Suryamal is a beautiful village situated at a distance of 38 km from Mokhada Block. The total population of the village which also includes a PVTG – Katkari pada with 45 households and 197 villagers is 1024 approx. This is located amongst a hilly terrain and the community comprises of the Katkari and Mahadev Koli tribes. The village is also known for its traditional medicines and treatment for orthopaedic ailments.
As per the government employment for the villagers under the NREGA scheme is guaranteed for five years. The local people were unaware and due to political differences in the village even the elected representatives and the Gram Sevak did not feel the need to inform the villagers. The GPDP was not made properly and the only work undertaken was that of construction of the samaj mandir.
Team AROEHAN intervention
When team AROEHAN realised this, they called for a meeting of the Pada Samiti members of Suryamal and Katkari pada and provided information regarding the Employment schemes. A work plan was developed in the Gram Sabha with a budget and an official job application was delivered to the Rojgar Sevak. Post many meetings and frequent follow ups, duly filled in Form 4 of all the eligible beneficiaries was accepted. A muster of job work to be undertaken was also filed at the Panchayat Samiti. The results were seen in the form of the first work order for a farm pond and well in the village given to 51 female and 54 male beneficiaries, each earning wages of Rs1250/-. The second muster recorded work for 59 females and 54 males, collectively earning Rs124264/- as wages. The total wages earned by the villagers through the government scheme amounted to Rs302208/-. The villagers were happy and stated that they could refrain from migration if they got continuous employment within the village limits.
One step forward to reduce migration for betterment of standard of living including better health and education in the tribal villages!
There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning failure. – OLIVER SANDERO
