1 Gram Sathi Annual Report 2014-2015

Genesis

Gram Sathi is a NGO registered under the Indian Trust Act, 1882 based in Katoria village in Banka district in Bihar. The district is full of problems on all scores of life i.e. hilly-rocky lands, diminishing forests, huge rain or total drought, no storage facility or reservoir of rain-water, lack of irrigational resources, lack of cultivable land, migration and unemployment of youth etc. are the major problems of the area. To reduce these problems with grass root people support and participation, Gram Sathi emerged in the year 2007 promoted by a group of social workers and activists through organized and sincere efforts to address the grass root community issues with special focus to the poor and resource less people living in the rural and slum areas of Banka and Bhagalpur districts in Bihar. Later on, its activities spread to the districts of Deoghar, Godda, Dumka, Pakur and Sahibganj districts of state.

Since inception, Gram Sathi is undertaking various community cantered issues and trying to make direct and indirect stakeholders involved fully in the development process. Bringing social change through community mobilization and social action is our highest priority.

VISION MISSION Gram Sathi visualize a progressive and We explore our resources to promote a sustainable society. We envision our better quality of life for communities,

people to enjoy peace and dignity, social notably vulnerable populations and help and economic equality and availing of them empowered by enriching their lives their fundamental rights in all through education, health and sustainable perspectives. livelihood skills and opportunities.

CORE VALUES Our core values are Partnership – Participation – Equity.

MAJOR OBJECTIVES To strengthen community driven initiatives for people empowerment, sustainable livelihood, health management, total literacy and holistic development of the community in general with an emphasis on the poor and marginalized sections of the society. To protect child rights through various programs for child labor and child trafficking. To promote natural resource management, agriculture improvisation, safe drinking water, agro-forestry and environment conservation measures. To protect disabled people and old aged people through programs on health and rehabilitation measures. To protect women in distress to bring them into the mainstream of life. 2 Gram Sathi Annual Report 2014-2015

To develop leadership and capacity of the youth and adolescent for participating in the development process. To capacitate community based groups, women SHG in particular for advocacy and social mobilization for actualization of development process among the community. To provide technical knowhow and skills through vocational training and other capacity development programs for livelihood promotion and also dissemination of information for local resource management and conservation of traditional system for improving the quality of life and living standards of the people. To promote strong network of voluntary organizations at the district, state and national levels for working on the common issues based on local situations at various level.

LEGAL STATUS

S.N. Registered Under Registration No. Date Place 1 Indian Trust Act. 1882 IV-18/2007 25.04.2007 Banka 2 FCRA Act, 1976 031010015 13.03.2012 New Delhi 3 PAN AABTG0514C 30.05.2007 Mumbai 4 Applied for under the Section 12 (A) of IT Act, 1961. 5 Planning Commission BR/2013/0063283 03.08.2013 New Delhi

REGISTERED OFFICE ADDRESS

Head Office Coordination Office

Gram Sathi Gram Sathi Village + Post – Uparchakmadhiya, Via – T. K. Ghosh Campur, Kumudini Ghosh Katoria, Road, Barmasia, Post- B. Deoghar- 814112, District Banka- 813106 (Bihar), . District- Deoghar (Jharkhand) Contact No. : +91 8809597125 Contact No. : +91 6432 291972 E-mail : [email protected] E-mail : [email protected] Website: http:/www.gramsathi.org Website: http:/www.gramsathi.org

Contact Person : Mr. Devanand Kumar (Managing Trustee/Secretary) Mob. No. : +91 8809597125, 8986675327

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OUR EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Sl. Name Designation No. 1. Mr. Subhas Kumar Singh President 2. Mrs. Bina Kumari Vice-President 3. Mr. Devanand Kumar Managing Trustee 4. Mrs. Sunita Kumari Treasurer 5. Mr. Umesh Das Member Trustee 6. Mrs. Chunni Kumari Member Trustee 7. Swami Radhakanta Nand Member Trustee 8. Mr. Alex Hansda Member Trustee 9. Mrs. Babita Kumari Member Trustee 10. Mr. Ram Kumar Baira Member Trustee 11. Mrs. Archana Kumari Member Trustee

AREA OF OPERATION State District Block Panchayat Village Banka, Katoria, Chandan, Bihar Banka Bausi, Barahaat, Amarpur, 32 1280 Belhar & Shambhuganj Deoghar Mohanpur, Deoghar, Sarath & 33 396 Sarwan Godda & Poreyahat 42 384 Jharkhand Dumka , & 15 53 Nala 23 288

145 2401 Total: 2 States 5 Districts 12 Blocks Panchayats Villages

INFRASTRUCTURE & FACILITIES The registered office of Gram Sathi is at village Uper Chak Madhiya in Katoria block in Banka district in Bihar while the coordination office is at Barmasia in of Jharkhand. The organization also has branch offices established in the district headquarters of Banka, and

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Godda districts in Bihar and Jharkhand. All these offices are equipped with basic facilities like internet, phone and fax. The assets and properties for the year 2014-15 were Rs. 5.63 lac.

