GPMS - ANNUAL REPORT 2011 - 2012

GRAMA PENGAL MUNNETRA SANGAM (GPMS)

(Regd. under Tamilnadu Societies Registration Act 1975)

Reg. No. 88/89

Annual Report

2011 - 2012

8/180, GSM Avenue, Sholavandhan Main Road, Thengalpatti, Checkanoorani-625514, District, Tamilnadu - INDIA.

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GPMS - ANNUAL REPORT 2011 - 2012

CONTENTS Secretary’s Message

1. Origin & History 2. Legal Status 3. Vision 4. Principle and Priorities 5. Condensed Course of Education 6. Strengthening of Environment Resource Centre 7. NEAC Campaign on "Forests for Sustainable Livelihood" 8. Awareness Programme on Ozone Day 9. Awareness Programme on Reproductive and Child Health 10. Awareness Programme on HIV/AIDS 11. SHG Formation & Training 12. Vocational Training on Tailoring 13. Free Vocational Training to poor students on Basics of Computer 14. Free Vocational Training on Food Processing Training 15. Farmers' Club Expenses 16. Workshop on Organic Farming 17. Awareness Programme on Yoga & Naturopathy 18. World Women's day 19. Women Labour Awareness Programme 20. Campaign against sex selective abortion 21. Awareness Programme on Fire Prevention & Disaster Management to School students 22. Campaign against Terrorism and Violence - Role of Youth 23. Workshop on Domestic Violence against women Community Health Education Programme 24. Awareness Programme on Government Welfare Schemes to Single Women & their children 25. Counseling to Young Couples 26. GPMS Integrated Complex for Special Homes for Senior Citizens and Destitute Children 27. Free Legal Aid

Conclusion

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SECRETARY’s MESSAGE

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

I am glad to present the annual report of GPMS - CHECKANURANI for the year 2011 - 2012 at this General Body Meeting.

By the grace of almighty, we have entered into the third decennial year in working with the deprived and downtrodden communities through various welfare and development activities, and rights based programmes.

I am proud to say that the communities, Individuals, Philanthropists, NGOs, and the departments of State and Central Governments, Officials in the Local Administration have helped us with their resources so as to accomplish our objectives of GPMS during the financial year.

I, on behalf of the General Body thank all the members of the General Body, Individuals, Philanthropists, Department of State and Central Governments, and the Officials in the Local Administration and the people at large for their sincere cooperation.

Mrs. M. PASUMPON, Secretary- GPMS, Checkanurani.

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ANNUAL REPORT - 2010-2011

1. Genesis…

Born in a poor family in ‘Kokkulam village’ of Thirumangalam Block in , Mrs. Mayandi Pasumpon took active role in the organization of women and children from her youthhood. Mayandi Pasumpon hails from the most backward, undeveloped and uncultured community namely, “Piramalai Kallar” from the above said Kokkulam Village. Being a Post Graduate in Political Sciences she had the zeal to develop the communities in her native and gradually she started working in the adjacent and neighbouring villages also organizing the women and children for building the nation. This paved ways for the formation of “Grama Pengal Munnetra Sangam” (Village Women Development Association) with like minded women. Mayandi Pasunpon strongly believes that the western concepts of development which are suitable to the Indian context could be simplified in such a way that it is understandable by common women and applied locally to achieve good results. A courageous, self-confident, tireless, and affectionate Mrs. Mayandi Pasumpon is very much supported by fellow workers and the community and serves as the catalyst to bring success in women development in her target areas.

2. Legal Entity …

GPMS is a legally registered non-profit society under the following statutory provisions in India.

Registration Date of Act Authority No Registration Tamilnadu Societies Registrar of 88/89 24-04-1989 Registration Act, 27 of 1975 Societies, Madurai. u/s.12A (a) of the Income Tax 224/ -do- 30-11-2007 Act, 1961 2007-2008 u/s. 6(1) (a) of the Foreign Secretary, Ministry Contribution Regulation Act, of Home Affairs, 075940329 13-10-1997 1976 New Delhi

3. Vision …

The vision of GPMS is to create awareness among women about the essentiality of literacy, women’s rights, health and environment, to make them self sustained and empowered in society.

