reaching on time was her children. The children had stopped going to school and were getting involved in delinquent behavior. One of the reasons for children not going to school was non-payment of fees. While client’s husband was working, they had bought a house on housing loan. Since there was acute financial problem, the clients could not pay the installments so there was pressure from the bank also. Client and the family were deep into problems. The worker tried to intervene at all levels. As mentioned earlier, the client was supported in training. Client finally had to leave the placement at designers because of her own irregularity. She wanted to be home for her children. Finally work was arranged for her on piece rate basis from another boutique. There was continuous counseling with husband for reality orientation. During the course of work, there were many failed business attempts. Since he was a stenographer in his earlier job, another job was also not possible. We had different discussions with him for training. Finally he came up with the idea of training in Multimedia. Prayas has supported him in this training. The children were not going to school because of many problems: non payment of fees, non availability of books, unstable family environment, no motivation, taunting of teacher etc. slowly they started getting involved in delinquent activities. Worker has continuously make visits, has remained in constant contact with children and motivated them for education. Worker met his school teachers, principal and tuition teachers to explain the situation. Prayas has arranged for donors to pay school fees, tuition fees and books for children. One of the children has been able to appear for class 10th board exam as a result of worker’s intervention. We are observing some changes in the family due to intervention, but still there is need for lot of work.

88 Women’s Development Center (WDC)

Training at WDC: The clients are given different trainings at WDC. Making products of wool and basic tailoring is one of the most fundamental training given to clients attending WDC. The clients at WDC had expressed their desire to learn the skill of cloth bag making. So we appointed a person who is not only an expert in bag making but also an entrepreneur who designs and sells bags. She teaches the clients at WDC to make bags and also gives them tips in marketing. Two of our old clients are linked to her work and makes bags for her on piece rate basis.

Keeping interest of clients in mind, other trainings were also organized at WDC • Embroidery on handkerchiefs and table cloth. • Imitation jewelry making. • Blouse making. • A training for decorative gift items is organized for WDC clients • Our clients received Chinese made sewing machines through a government scheme. They were little different and difficult to operate than the machines they are used to.

Training was organized for WDC for easy operations of these machines. Specialized trainers were invited for the trainings. The trainings gave clients opportunity to learn different traits, and also gave them exposure to different skills. The trainers also gave them tips on marketing techniques.

Referral for training to outside agencies: Clients first undergo training at WDC. When both client and worker feel confident about client’s competency in basics, the client is then sent for advanced trainings. Two clients attend training in special dress making. 1 client went in for special blouse making training. 1 client (daughter of prison inmate) goes for basic tailoring training to a taluka nearby her village. 1 client (daughter of prison inmate’s daughter) learns computer. Whether our clients attend training in private or government training centers, workers coordinate with client, trainers and the training agency, so that the client can benefit maximum from it.

Training at professional centres: The clients who are given initial training in life skills in WDC are offered an opportunity to undergo specialised training at Professional centres. Two clients attend a course at a beauty parlor, and another client is placed for training at a fashion designer. 1 client who was placed at another designers’ has been absorbed by them as an em- ployee. Initially, the client faced some problems, which were addressed and resolved. Now the client has settled down in her work environment.

Legal support: Almost all clients coming to WDC need Prayas’s support in legal matters. 4 clients were supported for maintenance case. Prayas’ support services included counseling, co coordination with advocates and magistrates, support at police station for summons and warrants, enlisting support of the family. Apart from this, WDC client’s whose family mem- bers are convicted are also extended support to get parole and furlough.

Resource mobilization for income generation: One client who was trained in tailoring and also had experience of working with a designer was in need of a sewing machine so she could also work at home on piece rate basis. A donor was identified for the same. Now, the client

89 not only works on a piece rate basis, but also takes orders of designing and stitching dresses for the neighborhood. Support for Income Generation: Three clients, who were sent for special dress making train- ing, are now employees at a tailor shop. They are earning on piece rate basis. However, Prayas will continue to give stipend for 3 months, till they are properly settled. The client who was trained in choli making is now working with a designer, who gives her work on piece rate basis. 1 client, who was trained in beauty treatment, was supported by Prayas by giving her the kit for beauty treatment. The client was encouraged for taking home service or- ders. This however did not work out because of acute medical problems. At present she has taken up a job as a cook. Another client who was given training in beauty treatment, found a job for herself at a beauty parlor.

Support to get benefit of scheme of the municipal corporation: One client was motivated to take tailoring training course offered by Bharuch Nagarpalika. The client completed the train- ing successfully and is presently making cloth bags on a piece rate basis. The stipend that was due was pending at Bharuch Nagarpalika. Prayas supported the client to get that stipend.

Educational Support: Clients are encouraged to pursue higher education. One client who works as a teacher in pre-primary has completed 10th Std. and she had done a Montessori course, on that basis she had got the job. She was encouraged to take up a BPP course (Bach- elor in Pre-Primary) from Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar University. She has cleared the course and now she has taken admission in F. Y. B. A.

Benefit of government Schemes:

Manav Kalyan Yojana: Income generation kit is given through Manav Kalyan Yojana of District Industries Center. As most do not have enough documents to get benefit of government schemes, the process needs a lot of follow up and convincing and presentations at District Industries Center. Finally, 11 clients received sewing machine and 1 client received beauty parlour kit. 2 clients are yet to receive benefits. The clients have received sewing machine of Chinese make, as the clients are not used to these machine, we are planning to organize training for them.

Kaidi Sahay Yojana: Two clients are undergoing conviction at a central prison. The clients had applied for Kaidi Sahay Yojna to support the family members. Prayas workers coordinated with prison administration, Taluka Panchayat, Social Defence Department, and the family of clients so that they get benefit of the scheme

Aadhar scheme: The clients were supported to register their names under Aadhar scheme and receive Unique Identification Cards. 9 clients were supported for the process. They are yet to receive the cards.