INCOME & EXPENDITURE Financial Status

200 180 160 140 120 100

Axis Title Axis 80 60 40 20 0 2014-2015 2013-2014 2012-2013 Expenditure (In Rs. Lakhs) 32.05 98.95 9.93 Income (In Rs. Lakhs) 33.12 99.25 10.04

HUMAN RESOURCES

Our strength lies in our skilled and committed human resources working with commitment and sincerity for achieving the vision and mission of the organization. At present, 19 staff (full-time: 08 and part-time: 11) and 30 volunteers are associated with Gram Sathi. The gender wise distribution of the staff is as follows:

Gender Paid Full-Time Paid Part-Time Volunteers

Male 7 8 22

Female 5 6 8

Total 12 14 30

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OUR BANKERS For General Fund For FC Fund

A/C No. 805737697 Indian Bank A/C No. 5523022010004562 Jageshanti Complex, Neta Ji Bose Road, Deoghar (Jharkhand) Union Bank of India Indralok Complex, Deoghar A/C No.13680100104671 (Jharkhand) UCO Bank AT+Post- Jaipur, Via: Katoria Dist. Banka (Bihar)

OUR AUDITOR B.K. & Co., Jaisar Road, Deoghar (Jharkhand)

PROGRESS DURING THE YEAR

(I) SURVEY PROGRAM

This year the Governing Board of Gram Sathi resolved to work in such areas of Bihar and Jharkhand where population of SC and ST is dense and where these castes are living in a pitiable condition. With this view, new blocks in the districts of Sahebganj, Deoghar, Dumka and Pakur districts in Jharkhand and in Banka district in Bihar were identified where there have low literacy level and lack of facilities are found in the field of health, agriculture, irrigation and education. In view of improving the prevailing poor situation in these districts Gram Sathi has established its branch offices in Deoghar and Sahebganj districts in Jharkhand for the convenient extension and implementation of need based programs for the people of the area. In view of this, a primary survey was conducted in the 18 villages of these districts by the Gram Sathi.

(II) SHG DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

Due to backwardness of Bihar and Jharkhand states, women are always given secondary status here. The primary unit- family itself does not respect its female members. They are treated as a curse and a woman reproducing a girl child is looked down upon. Gram Sathi with the financial support of NABARD tried to break this hegemony by the socio-economic empowerment of the poor women through SHG process.

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SHG formation and nurturing has been the focused programme of Gram Sathi and is being carried out in Banka district in Bihar and in Deoghar district in Jharkhand with the support of NABARD. So far, 200 new women’s SHGs have been formed under the assistance of NABARD, Patna and 100 women’s SHGs under the assistance of NABARD, Ranchi.

In 2014-15, 185 SHGs have been formed by Gram Sathi. Under the program, the poor and marginalized women are encouraged to form saving groups, do group savings and internal lending to meet their different family as well as emergency needs. Regular capacity building support programs also helped in improving the capacities of the formed groups in management of group affairs, process of bank linkage, EDP, Problem solutions, literacy promotion and know how on different govt. schemes and programs for promotion of SHGs. Presently, efforts are being made by Gram Sathi for linkage of these SHGs with Banks.

(III) FORMATION OF Farmers’ CLUBS

While dedicating NABARD to the nation, on 5th November 1982, the then Hon'ble Prime Minister of India launched “Vikas Volunteer Vahini (VVV)” program to propagate the five principles of “Development through Credit”. The VVV program was revisited and renamed as Farmers’ Club Program (FCP) in 2005. Farmers’ Club is a grassroots level informal forum. Such Clubs are organized by rural branches of banks, NGOs and KVKs etc. with support and financial assistance from NABARD for mutual benefit of banks and the farmers.

The objective of the program is development through credit, technology transfer, awareness and capacity building. The emphasis of the program is on increasing the income of the farmers by increasing the production & productivity by adopting appropriate technology, good agricultural practices and proper use of credit and marketing skills. In 2014-15, Gram Sathi with the support and guidance of NABARD, Patna carried out this program in Katiyari, Siljori and Gouripur Panchayats of Katoria and Chandan blocks in Banka district in Bihar. NABARD has recognized 8 such farmers’ clubs in Katoria block and 7 clubs in Chandan block and has provided a package of Rs. 10,000/- per club per year for 3 years by making their knowledge improved on SRI & SWI technologies, vegetable cultivation and promotion of dairy and goatry practices.