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4. Principles & Priorities…

 Organizing women groups in rural pockets of Madurai District.  Promotion and protection of women’s rights and fundamental freedom on top priority.  Empower rural women groups through income generation, EDP Trainings, Workshops in order to provide self employment towards self reliance and sustainability.  Ensure proper health education for rural women and children.  Dealing with all forms of abuse, torture, exploitation and violence against women and children and end the same through appropriate action.  Encouraging rural women and school students to act as environmental managers in rural areas so that rural sanitation and natural resources are properly preserved.  Caring for the aged and orphans in the target areas through Day Care Centre, Old Age Home and Home for orphans.

5. Condensed Course of Education…

GPMS with financial assistance from Tamilnadu Social Welfare Board, Chennai conducts Condensed Courses of Education to cater to the needs of adult dropout girls. 25 dropout girls were trained trained and enhanced to pass S.S.L.C. and given inputs of skill development in tailoring. The programme empowered the girls with confidence to seek employment in private and Government sectors. This has attracted dropout girls to approach GPMS for training.

6. Strengthening of Environment Resource Centre…

With the help of Directorate of Environment & Forests, Chennai an Environment Resource Centre has been organized by GPMS at the St. Joseph’s Matriculation School, Madurai. This centre has facilities such as Audio-visual, Books, Charts, and IEC Materials. This centre serves as a Resource Centre for the students studying in the Madurai Educational District. GPMS has supplied 300 books (General Knowledge on Environment) to this centre.

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7. NEAC Campaign on "Forests for Sustainable Livelihood"…

Sustainable forest management integrates two interdependent goals- ‘well being of the forest’ and ‘well being of the people’. Sustainability rests on the principle that we must meet the basic livelihood needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. Therefore, sustainability of both natural and human resources is of prime importance. Sustainability of human resources involves assessment of social capital and assignment of responsibilities for management of resources. Sustainability of natural resources, on the other hand, calls for maintaining or enhancing this vital resource base in the long term. Realizing this end, GPMS conducted NEAC Campaign so as to enhance knowledge and awareness on “Forests for Sustainable Livelihoods” through campaigning against “Deforestation” and “Tree Plantation” involving School Students, College NSS Students and Women members of Self Help Groups in Checkanoorani of Tirumangalam Block. The following activities were done.

 Campaign with placards, distributed Literature on Environment, and bit notices.  Rally was conducted to disseminate awareness to the public on Deforestation and Forest for Sustainable Livelihood.  Hall programme was conducted in Forest Extension Centre at Pasumalai where all the herbal and other rare plants were available.

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 Essay competition on “Forest for Sustainable Livelihood” was conducted at Govt. High School, and Mukkulathur Higher Secondary School, Tirunagar, and Seetha Lakshmi Higher Secondary School, Tirunagar and prizes distributed.

8. Awareness Programme on Ozone Day…

GPMS has organized an Awareness Programme on Ozone Day at Thiruparan- kundram Sannathi Vasal at the presidentship of Shri B. Manickam Thakur, M.P on 19-09-2011. About 2000 students from 10 Government High Schools and Higher Secondary Schools, and 25 teachers participated in the Human Chain and distributed handbills on the importance of preservation of Ozone and raised awareness among the general public.

9. Awareness Programme on Reproductive and Child Health…

Young people experience extremely rapid and bewildering changes in values, attitudes and behaviour towards the opposite sex. Premarital sex, pregnancy, abortion and STDs are increasing among young people even in rural areas. Many a

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time the information relating to reproductive health is only given to married couples. As a result young people’s reproductive health needs are under-served, and they remain under informed, marginalized and disadvantaged. Sex education is not in the curriculum of Indian schools and parents are highly reluctant to talk about sex to their children. Despite the sexual pressures that young people are experiencing, their lack of knowledge on sexual and reproductive health issues puts them at risk of STDs/HIV/AIDS, premarital pregnancy and abortion, early marriage, and maternal and child health related problems. Realizing the magnitude of the issue, GPMS conducted a two days Awareness Programme on Reproductive and Child Health at Thirumangalam wherein 30 young girls attended.

