In collaboration with UGAM Private Ltd., AROEHAN held a public dialogue on employment guarantee and agriculture schemes at Gomghar Gram Panchayat of Mokhada Taluka in Palghar district. AROEHAN Governance activist Bhalchandra Salve introduced the programme and elaborated on the purpose of the public dialogue as a method for people to convey their queries and problems regarding employment schemes and their rights and entitlements for livelihood. A public dialogue goes beyond the standard awareness programmes and allows people to address their queries and struggles in the presence of key stakeholders of public institutions.

Over 118 labourers from various hamlets of Gomghar panchayat were present at the event. Labourers posed serious problems like not receiving wages for over one and a half year despite the remuneration payment being 15 days only. They spoke about pay difference for the same jobs, receiving Rs. 267 instead of Rs. 297 per day, labourers not receiving wages for over 5 musters, wages and scheme related remuneration being delayed for years.

While the MGNREGA Employment schemes guarantee 100 days of work within 15 days of applying for jobs, the labourers had to protest for several days to receive jobs and gained only 24 days of work. While the scheme specifies giving unemployment payment, that money never sees the light of the day, and they are only retorted with the promise of labour work indefinitely. Due to the bureaucratic system, the labourers who largely rely on daily wages are forced to migrate. They move to the closest suburban and urban industrial areas where they are deprived of basic facilities like healthcare, hygiene facilities, rations, and facilities for pregnant women and the education of children.

Many public representatives and government workers including Tehsil officer, Agriculture supervisor and assistant, Employment Officer, Deputy Sarpanch and Foresters were present at the event.

The government workers and stakeholders allayed the queries of the people and gave some preventive measures for delayed wages, including checking the Aadhar card linkage with bank accounts. Recently, the government started online attendance, which can be an issue in remote areas due to lack of network connectivity, no electricity and unavailability of resources. They also elaborated on new schemes focusing of implementation of orchard cultivation, farm ponds, flower cultivation, etc. They acknowledged the limitations of technology and government system due to which wages often get delayed. While difference in payment amount is a concern, they clarified the wages may differ due to the nature of work; for example, wages for excavation of soft soil, rocky soil, and muddy soil can be different. With regard to the delay in wages, they spoke about the funds being diverted towards already delayed payments for other wage workers, causing further delay for them. However, towards the end of the public dialogue, the list of labourers with delayed wages was collated, and the officers assured to resolve the issue would be resolved as a priority.

In 1996 the Parliament of India enacted Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996, also known as the PESA Act. The landmark act gives rightful powers to gram sabhas in Scheduled Areas. The key feature of this act is to give native residents of these areas the ability to govern themselves through reservations for tribal individuals in Panchayati raj institution, manage natural resources through Gram Sabhas, and ensure each tier of local government is independent.

Despite being a Schedule-V territory with a 100% tribal population, several tiny villages and hamlets in Mokhada do not have PESA status. The bureaucracy is apathetic, and the public is mainly oblivious. In 2014-15, the government launched a push to declare PESA communities, and several hamlets submitted documentation for registration. These submissions were ignored. By organising meetings and designating training motivators for every village, AROEHAN’s Pada Samitis increased awareness.

With our initiatives to make people aware of the PESA Act and ensure their active participation, we have facilitated the submission of proposals for declaration of PESA villages. With regular follow-ups with the Project Officer at the Integrated Tribal Development Project (I.T.D.P) Jawhar, the submissions were accepted and villages were self-decalred as PESA villages.

In the last five years, through various initiatives, AROEHAN successfully helped 30 villages to be declared as PESA villages. Earlier this year, AROEHAN conducted a month long campaign for PESA and Panchayati Raj awareness, engaging over 3,220 individuals from 80 villages in Mokhada, Jawhar, and Dahanu.

There is a common misconception that fallow lands, also called wasteland, cannot be restored or provide habitat for biodiversity and agriculture. Owing to the hilly structures of regions in Mokhada and Jawhar, fallow lands increased. The livelihood options for local tribes were reduced, forcing them to migrate. AROHENA works closely with farmers and in the past two years, AROEHAN has specifically focused on bringing fallow lands under cultivation, enhancing soil health, and conserving water through ASHA, a collaborative project with Siemens Ltd. 41 farmers from 3 gram panchayats were part of this initiative with a mission of turning 100 hectares of land arable.

The farmers mentioned that a large quantity of soil is washed away with water during rice and paddy cultivation in monsoons. To tackle torrential flow, water structures such as earth dams, rock-fill dams, contour bunds, and trenches were built on the slope in regions with minor streams before monsoons. The embankment structures were raised for the unused land from ages, making it permeable for paddy cultivation.