Support to open bank accounts: Six clients were supported to open bank accounts. Opening of bank accounts is encouraging savings, five of them are now very proud to own ATM cards. It really boosts their self-esteem when they use their ATM cards to withdraw money from their account

Legal training at Taluka Panchayat:

90 Prayas had organised legal training for aanganwadi workers at Taluka Panchayat. WDC clients also participated in the training. The training was an enriching and motivating experi- ence for them. They actively participated in training and the discussions that followed.

Visit to Kutch District: As Kutch district in Gujarat is known for embroidery, Prayas visited 7 different organizations to understand their work towards the training and empowerment of women. These organizations were Kutch Mahila Vikas Sangathana, Kutch Navnirman Abhiyan Sanstha, Shrujan, Setu Mahiti Kendra, Vivekanand Research and Training Institute, Entrepreneur- Dr. Ismail Mohammad Khatri and Art Gallary- Heeralaxmi Park. It was also interesting to look at the unique designs, patterns, cloth materials and their strategy for marketing.

Statistics of Women’s Development Centre, Bharuch

Broad Services Specific Services Numbers Number of trainees Total intake at WDC 15 trainees Follow up with old clients 10 trainees Referred for outside Training in Computer One month 01 trainee training (Government ) Training in Computer ( Two month CCC 02 trainees certificate course ) Training in special Blouse and dress 02 trainees making Training in special Beauty Parlor( Three 01 trainee month two hours ) Training in special dress making 04 trainees Training in blouse making at WDC 20 09 trainees days Training in Special Beg making one 07 trainees month Three hours Training in operate to New Sewing 08 trainees Machine (China make machine, obtains through govt. Scheme)( one day Four hours ) at WDC Training in Decorative gift Article (One 10 trainees month two hours ) at WDC Training in Special Embroidery on 10 trainees Handkerchief 10 day Training in Special Imitation Jewelry 10 10 trainees day Visits for training and NGO Placement 03 cases job placement Visits for training 299 visits Visits for job placement 31 visits Follow-up visits for NGO placement 78 visits Citizenship rights documents 09 clients Aadhar Scheme ) Follow-up with D.I.C. 31 visits 15 cases Benefit of government schemes 13 cases

91 Work with families 29 cases Follow-up Visits for clients Education 19 visits Discussions with college Faculties 11 visits Follow-up with Bank 1 case 3 visits (old cases ) Bank Account 06 cases Legal Support 07 cases Medical support 02 cases 06 visits Visits to acquire medical support 02 cases 04 visits Counseling for rehabilitation 15 cases 198 discussions Home visits 151 visits ( new cases & old cases ) Court visits 248 visits ( new cases & old cases ) Visits to government offices 39 visits Visits to CWC 17 visits Family visits 19 visits Discussions with advocates 47 Discussions ( new cases & old cases ) Phone calls 579 calls ( new cases & old cases ) Referrals to other NGOs 01 case Follow up at police station 03 cases 07 visits Follow up for education 11 visits Legal Awareness training at Taluka 07 clients Panchayat, Bharuch Visit to school {WDC client’s children 46 visits education} Exposure visit cam picnic to Mangala 9 clients and 8 children Farm

92 9. Training, Research and Documentation

Documentation

Women in institutions

A Seminar on Rehabilitation of Women in Institutions was organised by Prayas in co- ordination with the Department of Women and Child Development (DWCD), Government of Maharashtra on 20th November 2010. A copy of the draft minutes received from DWCD and minutes prepared by Prayas was complied and issues for follow up were identified.

A meeting with the Dy. Commissioner, DWCD was planned for the purpose of exploring suggestions for implementation. Following are some of the suggestions that were minuted in the seminar. Firstly points were listed for follow up and sent to DWCD towards follow up of the issues. Correspondence was done with the DWCD and concerned departments. These issues of women in institutions were raised before the Justice Dharmadhikari Committee for Prevention of Atrocities against Women and District ITPA Advisory Committee.

Draft Rules for Institutions for Women

Prayas has actively participated in drafting of the revised draft Rules for governing administration for residential institutions. However, this draft has yet to be notified. During the reporting period, the draft was reviewed and updated, to incorporate components for rehabilitation of women. This draft was shared with the Deputy Commissioner Mr. Ravi Patil and his team (Mr. Dahale, Mr. Bhangare and Mr. Walavi) in a meeting. A copy of the amendments to the Draft Rules were submitted to DWCD. The amendments / changes made in the draft rules were discussed with DWCD officials. They accepted and agreed to submit the copy to Mantralaya for approval. Regular follow up is being done with the officials concerned to get information about the submission of the draft rule.

Women inmates in the government institutions to receive Government Recognized training certificate from the District Women and Child Development.

Prayas discussed the issue of residents receiving Government Recognized training certificate from the District Women and Child Development Department in a meeting with Mr. Ravi Patil, Deputy Commissioner, DWCD, Mr. Dahale and Mr. Bhangare. Mr. Dahale said that DWCD would issue a circular to all superintendents accordingly. In the second meeting with Mr. Ravi Patil, Deputy Commissioner, DWCD and Mr. Dahale, Mr. Patil informed that he is exploring the option of enrolling inmates inside the residential institutions for Vocational Training Center’s (VTCs) certified courses.

Visit to Jan Shikshan Sansthan, Dharavi – Prayas met the Director Mr. Suresh Mangaonkar and the Coordinator Mr. Mhatre from JSS to discuss the possibility of starting government recognized certificate training courses inside prison and institutions. He showed interest and was ready to arrange the courses in co ordination with Prayas (for seeking permission and arranging space inside the custody for training).

Grant in Aid Scheme: At present, the Grant in aid scheme benefit is only given to the convicts after discharged from the prison. Prayas raised before Justice Dharmadhikari Committee and made correspondence

93 with DWCD, highlighting that the Grant in aid scheme should also be implemented to those who will be discharged from the residential institutions.

Visits were made to Mantralaya DWCD for the follow up of the following pending proposals regarding Grant in aid scheme to increase the grant in aid benefit amount from Rs. 5000/- to Rs. 25000/- and to get benefit of Grant in aid scheme to the inmates discharged from the shelter homes/residential institutions, a meeting was held at Mantralaya DWCD with under Secretary Mr. Padhal and concern Section officer Mr. Janbandhu. Follow up over the phone was done.