10. Awareness Programme on HIV/AIDS…

HIV epidemic has emerged as a major public health problem in India, within a span of last five years, threatening the gains of development made during the post independence period. The prevalence of the infection in all parts of the country highlights the need for multi-focused action to contain the epidemic. The epidemic is one of the greatest challenges facing human kind. Tamil Nadu has been identified as one of the six high HIV prevalence states of India. Out of the total 111,608 AIDS cases detected in the country till 2005, Tamil Nadu has a vast share of 52,036 cases, accounting for nearly 46.62 percent. It is an unprecedented threat to human development requiring political will and commitment on the part of the state on a sustained basis. GPMS conducted a three days Awareness Programme on HIV/AIDS to the Leaders of Self Help Groups of Tirumangalam Block with a view to sensitize their group members on the issue.

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11. SHG Formation & Training…

GPMS has promoted 100 Women’s SHGs among poor and minority women during this year in Madurai Urban, Madurai West, Madurai South, Tirumangalam and Tiruparankundram blocks, Madurai District. GPMS has introduced Thrift and Savings to the SHG members. Each member saves Rs.50/- to 100/- a month. The money saved in the groups is rotated among the members through internal lending. The interest earned out of internal lending is equally distributed among the members. The groups meet every month regularly to review their savings and lending. Records such as minute’s book and account books and loan registers are being maintained.

12. Vocational Training on Tailoring…

With a view to empowering the rural dropout girls with entrepreneurial skills for employment opportunities, GPMS conducted a Tailoring Training Programme in Thengalpatty Village of Thirumangalam Block. About 30 dropout adolescent rural girls were given training in tailoring and embroidery. After the training all these trainees were issued certificates by GPMS to enable them approach banks for loans to start their tailoring enterprise. Further with the help of Backward Classes Welfare Officer, Madurai we have facilitated 25 girls with Sewing machines.

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13. Free Vocational Training to poor students on Basics of Computer…

GPMS focuses on the socio economic empowerment of disadvantaged poor girls and addresses their issues. They are ignored, discriminated and considered as untouchable based on the community. Even the educated girls are forced to choose menial occupation due to extreme poverty and hunger at home. In the absence of adequate income the women members and the adult girls are left with an option to choose coolie works in the unorganized sectors to feed the other members of the family. Hence, there is a dire need to educate the poor adolescent girls of Manual Scavengers who are highly vulnerable to various situations around them. Therefore, GPMS started Free Vocational Training to poor girls through enhancing computer skills. Presently 25 Adult girls and young women in the age group 18 – 30 who have finished their schooling have enrolled themselves in the computer education.

14. Free Vocational Training on Food Processing Training…

GPMS conducted a 2 days Free Training Programme on Food Processing in Sathangudi Village of Tirumangalam Block. The programme was inaugurated by the Nutrition Centre Supervisor Smt. Angammal. 25 women participated in the programme. All these women were taught how to preserve the food materials such as ragi, jowar, millet and yam which are available in the vicinity. Further the women were taught how to make value added products out these locally available food materials. NSS Coordinator Mr. Jayaraman and Smt. Stella Mary participated in the training.

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15. Farmers' Club …

GPMS conducted the Farmers Club meeting at the Chechakanoorani Primary Agricultural Development Society at Checkanurani. It has already organized Farmers’ Clubs in Ayyanarkulam, V. Kallapatty, Thummakundu, Kattathevanpatty, Nattamangalam, Ramanathapuram, (Chellampatty Block) Sathangudi, Pachakoppanpatty, Pannikundu, and Koolnayakanpatty villages (Thirumangalam Block). Each group has 5 members. This year GPMS conducted various trainings on sustainable agriculture, vermi compost and conventional seeds for increasing the products and ensuring the food security.

16. Workshop on Organic Farming…

Organic farming works in harmony with nature rather than against it. This involves using techniques to achieve good crop yields without harming the natural environment or the people who live and work in it. Therefore GPMS organized a three days training programme for 30 small and marginal farmers of Tirumangalam Block and highlighted on the following elements of Organic Farming.