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(IV) JOINT LIABILITY GROUPS (JLGs)

A Joint Liability Group (JLG) is an informal group comprising of 4-10 individuals coming together for the purpose of availing bank loan on individual basis or through group mechanism against mutual guarantee. Generally, the members of a JLG would engage in a similar type of economic activity in the agriculture and allied sector. The members would offer a joint undertaking to the bank that enables them to avail loans. JLG members are expected to provide support to each other in carrying out occupational and social activities.

In 2014-15, Gram Sathi promoted 200 JLGs in the 38 villages distributed within 04 Panchayats of 03 blocks in 3 district in Bihar & Jharkhand to empower the landless & small farmers and the merchants associated with small businesses. These JLGs are promoted by NABARD and by banks as well. This activity is rendering great relief and benefits to the poor and needy villagers in the ways by developing group effort, availability of easy micro-financing, encouragement through monetary benefit, availability of loans on lower rate of interest, relief from Mahajan system of loan conditions, relief from any security or mortgage for obtaining loans and sharing of knowledge and experiences etc. In coming years, we have the target of linking up 100 JLGs with bank loans for farm and off-farm activities.

(IV) RURAL HAAT CONSTRUCTION

In Jharkhand Rural Haat is the lifeline of the economic activities of the rural entrepreneurs, farmers, shop-keepers, vendors, small producers, SHG members for selling their goods and products for their livelihoods and the buyers to purchase their needful items in convenient manner. Almost all types of things are sold and bought in rural haat except the domestic animals. Such rural haat are held on some specific days of the week at almost all places within convenient distance.

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In view of needs of the villagers Gram Sathi with the assistance of NABARD, Ranchi constructed a Rural Haat in village Kusumdih in Mohanpur block of Deogarh district in Bihar and provided facilities of 04 sheds, 01 tube-well, 01 lavatory and 01 cycle stands for the convenient of the shop keepers and the people who frequently visit this Haat to purchase items for their daily needs. People of over 50-60 villages are now taking benefit of the Haat. Hence, this Haat is now fulfilling the needs of the villagers in a good manner and providing them a lifeline in their economic activities.

(V) HEALTH PROGRAM

Gram Sathi is sincere to ensure safer health of the poor people through regular information dissemination among them through organization of workshops, camps and training programs. In 2014-15, a training program was organized by Gram Sathi on Primary School in Tarabad village of Mohanpur block in Deoghar district in Jharkhand which successfully benefitted to 66 men and women of the village. Experienced resource person of the area Dr. Renu Bhatnagar and Smt. Reena Kumari attended the training program. In different sessions of the training, they provided detailed information on the symptoms and safety of HIV/ AIDS, necessity of blood tests, safe delivery and abortions practices. A tale-film was also shown during the program on the harms and socio-legal consequences of marriage before 18 years of age like malnutrition, improperly developed physique, looking old in tender ages, gripping in various physical inabilities and diseases and other evils. Suggestions and advices were also shown to overcome such situations by the resource persons. The participants also promised that they would not marry their children before prescribed age of marriage and will adopt the lessons learnt.

(VI) TASSAR DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

Under the pilot project of Mukhya Mantri Tassar (Silk) Vikas Project of the Bihar Government, “Resham (Silk) Vikas Samiti” of 25 farmers has been formed by Gram Sathi. The Samiti comprises 22 members, 1 Resham Mitra and 2 Seed Worm Rearers. Such Samitis have been formed in 10 villages of Katoria and Chandan blocks of Banka district in Bihar for the purpose of strengthening of livelihood

9 Gram Sathi Annual Report 2014-2015 among the farmers. Plantation of Arjun/Aasan trees for rearing silk worms has been raised on the barren lands of the farmers. In 2014-15, such plantation was done on the lands of 250 farmers. It is estimated that very soon the silk worms will produce silk cocoons which will provide big opportunity of silk production and marketing through which good prospects will open up in the area for farmers and youth in the blocks through silk business.

# GEF/UNDP/SGP/CEE Watershed Development Program:

As a long term solution to the shrinking fresh water sources and ever expanding soil salinity, Gram Sathi is working towards recharging surface and ground water and harvesting rainwater though watershed structures over a catchment area of 750 sq. km. in Katoria block in Banka district in Bihar. Gram Sathi has constructed/ enhanced 3 rainwater harvesting structures in 10 villages consisting of cement and earth dams, bunds and tanks. 2 of the watershed structures have been completed in 2014-15. Work is on-going in 3 of the watershed structures.

# Community Engagement: All the various community groups that have been established, including the watershed committee, women SHGs and far mers groups, are at differing levels, involved with the project development and progress and engage on a regular basis with the field staff. The watershed committee is involved in planning activities, monitoring on-going activities and recruiting labor.

As the work progresses and the results become visible, increasing numbers of people have shown their interest and participated in the work. They have started making request for construction of check dams, gully plugs and other earth works on their fields with support.