Grant in aid scheme for released prisoners (Case work)

Prayas contacted the District Probation Officer and the Probation Officer, Thane, to follow up the grant in aid proposals submitted to the DPO Thane. After continuous follow up, 2 applications were submitted to Commissionerate for the approval. Follow up was done with Ms. Shahu Probation Officer, Commissionerate DWCD. The grant is sanctioned and it will be distributed to our clients in the month of January/ February 2012.

Adult Education Scheme benefit

Prayas made a visit to Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan Mumbai office at Mumbai Central to inquire about the adult education programme. We were asked to visit to the Administrative Building, Chembur. Prayas contacted the APO of Adult Education Mr. Suryavanshi. He said that the scheme's work has been stopped. Prayas visited Mantralaya and met with the Section Officer of Education Department. He said at present the scheme functions as Sakshar Bharat Yojana in 10 districts of Maharashtra for the socially handicapped group and the districts where more than 50 % population is illiterate.

Information Booklet

In the meeting with Mr. Dahale, the DPO shared the idea of bringing out district wise information booklet. This booklet should compile all the information i.e. name, addresses, contact number, contact person and services provided by the all shelter homes, government recognized institutions, NGOs, organizations, agencies working for the social cause and welfare in the district. Also the information about the government scheme, programs and the procedures to get benefit from it.

In a meeting with Mr. Ravi Patil, Deputy Commissioner, DWCD and Mr. Dahale DPO at Commissionerate office, Prayas discussed about the publication of the information booklet residing in the institutions. Mr. Ravi Patil, asked Mr Dahale to submit a proposal for the publication of this booklet from the District Women and Child Development officers and Mr. Patil will approve the same. Publishing the information booklet was also put before the Justice Dharmadhikari and District Advisory Committee.

Unique Identity Card

Towards exploring the possibility of obtaining UID Card for women in institutions, a visit was made to the UID Centre to understand the procedure and documents required to obtain Unique Identity Card, followed by a visit to Mobile Creches to discuss problems faced to obtain UID card if there is no proof of residence or birth etc.

94 Correspondence was done with Mr. Mahesh Narvekar, Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Disaster Management, BMC, Mr. Santosh Bhogale, Department of Information & Technology, Mantralaya and Mr. Gurudatta Ray, UID Regional Officer towards getting the benefit of Aadhar Scheme to the inmates of the government and government recognized residential institutions.

Prayas visited the BMC for the follow up of UID Scheme. Prayas met Mr. Devare, from the Department of Planning, who gave information about the progress of our letter sent to Planning Department (BMC). Prayas then wrote a letter to the Commissioner DWCD, regarding UID card for the inmates in the residential institutions and met Mr. Ravi Patil, Deputy Commissioner regarding follow up of the same. He said that DWCD will follow this matter with concerned department to give the benefit of Adhar scheme to government or government recognized residential institutions in Maharastra.

BPL Survey

It was observed that over the years, surveys towards identifying persons below poverty line do not cover institutionalized populations. The relevance of conducting the survey for government and government recognized institutions was communicated to the Secretary and Commissioner of DWCD.

Prayas visited the BMC for the follow up of the letter sent to the Commissioner, BMC to meet with Ms. Jyoti Pandya, Chief CDO to discuss about conducting BPL Survey in government and government recognized residential institutions. At the end of the meeting, she said that they will be conducting a the survey but will need a written order from the Urban Development Department.

Visits to Mantralaya: Prayas made several visits to the Urban Development Department for the follow up of the letter dispatched on 28th September 2011 to conduct BPL Survey at residential institutions.

On 11th November 2011, after meeting with Ms. Jyoti Pandya, Chief CDO, BMC, Prayas again wrote a letter to the Secretary, UDD, for an appointment to discuss BPL Survey issue. Two follow up visits were made. Finally meeting was held with the Personal Assistant to the Secretary, Urban Development Department Mr. Pardesi. He explained that the concerned authority who is responsible to conduct survey in Mumbai is BMC. There is no need of written permission for conducting the survey in institutions. He asked us to meet with the concerned authority in BMC.

Prayas wrote a letter to the Commissioner, Department of Women and Child Development and held a meeting with Mr. Ravi Patil, Deputy Commissioner on 30th December 2011. He said that DWCD will follow up with Urban and Rural Development Department and BMC, for conducting the BPL Survey in the government or government recognized residential institutions in Maharashtra.

Mr. Dahale, DPO at Commissionerate, made correspondence with the department concerned in January 2012 in regard to the BPL Survey.

95 ICDS Scheme benefit to the children inside custody

Visits were made to Mantralaya to follow up about starting an aanganwadi and appointing a Welfare Officer at prisons.

Meeting with Mr. Bhujbal (Desk 6 Officer, Mantralaya, DWCD) and discussed about starting an aanganwadi and appointing a welfare officer at prisons. Prayas had sent a letter to the Secretary DWCD and Commissionerate towards appointing a Welfare Officer in the prison and ICDS centers in the premises of women prison for the children of prisoners. After receiving this letter, Ms.Vandana Krishna (Secretary, DWCD) issued a letter to Ms. Medha Gadgil (Add. Chief Secretary) regarding starting an aanganwadi in prison and appointing a welfare officer.

In the Justice Dharmadhikari committee meetings, the issue of starting aanganwadis in prisons and appointing a welfare officer were discussed and the copy of the minutes was forwarded to Mantralaya to look into the matter.

A letter was sent by the Under Secretary to DWCD to start aanganwadi and appoint a women welfare officer in prison.

Prayas sent a letter to DWCD regarding starting an aangawadi and appointing a welfare officer. As a response to our letter, the DWCD forwarded a letter to the Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department to provide the statistical information about the children living with their mothers inside the prison. A letter was issued to prison superintendents of Central Prisons to provide the information in a given format. Copy of each letter was also marked to Prayas for information.

Prayas sent a letter to Inspectorate of Prisons to provide the statistical information about the women and children inside the prison. Follow up regarding the same was made over the phone with Ms. Swati Sathe.