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- Integrated Pest Management (IPM) - Afforestation (Agro Forestry) - Crop Rotation - Green Manure - Bio-Fertilizers - Inter-cropping - Crop management - Soil and water management - Animal husbandry practices - Subsidiary Enterprises - Farm forestry

17. Awareness Programme on Yoga & Naturopathy…

Women play a critical role in maintaining the health and well being of their families and communities. Realizing the importance of women’s health, GPMS conducts Naturopathy Awareness Programme for the last three years with the help of National Institute of Naturopathy (Department of Ayush), Pune. This year the programme was conducted on 04-09-2011 at Thengalpatty GPMS Office. Dr. Kalaivani, Naturopathy Doctor from Dindigul took classes to the participants. About 30 women from Kokkulam, Mayandipatty, Sathangudi and Checkanurani participated in the training. The training has demonstration sessions also on various fruits, vegetables, naturo food items, pulses and how they help for the health of the people. There was also demonstration on Yoga, meditation and exercises for various disorders such as obesity, Foot ache, Hip ache, Uterus disorders, diabetic and cholesterol.

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18. World Women's day…

We celebrated World Women’s Day on 20th March at Tirumangalam. All the members of the SHGs promoted by GPMS in Tirumangalam, Chellampatty, Usilampatty Blocks participated in the event. We undertook a rally around the important streets of Tirumangalam.

The rights of women were explained to them through slogans and placards. All the women resolved to be torch bearers to their community in imparting skills for entrepreneurship. At the end of the rally, we staged a public meeting to commemorate the day. Advocate Uma, Smt. Vasanthi and Smt. Vanaja spoke in the meeting.

19. Women Labour Awareness Programme…

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GPMS conducted a 2 days Awareness Programme on Women Labour in which 50 unorganized women workers from the Tirumangalam Block participated. Shri. Sundarapandian, State Coordinator of the Unorganized Workers Welfare Board participated as the Chief Guest. These women were taught the following subjects so as to make them realize and empowered.

- Trade Union Formation - Membership in Welfare Boards - Medical Insurance - Leadership Qualities - Legal awareness - Health and Sanitation - Environment - Group activities like savings and credit - Wage settlement and disputes - Group insurance - Income Generation activities

20. Campaign against sex selective abortion…

GPMS conducted a Campaign against sex selective abortion through propagation in association with Society for Integrated Rural Development in 10 villages. We distributed bit notices explaining the ratio of male and female as per census of 2011 in which the statistics say that 20,000 female foetus were destroyed in the womb itself during the last 10 years. We met the men and women and young people to sensitize that the girls’ children are equally important as that of boys to make a better India.

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21. Awareness Programme on Fire Prevention & Disaster Management to School students…

Fire in any occupancy has potential to cause harm to people and severe damages to property. Fire Safety measures through proper education helps the community to act wisely during such disasters. Going down the memory lane one might recall that the fire in School at Kumbakonam, Tamilnadu took the lives of 85 children which sparked off debates and arguments on the safety of schools in the country during 2004. GPMS being involved with the community in Madurai District, conducted awareness among the younger generation so as to impact the results of saving lives through precautionary measures. Therefore GPMS conducted an Fire Prevention and Disaster Management Awareness programme on 10-01-2012 at Government Kallar Higher Secondary School, Nattarmangalam – Ayyampatty. Headmaster Smt. Rajakili, M.A., B.Ed., presided the function and Mrs. Pasumpon, Secretary, GPMS gave a special lecture. Mr. P. Ramesh Babu, Fire Station Officer demonstrated the Fire Prevention methods. Messer, K. Thangaraj, Shanmugraja, P. Thangapandiayn, S. Radhakrishnan, Sudakaran participated. About 200 students participated.

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22. Campaign against Terrorism and Violence - Role of Youth…

Mobilizing Youth against Terrorism is a very significant step to salute those, who have sacrificed their precious lives in the recent terrorist attacks in Mumbai. For this purpose, Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan launched "Together for Peace" a nationwide campaign against terrorism & violence throughout the country by involving more than 80 lakh youth force of 2.68 lakh village based youth clubs/mahila mandalas all across the country. Youth Conventions, Lectures by eminent personalities, cultural programmes, candle lighting to pay homage to the Martyrs and pledge taking ceremony to fight against terrorism were the main highlights of the campaign. GPMS in association with Nehru Yuva Kendra organized Campaign against Terrorism and Violence at Madurai. Shri M. Sadacharavel, State Director of Nehru Yuva Kendra presided. Shri Manika Takur gave a special address. About 25 youth participated in the campaign.