At the same time, furrows were dug in orchard cultivation zones, and the water stored through dams increased the water table, helping natives throughout the year. With the soil no longer being washed away, the farmers were able to continue with diverse agriculture practices and earning a decent amount of income, thus preventing migration. Enthused by the results they have demanded the Gram Rozgar Sevak to facilitate similar works under MGNREGA, a rural employment scheme, in collaboration with the Agriculture and Forest Department, helping more villages for both local employment and agriculture.

In association with the Taluka Department of Agriculture, AROEHAN conducted a Wild Vegetable Festival and Culinary Exhibition and Competition in Mokhada. 30 women from 9 Self-Help Groups (SHGs) participated in this event. The Chief Guests at the event were the Chairperson of the Panchayat Committee Mokhada Mr. Yuvrah Girandhale Saheb, Deputy Chairperson Mr. Pradeep Wagh, and members of the Agriculture Department. Along with AROEHAN’s activists, the students and locals from different villages also attended the event.

The SHGs fetched wild vegetables from the forest and cooked traditional recipes while displaying various vegetables on their stall. The winning group displayed over 48 recipes and 24 wild vegetables. The Mokhada Taluka Deputy Chairman, Mr Pradeep Wagh, offered insightful advice to the women’s self-help groups and encouraged them to keep selling them while the government is also working on providing a market for these vegetables. Not only are these vegetables a healthy part of the diet but they also serve medicinal purposes. Mr. Girandhale stressed the need for these vegetables in both rural and urban areas. While there is a community nutrition deficiency in rural areas, people in urban areas are also vulnerable due to the mass consumption of unhealthy foods. Both regions need to include wild vegetables in their regular diet and should take advantage of the availability of these vegetables within the country. Agriculture Officer Mr. Salunkhe guided SHGs about the production and marketing of wild vegetable-based foods and products.

At the end of the event, all participating groups were honoured and the winning groups were given cash prizes. Suhasini Bachat Gat and Panchsheela SHG from Shirasgaon won first and second prizes respectively and Gurukripa Mahila Bachat Gat from Ghatkarpada won the third prize. The other groups participating were Sauli Women’s SHG, Samarth Women SHG, Renuka Women’s SHG, Anusaya Women’s SHG from Gharkarpada, Mogra Women’s SHG from Sakharwadi, and Jaswandi Women’s SHG from Sonarwadi.

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), established as an autonomous body in 1929, celebrated its Foundation Day on July 16th, 2024. While agriculture is entering the technology revolution in India, there are various communities especially tribal farmers deprived of various needs for improved and allied livelihood practices. AROEHAN collaborates with farmers and different institutions to integrate farmers’ needs like spheres of crop production, orchard plantation, livestock management, and goat rearing, among other practices. On ICAR’s 96th Foundation Day, AROEHAN conducted a study tour for farmers of Jawhar to Krishi Vigyan Kendra in Kosbad Hill, Dahanu.

Senior Scientist Dr. Vilas Jadhav briefed farmers about Krish Vigyan Kendra (KVK) which is an integral part of the National Agriculture Research System (NARS) that aims at the assessment of location-specific technology modules in agriculture and allied enterprises, through technology assessment, refinement, and demonstrations. Subject Matter Agronomy Specialist Mr. Bharat Kushare talked about utilising modern technology for lower cost of rice production and gave information on nursery cultivation, tray rice, mattress steam, and modern machinery.

Mr. PV Wartha, Farm Manager at KVK, elaborated on techniques like the token method of paddy cultivation, Saguna Rice Technique, Derm Method, Benefits of mulching paper planting – which can help retain moisture in the soil, which reduces the need for irrigation. Mr Ashok Bhoir, PA of Soil Science, gave instructions about orchard plantation, and the farmers were also briefed about bee-keeping for honey production and poultry farming by Mr. Uttam Sahane- an entomology specialist.

KVKs have been functioning as a Knowledge and Resource Centre of agricultural technology supporting initiatives of the public, private, and voluntary sectors for improving the agricultural economy of the district and linking the NARS with the extension system and farmers. 35 Farmers from Nyhale and Borale Gram Panchayats of Jawhar benefitted from AROEHAN’s expedition to Kosbad’s KVK.

When we think of summer in childhood, we remember playing games, meeting friends, drinking refreshments, eating sour foods, listening to stories by elders, road trips and so on. Children in tribal areas do not always have luxury of vacation trips or summer camps during vacation. AROEHAN decided to bring summer fun to them through an initiative called Bal Anand Melava. 21 such camps were held from 15th April to 29th April, 2024 at Zilla Parishad Schools in Mokhada.