Justice Dharmadhikari Committee for Prevention of Atrocities against Women

Prayas is a member of this committee. This committee is formed under retired Hon. Justice Dharmadhikari. On behalf of Prayas and the field of CJS, raised the following issues of the women residing inside the institutions and custody: . Hospitalization and treatment in the absence of escorts . Aanganwadi for the children living inside custody with their mothers . Issuing BPL rationing card to the women discharged from institution. A written note on the same was prepared and sent to the committee. . Grant in Aid Scheme . Information booklet for women on govt. schemes . Increasing the grant under Maher Yojana for women in institutions . Issue of admission in residential institutions of DWCD . UID card to institutionalized inmates . Inclusion of residential institution population in the Census . Education and training of the inmates inside the residential institutions . Opening of post or bank account of the inmates living in residential institutions . BPL survey

96 . Filling up the vacant posts of the institutions of DWCD . Filling up of posts of Women Cadre in government departments . Inter-departmental Committee to address issues/problems faced by residents of shelter homes . Rehabilitation of the discharged women from the institution . Mother and child meetings (when mother is in custody and child is in institution or mother or children are both in different institutions for shelter). . Creating a post of Desk Officer at Commissionerate, DWCD for looking into issues of women in custody . Admission and help to physically and mentally challenged individuals inside the institutions. . Procuring documents for the residents in institutions (ration/BPL Card, post / bank account). . Grant in aid scheme for NGOs to run their aftercare program. . Admission / reservation in working women’s hostel for those discharged from the institution. . Formation of an Information and Guidance Centres to help and guide the institutionalized inmates after discharge. . Reform in Prevention of immoral trafficking rules. . Reform in Draft rules made for the administration of the institutions. . Visit by Duty counsel to women residential institutions to provide free legal aid. . To increase the honorarium to the duty counselor

Prayas worked on the suggestions that got discussed and minuted in Justice Dharmadhikari Committee meetings and classified these on the basis of quantum of resources required for implementation.

District Advisory Committee meeting

Prayas attended the District Advisory Committee meeting at District Collector's Office in Mumbai. District Officer is the head of this Committee. This Committee has been constituted after merging all committees related to women's issues like the Committee on Domestic Violence Act, ITPA Distirct Committee, District Committee on Women's Policy, etc. This was the first meeting towards introducing the members and finalizing next agenda for meeting. Prayas made a small presentation before the Committee about Prayas’s target group, issues and programmes. Some issues related to training, getting documents and benefit of schemes were discussed. It was suggested that there should be representatives from Directorate of Technical Education and MAVIM in the Committee. Prayas emphasised the need of inclusion of the issues of the women living inside the custody/institution with their children in the Women's Policy draft. Mr. Joshi, Probation Officer (DWCD), took the responsibility of circulating the said draft among the members. DWCD has got the amount R 3 lakhs for media and publication. Prayas social worker said that some amount should be used towards the publication of small information booklets which compiles of data related to addresses, contact details and the services provided by the shelter home, NGOs, scheme by the government departments, etc. for the inmates residing inside the custody/institutions. This point was supported by most of the members attending the meeting. Hence, the next agenda is to discuss about the Women's Policy draft and media & publication’s sanctioned budget. Next meeting was proposed before 20th May 2012.

97 Placement at government workshops/garages

Prayas visited to Government Transport Service office at Worli and met Mr. Acharekar, Controller of Government Transport Services. He said that at present, the government does not have a workshop for the maintenance or repair of their vehicles. Government departments have given contracts to the private government approved garages or workshops for the same. Study Report: Prepared a draft of a report in Marathi language on rehabilitation services available for the women residing inside the institution/ custody

Achievements

A Committee to Prevent Atrocities against Women, chaired by Hon’ble Justice Dharmadhikari (Retd.) has been set up by the GoM, in response to the rising incidents of crimes against women in the state. Prayas is a member of this Committee. Prayas' suggestions in regard to procedures followed for women residing in state homes, protective homes, beggars homes and prisons & with regard to children of prisoners were submitted before the Justice Dharmadhikari Committee, resulting in a Government Resolution (GR) dated 4th October 2011. This GR relates to admission procedures, eligibility for admission, reasons for discharge, custodial conditions and rehabilitation of women in institutions.

Procedures have been laid down in this GR for the Superintendents of the institutions/shelter homes with regard to repatriation, marriage, educational and vocational training, employment, opening of bank or post office savings account, and providing basic computer education.

The GR also lays down rules providing for: 1. Medical care and support to residents 2. Escort facility to be provided for taking residents to hospitals 3. Conducting diagnostic tests of residents with their consent particularly for HIV/AIDS 4. Extending the age limit to live in the institutions from 60 years to 65 years 5. Allowing children accompanying their mothers upto the age of 10 years to live in the institution with their mothers 6. Providing creche facility for children living in the institution with their mothers 7. Providing documents at the time of discharge (introduction letter, a letter saying the said person was in the institution for the said period) 8. Support to disabled persons 9. Organizing recreational and cultural programmes inside the institution. 10. Formation of state rehabilitation committee at Commissionrate level Chaired Commissioner DWCD, to discuss about the needs of Rehabilitation of women residing in the institutions

Draft Rules

Submitted a copy of amendments to the Draft Rules for the Administration of Women's Institutions to the Commissionerate, DWCD. The draft rules are to be notified soon.

UID Card

98 1. DWCD has taken the responsibility to follow up to get the benefit of Aadhar Scheme to the inmates of the residential institutions. 2. Prayas received a letter from the BMC (Planning Department) stating that as per the GR no. matansa 2010/pra kra- 71/39 dated 9/9/2010 and circular no matanasa- 2011/prakra.6270/prakra.349/39 dated 2.12.2011, any inmate from the institution can register for the UID card as per this GR and circular.

BPL Survey: DWCD will follow up conducting the BPL Survey with Urban and Rural development department and BMC in the residential institutions.

ICDS: DWCD issued a letters to Home Department (Additional Chief Secretary) to start an Aanganwadi for the children of women prisoners and appointing a Welfare officer in prison. A letter was sent to jail superintendents of all Central prisons to provide statistical information about total number of children living with their mothers in prison, pregnant women, lactating mother according to the format provided.

