Bhubaneswar: Over the last two decades, the eastern Indian State of Odisha has witnessed a sea change. From being listed among the underdeveloped States in India, Odisha has recorded decline in poverty over the years. This is not in numbers but also in the way people lead their lives and look into the future.
Besides, Odisha’s economy has witnessed an acceleration in terms of the gross state domestic product (GSDP), which has directly and indirectly reflected in poverty alleviation.
Below are the personal stories which provide a glimpse into how people experience their lives .
The process of collecting stories was extensive tour by the team of PHDMA, Odisha and based on interview, the agency understands the direct interventions of Odisha Government which have empowered the poor, made them self-reliant and fostered dignity.
BIJU PUCCA GHAR YOJANA
“We used to live with constant fear of snakes and insects getting into our Kutch houses. Today, there is a sense of security, after we have Pucca dwellings. We are immensely thankful to the State Government for the Biju Pucca Ghar Yojana (BPGY) scheme, which made this possible,” says Jayanti Sahoo, a happy beneficiary of the BPGY.
The Biju Pucca Ghar Yojana (BPGY) is one among several pro-poor programmes of the Odisha Government which is based on the philosophy that Housing is a fundamental human need, no less than food. Having a decent house is the basic requirement of every human being to lead a standard and healthy life. The Odisha Government is committed to provide Pucca Houses to all Rural households living in Kutcha houses. The programme – BPGY was launched in 2014 and over the last seven years, several lakh rural households have been benefitted with having a Pucca house of their own.
“Timely support by the Government can bring huge changes in the lives of poor people like me. It boosted my morale and gave me the confidence to lead a dignified life,” adds Pitambar Thapa, another beneficiary of BPGY scheme.
PANI PANCHAYATS
“20 years back, the maintenance and repair of our lift irrigation points were mostly unattended. But ever since we have had Pani Panchayats, there is a collective responsibility. We are doing our best to maintain the LI points and attend the repairs regularly,” says Pruthviraj Jal, President of Mother Teresa Pani Panchayat.
The pani panchayats of Odisha are farmer-led bodies engaged in water management and its equitable distribution at the local level. There are now more than 35,500 pani panchayats involved in getting irrigation water to the fields. Their main task is to ensure that not a single hectare of land under irrigation is ‘water-deprived or water-denied’. Launched almost two decades ago, the pani panchayat concept has evolved through experience and the demands of the farmers. Pani Panchayats create a feeling of unity and brotherhood among fellow farmers who take ownership of their land and irrigation potential rather than being dependent.
Special COVID-19 Assistance for Poor
“We used to look for work in nearby villages or far away in the districts bordering Andhra Pradesh. The lockdown triggered by COVID-19 made things worse, for us to support our families. During the first lockdown, for several months, it was hard to manage a square meal fo the family. It was tough time for people like me – everyday was a struggle for survival, looking around for work,” says Suresh Bakhya, a beneficiary of the COVID Special Incentive to the informal workforce.
He adds, “Odisha Government’s support with an additional incentive as a part of our daily wages is helping us lead a healthy life. We are able to utilise the incentive to purchase pulses, fish and vegetables. This helps to meet our nutritional requirement, which doctors have been advising to boost immunity.”
In the aftermath of COVID-19, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced a special package of more than Rs 1,500 crore for the poor. Out of this , fund was allocated for disbursement to lakhs of workers engaged under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act . The Chief Minister also directed the districts to create more man days and provide employment to the poor. This initiative by Odisha Government proved to be a major support for the poorest of the poor who lost their livelihood due to lockdown triggered by the pandemic.
Special COVID Assistance to Women Self-Help Groups
“During the COVID crisis, I realised how important it is to remain financially independent. Being a rural woman, financial independence provides a sense of pride as well as power to take decisions for self and the family. I realised that other problems can be solved if one attains financial independence,” Geeta Nimala of Pragati Farmers Producers Group says about Livelihood support of the Government.
Women Empowerment has always been on the top of the State Government’s agenda. During the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic, in July, 2021, the Odisha Government announced assistance for woman self-help groups (SHG) as part of a comprehensive COVID-19 package. In 2020, the State Government paid interest rebates for the SHGs which was enhanced to support the women of Odisha who have transformed Mission Shakti into a movement.
“Timely support by the Government can bring huge changes in the lives of poor people like me. It boosted my morale and gave me the confidence to lead a dignified life,” echoed a buoyant Saraswati Bal of Taradevi FPO, under Mission Shakti.
DUG WELLS
“There used to be a barren piece of land here. After construction of the Dug Well, we are able to cultivate different vegetables on the same land. We are extremely happy with the results and it gives immense satisfaction that I am able to take care of the farming myself,” says Swadhin Sahoo, a beneficiary of Dug-Well under MGNREGA.
The dug well helps rural households, small landholders and farmers to irrigate their own land. This not only improves cultivation, the wells also become source of clean drinking water. These units are very effective in areas which are prone to drought, and those where access to mainstream irrigation is difficult. The dug wells are a path breaking form of minor irrigation support which makes the landholders self-sufficient.
Odisha Government’s interventions for poverty reduction have been acknowledged globally. The schemes and programmes are backed by a strongly motivated workforce from top to the grassroots which ensures effective implementation, by bridging the last mile delivery gap.
Source: Poverty and Human Development Monitoring Agency (PHDMA), Odisha