In Bal Melava, children were taught to make simple drinks on their own like lemon juice and Rasana. They made them and excitedly shared it with their friends. To ignite their creativity the participants were taught the art of origami and were guided through the process of creating intricate paper hats, boats, and planes. Old newspapers were used for these crafts and children were instructed to ensure zero waste to imbibe environmentally responsible behaviour. They were encouraged to perform local folklore and sing songs in front of their peers as a way to foster confidence. In an attempt to demonstrate the importance of sports in school, we organised a variety of enjoyable, classic activities to encourage physical activity and well-being.

While the study break is important, recreational activities during this period are just as valuable and crucial in poverty-stricken areas to prevent children from being pushed into child labour and domestic work, as they lose touch with their learning capacities. 96 students, between 1st to 7th Grade, were a part of this initiative. The Bal Melava were held in 21 Zilla Parishads in Swaminagar, Bhowadi, Adoshi, Saprewadi, Sadakwadi, Dudhgaon, Dhamanshet, Vasind, Behtwadi, Pendakwadi, Bramhangaon, Bedukpada, Thakurwadi, Amle, Ikharichapada, Bhawaniwadi, Sakharwadi, Dolhara, Shelampada, Kakdoshi and many other places.

Ragi (Nachni), also known as finger millets, are highly regarded as nutritious yield and incorporating millets in the diet could tackle malnutrition, and digestion issues, reduce the risk of heart diseases, and aid a myriad of occurring ailments. Finger millet crops are drought-resistant, tolerate adverse weather, and are a primary crop and a staple in hilly regions like Mokhada. While crops like rice and wheat have dominated the Indian market for decades, due to their nutritional value, finger millet and its products have gained a significant market value in recent years.

In light of the same, AROEHAN conducted Food Production & Processing workshops for Women’s
Self Help Groups in Mokhada. Food expert Ujwala Bhore and her colleagues from Jawhar Farm facilitated two workshops on March 13th and March 27th respectively. With on-ground demonstrations, they covered essential topics like manufacturing, packaging, and marketing. They gave elaborate information on the recipes while demonstrating how to make ragi-based chocolates, laddoos, and papads.

“Earlier we used to make papads only to eat at home, but now we will use this training to make
more such products through our self-help groups and earn profits by selling them,”
affirmed the participants.

The participants also made products like chocolate and ladoos on the spot, giving them practical
understanding as the facilitators encouraged them to ask questions. The women’s concerns were allayed after the training was over. The Nachni papad was kept in the sun to aid the cooking process. These papads were loved by everyone during lunchtime. 52 women from 6 villages participated in the first training and 39 women from other 4 villages in the second training. The main objectives of the training sessions were to make ragi-based products as well as gain an understanding of selling them in the market. This could be a game-changer for millet-based products to enter the mainstream market and provide delicious yet healthy snacks to consumers.

AROEHAN is creating public awareness about the silk industry and get government subsidies for farmers. In collaboration with the Silk Development Officer, a study tour was conducted for farmers at Pimpurna village in Dabhosa Gram Panchayat, Mokhada.

In honour of Savitribai Phule on her 127th death anniversary, AROEHAN organised a show of “Vhay, Mee Savitribai”, a one-act play written and directed by renowned theatre personality Sushama Deshpande. “Vhay, Mee Savitri…” presents the story of life and work of the 19th century social reformers Savitribai Phule and Jotirao Phule. Sushama Deshpande wrote this script 25 years ago. She has presented over 2500 shows as a solo-performance at several places in Maharashtra and elsewhere in India. The play is translated in 5-6 other Indian languages. Very recently its English version is also staged.

The show was organised on 10th March 2024 at Mokhada Ashram school.
The play was performed by the brilliant actresses Shilpa Sane and Shubhangi Bhujbal, who are famous popular actors on Marathi television channels. Savitribai Phule and Jotiba Phule are simultaneously played by the actors alongside other significant people in their journey of revolution. The play presents different phases of Savitribai’s life through monologues, actions, and descriptions. While the acting left the audience spellbound, the struggles of Savitri and Jotiba Phule depicted in the play left one speechless. From young Savitri enjoying her childhood to her marriage with Jotiba, the journey towards becoming the student herself and then becoming a pivotal part of women’s education, each act was gracefully carried by actors. Other people such as Sagunabai, Tatya Saheb Fatima Shaikh, Yashwantrao, Dnyanoba Sasane and many others who played a pivotal role in Savitri and Jotirao’s journey were also depicted in the play.
Jotiba Phule and Savitribai were among the first social reformers in pre-independent India who pioneered new paths and opportunities for the socially disadvantaged, including women, Dalit communities, widows and strived to abolish discrimination and unfair treatment of people based on caste and gender.
Ms. Sushma Deshpande accompanied the two young actors to Mokhada for this performance. Nandita Patkar, who performs the English version of the play was also present. After the performance, Sushama Deshpande interacted with the audience. She said that she has tried to make this play as accessible as possible to all and anyone can present this play without her prior permission as Savitribai belongs to all. She told the young girls of the Mokhada Ashram School that one 11 year old school girl from Nandurbar district presents the Pawari version. She asked the Mokhada audience to try and stage the play in the local Adivasi languages.