Prayas received a reply to the letter sent to Ms. Swati Sathe, DIG Prisons (HQ). She circulated a letter to all prisons in Maharastra to provide us the statistical information about the women prisoners and children inside the custody.

A Total of five prisons have provided statistical information to DWCD about the mothers and their children in prisons in the given format and a copy of this information was sent to Prayas.

Information booklet: Mr. Ravi Patil Deputy Commissioner DWCD approved the idea of Prayas to publish information booklet for the women residing at government and government recognized residential institutions for providing the useful information about the name and addresses of state home, help lines, NGO and organization working for the social cause from DWCD. He said that he will approve the proposal of information booklet once the written proposal will come to him.

Prayas has drafted a scheme on “Rehabilitation and Hostel Scheme” for discharged inmates from the prisons and institutions (innovative proposal). Prayas proposed to take this forward with authorities concerned.

99 10. Prayas Production Unit

Orders

While some regular clients continued to give orders, there were some that had to be discon- tinued due to shortage of manpower. This year, bulk orders were received from TISS and Adhivasi Sahaj Shikshan Santha, Palghar in Thane. In order to meet this demand, work was outsourced to persons in the community. New ngos like Meljol and two three social work colleges are placed orders this years. Educational institutions like SNDT, Ruia College, Pod- dar College, Ruparel College, MIT, Nirmala Niketan College of Social Work placed orders.

Products

Generally cloth bound stationary and bags are produced by the centre. This year, the products were upgraded, with three new designs introduced. Material used as more durable.

Sales and Exhibitions

• International Resources for Fairer Trade organized two day exhibition at Nehru Planetarium. Products were on display. Some of corporate agencies requirements/ orders were undertaken by Prayas. • Thankur College, TISS.

Training to women’s savings groups

Training was provided to around 5 community groups that wanted to develop its bachat groups. Following training, the women started taking work from the Prayas centre on a piece rate basis. This arrangement worked for Prayas, as it helped complete orders.

Emergency Support to Field

The proceeds of the Centre are invested in field expenses, emergency needs of clients and staff (e.g. Admission in hospital, upcountry visits with clients, client’s room deposit, stipend, etc.). While all field needs cannot be taken care of, the objective of this Centre is to gradually increase turnover in order to cover expenses of some components of filed requirements. Lack of manpower makes this a challenging task.

Turnover

Proceeds from sales through individual purchases and exhibition cum sales amounted to Rs. 905360.00

Statistics

Sr. No Particulars Amount 1. 49 orders completed Rs. 827955.00 2. Workshop sale Rs. 39270.00 3. Outside sale (8 sale/co.) Rs. 38135.00 Total Rs. 905360.00

100 11. Prayas Mentoring Project

Maharashtra

Fellowship Initiative

Prayas has adopted a strategy to develop new initiatives in the field by providing fellowships to individuals and NGOs willing to initiate social work intervention in the field of criminal justice. Till date, we have provided Fellowships to six individuals who are also connected to some or the other organization interested in initiating work in criminal justice.

1. The Chandrapur Fellow

This Fellow is working with youth and women under-trial prisoners in Chandrapur District Prison towards their rehabilitation. The Fellow has received a revised permission from the D.I.G (Nagpur region) office to continue her work in the prison. Till the time her permission was being renewed, she was following up cases in regard to aftercare and legal aid. Her relations with the District Legal Services Authority, Chandrapur have developed in a very positive manner. The panel of lawyers are regularly attending the matters referred by the social worker. The Hon’ble Session Court judge had observed that the social worker was not called for the past two meetings of District Inter-Departmental Sub – Committee, and thus ensured that he will take up this issue in the coming meeting.

The social worker had approached the District Collector with the objective that the prison inmates, after their release are not able to take the benefit of the welfare schemes under Department of Social Justice and the Department of Women & Child Development. Thus, this group should be given priority and concession in submitting documents to avail of the respective schemes. The Collector has given an assurance that the clients with all the necessary documents would be given priority as referred by the social worker. With regard to the documents, he suggested that the social worker should guide them in acquiring the necessary documents.

The social worker has been able to establish a rapport with the local college of social work for student fieldwork placement but permission for the students from the D.I.G (Nagpur region) is awaited.

A local Educational Trust has agreed to initiate a computer literacy program inside the prison with the assistance of the social worker.

The social worker is planning to increase manpower to strengthen the work in prison. The local ITI is planning to start at least one short term training during this quarter.

2. The Amravati Fellow

This Fellow is working with victims of crime, especially families of victims of homicide cases. His experience has revealed that working with this group is difficult as the immediate needs of the family are multifaceted. In these cases, the emotional trauma is very high as the loss of a family member creates a vacuum in the family. There is a permanent loss which cannot be replaced. Thus the family support, support of the relatives, the support system in

101 the community many a time becomes weak. Only in exceptional cases, there is some positive support. Thus, the needs of the families and dependents are high. A visit to such a family raises their hopes of getting some assistance. The survival needs of dependent children also suffer due to the weak economic conditions in the family.

The government has very few schemes to support in such cases and the process of getting a sanction is very difficult and time consuming. The accidental death scheme, Sanjay Gandhi Niradhar Yojana are some such schemes, but the revenue allotted under these schemes is very less.

The social worker is working on the implementation of the amendment made in the Cr.P.C. Sec. 357(A) regarding victim compensation. The social worker had written to the High Court and to the Prime Minister’s Office, as there is no Department which has been assigned the responsibility for its implementation, and no special fund is allotted for the implementation of the amendment. Presently, he is maintaining a follow-up with the respective offices in this regard.

Hon'ble Justice Joshi of the High Court, Nagpur Bench, visited the Disha office, and took a review of the work in one of his visits to the Amravati district. He spent reasonable time in their office and also met the children to understand the gravity of the problems faced by the victims.

The Fellow has started visiting the office of the Superintendent of Police with the objective of preventive work. To avail some supports for the victims' families, the social worker was invited by the Dy. SP for the police trainings and training of members of the Village committees for Mahatma Gandhi Tanta Mukti Yojana (a village level dispute redressal forum).