23. Workshop on Domestic Violence against women…

Violence against women and girls continues to be a global epidemic that kills, tortures, and maims – physically, psychologically, sexually and economically. It is one of the most pervasive of human rights violations, denying women and girls’ equality, security, dignity, self-worth, and their right to enjoy fundamental freedoms. Violence against women is present in every country, cutting across boundaries of culture, class, education, income, ethnicity and age. Even though most societies proscribe violence against women, the reality is that violations against women’s human rights are often

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sanctioned under the garb of cultural practices and norms, or through misinterpretation of religious tenets. Moreover, when the violation takes place within the home, as is very often the case, the abuse is effectively condoned by the tacit silence and the passivity displayed by the state and the law-enforcing machinery.

GPMS in partnership with SIRD, Usilampatty and HRF-Chennai trained its voluntters in the campaigning for Violence against women in Tirumangalam and Usilampatty Blocks. The trained volunteers regularly disseminate awareness among the Self Help Groups women to act for themselves in unity against the cruelty.

24. Community Health Education Programme…

Health is a pre-requisite for human development and is essentially concerned with the well being of common man. Health is a function, not only of medical care, but also of the overall integrated development of society - cultural, economic, educational, social and political. The health status of a society is intimately related to its value system, philosophical and cultural traditions, and social, economic and political organization. Each of these aspects has a deep influence on health, which in turn influences all these aspects.

Hence, it is not possible to raise the health status and quality of life of people unless such efforts are integrated with the wider effort to bring about overall transformation of a society. Health development can be integrated with the larger programme of overall development in such a manner that the two become mutually

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self-supporting. Good health and good society go together. This is possible only when supportive services such as nutrition and improvements in the environment and in education reach a higher level. Therefore GPMS conducted a Community Health Education Programme in which 60 people (Men, Women and Youth) from Tirumangalam block participated.

25. Awareness Programme on Government Welfare Schemes to Single Women & their children…

GPMS arranged to identify 120 women who are destitute, widows suffering with their children living in the villages of V. Kallapatty, Ayaanarkulam, Uthappanayakkanur, Thengalpatti, Checkanurani, Kinnimangalam and Sikkampatty of , Chellampatti and Thirumangalam blocks of Madurai District.

We held an awareness programme for these women and facilitated them with Government Welfare schemes such as Old Age Pension, Benefits from the Tamilnadu Unorganized Workers Welfare Board, Free Housing Scheme etc. Further we have facilitated some of these women with loans from the Self Help Groups for starting small mess and also some of them were employed as Warden, Cook in private hostels.

26. Counseling to Young Couples…

GPMS arranges a meal function in which the young married couples are invited. Normally we arrange this function in the months of April, June, August and October. We interview the couples of their dreams and challenges ahead of them and why

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there is poverty in the families. We sensitize them about the male-female children’s ratio and also insist them to look after the girls’ children.

This programme really mould the couples to base their married life on proper grounds. In each such gatherings, we have witnessed atleast 10 couples. This programme was sponsored by the Self Help Groups members in C.V. Kallapatti, Thengalpatti, Sikkampatti and Tirumangalam Kamarajar North Extension.

27. GPMS Integrated Complex for Special Homes for Senior Citizens and Destitute Children…

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GPMS has opened up an Integrated Complex for Special Homes for Senior Citizens and Destitute Children this year. We have admitted 4 older persons and four destitute widows into the home. We are also admitting destitute children into the home. All necessary food, health and recreational facilities have been done to the inmates.

28. Free Legal Aid…

GPMS extends Free Legal Aid at its Office on all second Saturdays. Cases such as Maintenance of Wife and Property disputes are being settled through counseling. Mr. Rajan, B.A., B.L., attends the counseling and help the women in disputes. During this year we have dealt with 25 cases. So far we have settled the cases as detailed below.

Maintenance cases 5 To live together 5 Habeas corpus cases 1 Dispute between Husbands and wives 10 couples united Property disputes 2 settled Children Rescued 2

Mrs. M. PASUMPON, Secretary- GPMS.

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