Summary of the Community Engagement Programs

Community Engagement Programs Activities Held

Women SHG Meeting (1 per village) Monthly

Farmers Meetings Monthly Watershed Team Meeting Monthly

Training of Watershed Team Monthly Training of Women SHGs Monthly Training of Farmers 2

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School Children Program 4

Educational Tour for Farmers 10

Project Achievements

 1 billion liter storage capacity has been created.  Assured fresh water availability in 2 villages for 1200 people and 500 animals.  Employment generated for BPL families. A total number of 500 days of work have been generated.  Improvements of livelihood achieved. Increased availability of water for agriculture and fodder and livestock.

Organization of Workshop: A workshop was also organized in Gandhua village in Mohanpur Block of Deoghar district on “Natural Resource Management” in which experienced people participated. During the workshop, it was stressed the need and importance of water with a view to raise the underground water level of the area. The resource persons drew attention of the people about the distortions made with the natural resources which has resulted in water imbalance and create scarcity of safe and pure drinking water and also increasing water pollution in several ways. It was also stressed in the workshop to conserve water sources and preventing wastage of water in various ways.

(VII) EDUCATION PROGRAM

‘Right to Education’ & Education for All’ is an important theme of working of Gram Sathi since long. In 2014-15 it also continued with same intensity. 4 workshops were organized in Upar Chakmarhia, Jaipur and Katiyari villages of Katoria block of Banka district in Bihar. in which guardians, teachers, PRI representatives, youth groups and villagers participated in good numbers. These workshops were addressed by social workers, teachers, villagers and members of Gram Sathi. There was an encouraging impact of the workshop and the number of children attending schools has increased considerably.

It is worthy of mention here that Middle School of Upar Chakmarhia village was lying closed for want of teachers. For this, contacts were made by the members of Gram Sathi with the representatives of education department, gram panchayats and local communities. After proper planning 5 teachers were selected for the school and it got restarted. Gram

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Sathi was given the responsibility to manage this school by the concerned authorities and local communities. At present, 729 children (462 boys and 267 girls) are studying in this school successfully.

(VII) AWARENESS GENERATION PROGRAM

According to us, a consumer is considered financial capable if he/she has: the necessary financial skills /literacy/numeracy; the confidence to use these skills; the propensity to put these skills/confidence into practice-i.e. adopt positive behaviors such as saving , actively switching/comparing prices ,managing debts etc In 2014-15, Gram Sathi conducted awareness campaign on “Financial Inclusion” through playing of Nukkad Natak (Street Plays) in 32 Gram Panchayats of Nala block of in Jharkhand.

OUTCOMES ACHIEVED

● Financial skills/literacy and numeracy of a target groups has improved. ● Recipients got right confidence to use the acquired skills. ● The attitudes of target group have positively changed; ● Culture of self -determination and financial self reliance has promoted.

(VIII) SEED PRODUCTION PROGRAM

About 48 per cent of India’s population is dependent on agriculture as the main source of livelihood, but the share of agriculture in total GVA in 2014–15 is 17.6 per cent (2011–12 prices) (Government of India, 2015). With small and marginal holdings constituting 85 per cent of the total holdings, one of the major challenges faced by the Indian economy lies in enhancing the viability of agriculture, the achievement of which could significantly improve the growth prospects of the economy. Unviability of agriculture has led to agrarian distress which, in turn, has added to the woes of farmers.1 Input levels have to be continuously increased to maintain the yield at the existing level. This poses a threat to the economic viability and sustainability of crop production. Therefore, the goal of long-term food

12 Gram Sathi Annual Report 2014-2015 security can be attained only if agriculture is made sustainable through reforms in agricultural policies and agronomic practices.

In 2014-15, Gram Sathi with the support of NABARD implemented Seed Production Program in Pathargama block in in Jharkhand. 01 villages namely Latalpakriya under the Pathargama block of Godda district were selected for the program. A total of 50 farmers were directly involved in the program. A total of 50 hectares of land were covered under the program that was benefitted through regular trainings and information dissemination on important aspects of seed production program like sowing and cultural practices, methods of seed procurement, seed storage and their management and about seed processing unit.

The efforts put under the program by Gram Sathi were highly beneficial for the participant farmers. Adoption of these practices will not only increase the production but also enhance the knowledge of the seed growers as well.

(IX) OTHER MISSCELLANEOUS activities

Important days like Independence Day, Republic Day, Ambedkar Jayanti, Gandhi & Shastri Jayanti, Loknayak Jai Prakash Jayanti, Literacy Day, World Population Day and International Women Day were celebrated during the year with good people participation and support. On these occasions, meetings and workshops, lecture sessions, community awareness programs, Shramdan, plantation activities, cultural programs and dance competitions were successfully organized.

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