The Fellow is in the process of appointing an Advisory Committee for his organisation where experts from various fields such as juidiciary, police, education, DWCD, etc would be nominated.

3. The Solapur Fellow

The Fellow is working with juveniles in conflict with law with a preventive objective and takes up cases from the police station and by attending the Juvenile Justice Board sittings. To further the preventive objective, she has initiated work in the community to intervene in cases of juveniles on the path of crime not identified by the police. In this regard, a community centre was started in the Shastri Nagar area and recently, another community centre has been started in the Lodhi Galli area from where there is a high rate of juvenile crime registered in the said police station. She has also approached schools with the objective of conducting awareness sessions with the secondary level students (8th, 9th & 10th standard students) on topics of importance of education, ill-effects of certain bad habits, personality development, etc. And also to counsel students who are irregular in the school.

To further develop the manpower of the organization, the social worker had approached one more college of social work with a request for starting student fieldwork placement. Thus, a total of 5 students from two colleges of social work have been placed in the organization for fieldwork this year. The social worker plans to utilize the students effectively through

102 conducting various activities in the community centers whereby more juveniles or youth who are vulnerable to crime could be tapped and counseled. Keeping the sustainability of the project in mind, the social worker is making efforts to develop local resources to motivate people for sponsorships of children or youth clients’ educational and vocational training needs. Besides this, she has developed a few contacts who have been regularly donating their monthly newspaper scrap to the organization. In this regard, she has also approached a college for NSS volunteers to assist her in increasing the number of donors for newspaper scrap as well as for assistance with regard to the work in the community centres. On the 15th August, 2011, she had made a presentation of the organization’s work before the doctor members of the Indian Medical Association of Solapur district with the objective of gaining their help and assistance with regard to any sponsorship, newspaper scrap, and donations in cash or kind. The response of the members was quite good with a few willing to assist with donations, one doctor willing to coordinate with the organization in regard to work with juvenile delinquents, one doctor concerned about his staff’s children who are vulnerable to crime, etc.

Funds are also being raised by the organization’s trustees to develop a Corpus Fund in the near future. A budget proposal is in the process of drafting to be submitted to Tata Trust for grants.

Her regular work with regard to taking up new cases of JCL and maintaining a follow-up of the old cases is going on as usual. A visit by one of the Prayas staff members was conducted in the month of July’11 to evaluate the work of the Fellow. The Fellow found this visit very helpful and is taking the suggestions and feedback given by the staff member seriously.

4. The Aurangabad Fellow

This Fellow is working with women and youth in crime inside the Aurangabad Central Prison, Harsul. The social worker initiated his work inside the prison by starting a library through providing daily newspapers and books for the prison inmates. Now the prison authority has allotted a room for the social worker inside the prison to conduct these activities for the inmates.

Presently, the organization has started a basic computer course conducted thrice a week and is attended by 20 inmates. A tailoring class in conducted in the Women Section twice a week which is attended by about 6-8 women. Besides this a balwadi for all the children of the women inmates is also managed by the organization.

The Fellow is a member of the IDC District Sub-Committee, and is regularly attending the meetings. The Hon’ble District Judge and the Secretary of the District Legal Services Authority are very co-operative. The various issues raised by the social worker are taken up positively and there is a positive response from the prison authorities also. The social worker had raised the issue of fieldwork placement of students from colleges of social work in the prison to which the IDC committee responded positively. The social worker is following up in this regard with the Department of social work of the Aurangabad University.

The next plan of the organization is to start taking up cases for legal aid and rehabilitation in the next quarter of the year, as the work of the organization is gradually being positively established in prison. The organization is trying to raise local resources to develop their programs. They have appointed instructors for tailoring, computer classes and for balwadi.

103 Follow-up of Fellows

Follow-up with the Fellows is being maintained through the exposure visits organised for the Fellows, and through the training programs organized by Prayas during the past six months. Thus, there has been a regular interaction and feedback sessions with the Fellows. Besides this, monthly reports of their respective work done were submitted by the Fellows. It has been observed that the Fellows have settled in their respective fields as they have been able to gain a good understanding of the respective issues they have been working on. They have been able to develop a good rapport with the system and the respective authorities. Now they are trying to mobilize resources to develop their financial support system so as to help them to sustain their activities in future after the discontinuation of Fellowships. It is becoming very difficult for them to raise funds at the local level. They have also applied under some government schemes, but it is a long wait before a result materializes in that regard.

Exposure Visits

Exposure visits to the organizations and field areas of the Fellows and other NGOs were organized during the past six months. In September’11, one such visit was organized to Sudhar, an NGO working in Bhopal in the field of criminal justice. Along with our Fellows, representatives from 5 other organizations were present.

In November’11, visits to Disha, Amravati, Varhad, Wardha and to Sahara Aids Control Society, Yavatmal were organized. During the Western region workshop organized in Bharuch by Prayas in the month of December’11, the Fellows and the NGO partners were oriented to the work of the Bharuch Unit of Prayas. In the month of January’12, visits to Sudisha, Solapur and Yuva Vikas Sevabhavi Sanstha and Pratham of Aurangabad were organised. These exposures visits helped the Fellows and the staff of the NGOs to exchange ideas and the work done in the field. Eight new Fellows appointed by VARHAD had joined the program for the Bharuch, Solapur and Aurangabad visits. These visits proved very helpful to these new Fellows to gain an initial understanding of work being done in the field of criminal justice. Such kinds of activities have also proved helpful in developing a feeling of fraternity among the field workers.

NGO Forum

Prayas had taken responsibility to host the NGO Forum meetings for a period of one year. Despite all efforts put in by Prayas to develop this Forum as a platform to raise issues at the policy level, the Forum did not emerge as perceived. It has been observed that most of the NGO Forum partners do not visualize the need for such a platform, whereby it has remained as one of the activities of Prayas only. As per the discussion in the last Forum meeting, with regard to rotation of the responsibilities, Prayas had requested Sudhaar to initiate one meeting of the Forum in their district. Accordingly, Sudhaar has taken up a responsibility to call the meeting in Bhopal in mid-september, 2011. The dual objective of conducting the NGO Forum meeting in Bhopal as well as arranging an exposure visit for the Fellows and Forum members – both would be thereby achieved. The necessary follow-up regarding the logistic arrangement and invitations regarding this meeting are under process.