मोखाडा तालुक्यातील पोशेरा कातकरी वाडीतील 11 कातकरी मजुरांना पंढरपूर येथे ऊस तोडणीचे काम देतो असे सांगून उस्मानाबाद येथील सारंग नामक व्यक्तिने 50 हजार रुपयाचे आमिष दाखवून 4 कुटुंबातील 11 मजूर व 6 लहान बालकांना पिक अप गाडीत घालून कर्नाटक मधील तिसऱ्याच मालकाकडे विकले असल्याची माहिती आरोहनची कार्यकर्ती मंजुळाने मला काल दिली. मी तिच्याकडून मजुरांपैकी कोणाचा फोन नंबर मिळतो का याची माहिती घेतली. योगायोगाने एका मजुराचा नंबर मिळाला. त्याच्याकडून मी या प्रकरणाबाबत सविस्तर माहिती जाणून घेतली. तेव्हा त्याने सांगितले की, आम्हाला पंढरपूर येथे ऊसतोडणीचे काम देतो असे खोटे सांगून आम्हाला कर्नाटकच्या बेळगाव मधील एका अनोळखी मालकाच्या ताब्यात देण्यात आले. आमची फसवणूक झाली आहे. तो मालक आम्हाला पहाटे 3 वाजेपासून ते संध्याकाळी सहा वाजेपर्यंत जबरदस्तीने कामाला लावतो. जादा काम करण्यास नकार दिल्यास जीवे मारण्याची धमकी देतो. तेथून आम्हाला तो सोडतही नाही. आम्हाला शिवीगाळ करतो, उस्मानाबादच्या मालकास फोन केल्यास तो तुम्हाला तेथेच काम करावे लागेल असे सांगून मालकाला भडकवतो व आम्हाला धमकवतो. आमचे खाण्यापिण्याचे हाल होत आहेत. आम्हाला कोणताही आधार नसल्याने आम्ही सर्व दहशतीमध्ये असून खूप घाबरलो आहोत. तुमच्या फोनमुळे आम्हाला धीर आला आहे. त्याची ही हकीकत ऐकून मी त्याला आरोहन संस्थेच्या मार्फत लवकरच तुमची सुटका करण्याचा विश्वास दिला. त्याला खूप हायसे वाटले.

या प्रकरणाबाबत मी संस्थेचे सी.इ.ओ. अमित नारकर यांचे समवेत चर्चा केली, चर्चेतून ठरल्याप्रमाने आदिवासी विकास प्रकल्प अधिकारी जव्हार यांना सविस्तर पत्र लिहून भालचंद्र साळवे सह भेटायला गेलो. परंतु त्या कार्यालयात नसल्याने भेट होऊ शकली नाही, मग फोनवरून सांभाषण केले. प्रकरणाचे गंभीर्य ओळखून प्रकल्प अधिकाऱ्यांनी मोखाडा तहसीलदारांना तातडीने कार्यवाहीचे आदेश दिले, त्याप्रमाणे कालपासून त्या मजुरांना सोडविण्याचे प्रयत्न सुरु झाले. आज सकाळी महाराष्ट्र पोलीस मजुरांपर्यंत पोहचले. त्यांनी मजुरांची चौकशी करून त्यांना मूळ गावी येण्यासाठी गाडीची व्यवस्था केली. आज रात्री किंवा उद्या सकाळी हे मजूर आपल्या गावी परतातील. या गंभीर प्रकरणाची दखल जव्हारच्या आदिवासी विकास प्रकल्प अधिकारी श्रीम. आयुषी सिंह यांनी ज्या तात्परतेने व संवेदनशीलतेने घेतली त्याबद्दल त्यांचे अभिनंदन व आभार मानावे तेवढे थोडे आहे. सततच्या पाठपुराव्यामुळे 11 कातकरी मजुरांना वेठीतून मुक्त करण्यास यशस्वी झाल्याचे समाधान वाटते.

मात्र मोखाडा – जव्हार तालुक्यातील असाहाय व नडलेल्या कातकरी समाजाचे शोषण केव्हा थांबणार? हा प्रश्न मन सुन्न करतो.

प्रदीप खैरकर,आरोहन.