104 During the exposure visit to Bhopal, the NGO Forum meeting was organized on one day to discuss the agenda and the future plan of action. It has been observed that the other Forum members are still not in a position to take the initiative to take the activities of the Forum ahead. Thus, Prayas has taken the responsibility to carry the agenda till the next cycle.

Forum News Letter

About 300 copies of the last newsletter were dispatched by post across the country. A mailing list in this regard was prepared and the news letter was sent to various organizations, individuals, and colleges of social work and law.

The second issue of the NGO Forum newsletter ‘Dialogues in Criminal Justice & Rehabilitation' was officially released at a regional workshop organized by Prayas in Bharuch, Gujarat. This newsletter contains articles based on the issues of victim compensation, need of timely intervention/treatment for the mentally ill persons, etc. The next issues have been planned to be based on the following topics:

1. Implementation of ‘Probation of Offenders Act, 1958’ from the rehabilitation point of view. 2. Challenges faced in the rehabilitation on juveniles in conflict with law as per the ‘Juvenile Justice Act, 2000’.

Articles for the above mentioned issues are awaited. We plan to come out with the first issue by the end of March’12 and the second issue in May’12.

Workshops organized

The transcription and report writing of the Vellore Workshop is in process. Besides this, a Workshop with colleges of social work from the western region States, namely Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan was conducted on 9th & 10th December’11 at Bharuch, Gujarat (details of the workshop are given later). Due to the work of the Bharuch Unit of Prayas, many colleges of social work are placing students for fieldwork placement either with Prayas or in their respective district settings. But they have expressed an inability to extend appropriate supervision to their students placed in these different settings.

Training workshops for Fellows, NGO personnel and interested Prayas staff are regularly conducted. In the month of April’11, one such workshop on Documentation Skills was conducted which proved very helpful to all the participants.

Training Workshops on counseling skills

We had planned to organize a series of training workshops to provide inputs about counseling as a method of intervention to our Fellows, NGO representatives and Prayas staff. A detailed concept note of the same was prepared, and the topics and resource persons were identified. The objectives of conducting these trainings:

- To expose and familiarize social workers working within the CJS to counseling as a method of intervention. - To facilitate an increased capacity to collaborate with counseling and other mental health professionals.

105 - To generate awareness about the basis of professional counseling and its terms, techniques, processes, goals and outcomes. - To equip the participants with basic counseling skills in order to aid the helping process.

Thus, the 1st workshop was conducted in the month of September’11 where the participants were given a basic introduction to what is counseling, basics of individual, group and family counseling, introduction to the various therapies such as psycho-analysis, RET, play, art, clay, dance therapy, etc. After a gap of two months, the 2nd workshop was organized in the month of November’11. This workshop dealt in depth with the skills and techniques of individual, family and group counseling. The 3rd workshop was organized in the month of February’12 and the topics were counseling with the various groups involved such as children, youth, victimized women, mentally ill persons, persons with personality disorders and people suffering with addiction.

Western Region Workshop on “Social Work Intervention in the Criminal Justice System: Role of Departments and Colleges of Social Work”

A two-day workshop of the colleges of social work, NGOs working in the western region States of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan was organized on 9th & 10thDecember’11 at Bharuch, Gujarat. This Western Region Workshop on “Social Work Intervention in the Criminal Justice System: Role of Departments and Colleges of Social Work” was organized to share the experiences and knowledge gained through the various interventions in criminal justice and explore with Colleges of Social Work, the possibility of replicating the interventions.

The broad objectives of this Workshop:

1. To create awareness about issues of the criminal justice system and need for social work intervention in the various settings of the criminal justice system. 2. To initiate a dialogue with the colleges of social work in regard to fieldwork placement of students in the various settings of the criminal justice system. 3. To motivate the colleges of social work in initiating field action projects in the criminal justice system through gradual development in the fieldwork placement programme.

The planning of this Workshop began in the month of August’11 with the preparing of the concept note and workshop schedule. Thereafter, contact details of the various colleges of social work of the four States were acquired and communication took place. Besides colleges of social work, we also invited NGOs working in the field of criminal justice from the respective States.

Finally, the response of the colleges of social work from Gujarat was the highest followed by Maharashtra. None of the representatives of the colleges from Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan could be present due to academic and personal reasons. On the whole, there was a good participation in the Workshop from the college faculty as well as NGO representatives and they all expressed the need for future guidance and assistance from Prayas for initiating work in the field of criminal justice.

106 ITPA Workshop

Following the Bharuch workshop, in the month of January’11, the Mentoring Unit in collaboration with the District Women & Child Development Officer of Solapur and the city and rural police of Solapur organized a one day workshop on the ‘Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956’. One of the Mentoring Unit workers based in Solapur is a member of the District ITPA Advisory Board set up as per the guidelines of the Mumbai High Court. The objective of the Workshop was to work towards the effective implementation of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956. Participants of the workshop were the personnel of the city and rural police.

The Mentoring Unit assisted in arranging for the resource persons from Mumbai for this workshop. So the travel expenses, accommodation, resource material expenses provided to the participants were borne by the Mentoring Unit of Prayas.

Workshops with colleges of Social Work In the month of December’11, on the request from Tilak Mukta Vidyapeeth, presentations of work in the various settings of the criminal justice were made before the students and faculty of the Vidyapeeth at Pune on 20th December’11 and at Kharghar on 21st December’11.

Statistics of Mumbai Mentoring Unit

Broad Specified services Statistics services Number of New Fellowships 01 Fellowships Old Fellowships renewed 03 issued Visits To supervise work of Fellows 07 conducted To colleges of social work 01 To District/State prisons 03 To DWCD district offices 05 Workshops With CSRs of industries --- conducted With colleges of social work 03 Workshop on Documentation Skills 04 for Fellows, NGO staff and Prayas staff Meetings Mentoring Unit staff meetings 03 conducted NGO Forum meetings 01 Quarterly presentations of Fellows 01 Review meetings with Director about 07 Mentoring work Other services Telephone contact with Fellows 55 Telephone calls made for newsletter 55 Telephone calls made for Forum 21 meetings Telephone calls attended regarding 04 new requests for Fellowships

107 Feedback from the Maharashtra 11 colleges of social work

108 Bharuch

Mentoring of the Bharuch Unit workers

Mentoring Unit worker is actively involved in the mentoring of the Bharuch Unit social workers as well as the development of the entire unit. This involves regular discussions with workers both individually and as a group with regard to the issues concerning the workers’ professional development and development of their work in the field.

The worker supports the social workers in developing new initiatives in the field. The Bharuch Unit had initiated work with juveniles in conflict with law last year. Since this is a new initiative, the concerned worker needs a lot of support in regard to discussion of cases, work with system officials like police, Chairperson of Juvenile Justice Board, staff of the Observation Home, rehabilitation plans for the client group, etc.

Similar support and mentoring is extended to the social worker working at the Mahila Police Station where guidance is given with regard to the rehabilitation, sensitizing of the police personnel to women issues, use of appropriate social legislations, etc.

Contact with colleges of social work & NGOs

Four colleges of social work in the Kutch district of Gujarat were contacted namely Dr. Baba Nahersingh Indraprasth Mahavidyalaya, Z. N. Patel College of Social Work, S.R. K. institute of Social Work, Department of Social Work, Kutch University. As a follow-up of this contact, social workers of the Bharuch Unit visited these colleges. Discussions were held with the faculty members on the issue of social work in criminal justice. In 3 colleges of social work, presentations were made before the students followed by a discussion and question-answer session.

In the month of November’11, the Bharuch Unit workers visited the Kumarappa College of Social Work in Bhavnagar and made some presentations before the students of work done in the various settings of the criminal justice system. One of their students was placed for fieldwork in the Bharuch Unit of Prayas. This student had done his field work at Vadodara Central Prison. During that period the worker had mentored him. This student has now shown interest to initiate work in the CJS and thus apply for Fellowship from Prayas. Following the Western region workshop organized by Prayas at Bharuch, the Veer Narmad South Gujarat University has applied for permission to initiate student fieldwork placement in the district prison of Surat.

As part of field exposure for workers, the Unit workers visited the Amreli District Prison and Junagadh District Prison in the month of November’11. A discussion was also held with the respective Superintendents to initiate work of other NGOs in these prisons. Besides this, the workers visited various NGOs working in the districts of Amreli and Junagadh to motivate them to initiate work in the prisons.

Fieldwork Placement of Students

As a result of the Workshop held in December’10 at Bhavnagar for faculty members of colleges of social work, J. C. Kumarappa Mahavidyalaya, Ghadada is placing a student for

109 field work in the Vadodara Central Prison. The college has requested Prayas to supervise the student. One student has also planned to do his dissertation on one of the issues of the criminal justice system. Students of the Veer Narmad University, Surat are regularly placed for fieldwork in the Bharuch Unit. As a result of this regular placement, the Department of Social Work of Surat University has initiated discussions with the Commissioner of Police, Surat for acquiring permission to place students in the police stations of the Surat district.

Kutch Mahila Vikas Sangathan, an NGO working in the district of Kutch on women issues had contacted the Bharuch Unit. They are already working in one of the police stations in Kutch on the issue of domestic violence. Further, they have shown interest in initiating work at the Bhuj Special Prison. Discussions in this regard have been held with them whereby a work-plan is in process. In the initial phase, it was felt that their workers could come to Bharuch for interactive sessions with the Bharuch Unit social workers.

With the assistance of students placed for fieldwork at the Bharuch Unit, we were able to explore three new settings in the field. The settings identified are the Mahila Police Station, Nari Kendra and Juvenile Home for Girls. Initially, through placement of students, we are trying to explore the nature of services which could be provided in these settings and later in the future a full time social worker may be appointed.

Initiating work in other districts of Gujarat

As a result of Prayas’s intervention in Bharuch Sub-Jail, the I.G. (Prisons) of Gujarat has directed the Superintendents of the other prisons in the State to start work like Prayas in their prisons. We have received many phone calls from Superintendents of various prisons of Gujarat. This issue was discussed in the meeting with the prison workers, to pay visits to other prisons in Gujarat, so as to support them and give them guidance about initiating work of NGOs in their prison. There has been continuous discussion about motivating other NGOs in the State to begin work in prisons.

Statistics of Bharuch Mentoring Unit

Broad services Specified services Statistics Training needs & Meetings conducted with Unit 43 Up- gradation of workers Bharuch Unit staff Individual discussions with Unit 72 members workers Meetings with system officials 10 alongwith Unit workers Planning, Number of students placed for 19 supervision & fieldwork coordinating Number of discussions held with 28 students placed for students fieldwork & Number of meetings held with 17 dissertation fieldwork supervisors Number of discussions held with 23 field contact Orientation discussions held with 04 students Developing contacts Contacting colleges of social 09

110 for new initiatives in work CJS Contacting NGOs 06 Orientation lectures conducted for 02 students of social work

111 12. Staff Welfare and Development

In the year 2011-2012, nine staff members were supported through educational grants for pursuing further education at post graduation levels (in social work), English Speaking course and Life Skill Education Programme.

Exposure visits towards staff development programme

An exposure visit was made to Rajasthan to visit Jaipur Central Prison, Ajmer Central Prison, Sanganer Open Jail. Visited the ITI Training Centre’s inside prison.

112 13. Administration Unit

Finance and Accounts

Besides fund and resource mobilization, the unit is responsible for administrative tasks like handling accounts, monitoring state of funds, office maintenance, ensuring timely payments, making travel arrangements for staff travel, .

Documentation Support

The unit plays an important role in helping field staff members document experiences and prepare documents to be presented before authorities concerned.

Field and Staff Support

Responding to the needs of the field, the unit mobilizes funds and assists field workers in emergency situations.

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