CONTEXT
In the serene yet secluded village of Tetartoli, eight-year-old world is painted in shades of struggle andresilience.
Born with severe disabilities, she cannotwalk or speak, rendering her utterly dependent on herloving but overwhelmed parents.
With a father whoworks tirelessly as a farmer to support a family of six,their financial struggles seem
insurmountable.
CHALLENGES
The shadows of despair loomed large over her
family,who felt trapped in a cycle of poverty. Without adisability certificate, they could not access
thedisability pension that could provide much-neededsupport. Each day was a battle, not just for
survival butfor hope.
ACTION TAKEN
During a routine visit, KSRA’s compassionate
Panchayat Coordinator, Saraswati Devi, noticed her plight. With a heart full of empathy, she spoke
with the girl’s mother, painting a picture of hope through various social security schemes. It was
a pivotal moment—the spark that ignited a change. Saraswati learned of the missing disability
certificate and decided to take action. She guided the family through the daunting process of filling
out the application, providing reassurance and support every step of the way.
OUTCOMES
After persistent follow-ups with government officials, the moment of joy finally arrived:
the girl’s disability pension was approved! The family’s life transformed overnight. No
longer consumed by worry, The parents could now focus on her future. With newfound hope, she
enrolled in school, her laughter echoing through their home. The family is eternally grateful
to KSRA, knowing that they are no longer alone in their journey. Through the APF-LD project,
her family have
found not just financial support, but a community that believes in their dignity and potential.
BACKGROUND
Bakakera village, situated in the Mahugaon Panchayat, had been grappling with multiple challenges
due to the absence of regular Gram Sabha meetings. Villagers were largely unaware of their rights and
the government schemes available for their welfare, such as MGNREGA, ration and pension. The village also
lacked proper road facilities, making transportation extremely difficult, especially in emergencies.
This neglect left the community isolated, disconnected from vital resources, and unable to assert
their rights.
CHALLENGES
The main challenge in Bakakera village was the lack of awareness and access to government entitlements
due to irregular Gram Sabha meetings. Without this crucial platform for collective decision-making,
the villagers were not only uninformed about their rights but also unable to demand better
infrastructure or access essential services. The absence of a proper road further exacerbated their
difficulties, deepening their sense of isolation and disempowerment
INTERVENTION
In the initial phase of the program intervention e.g. Aug 2023, KSRA team discussed with gram sabha members and recognized the need to empower the community by bridging the gap between the villagers and their rights. Through numbers of learning and knowledge sharing meeting a sense of ownership developed among the community members. KSRA team Using the Rights-Based Approach, the intervention focused on:
Awareness and Capacity Building: KSRA initiated regular mobilization efforts, conducting awareness campaigns to educate villagers about their rights, entitlements and the importance of the Gram Sabha as a platform for asserting these rights.
Empowerment for Advocacy: The villagers were trained to understand how they could use the Gram Sabha to voice their concerns, demand access to government schemes, and advocate for better infrastructure.
Through continuous engagement, the villagers began to see the Gram Sabha not just as a meeting, but as a powerful tool for claiming their entitlements and driving community development.
OUTCOMES
The sustained mobilization efforts led to a significant transformation in Bakakera village:
Active Participation: A sense of ownership developed among the community members. Villagers started conducting regular Gram Sabha meetings, where they discussed their rights and planned collective actions.
Advocacy Success: Recognizing the critical need for infrastructure, the villagers filed a petition through the Panchayat for the construction of a PCC road. With persistent follow-up by the villagers and support from KSRA, the petition was approved by block officials.
Infrastructure Development: The construction of the PCC road was completed by March 2024, greatly improving transportation and connectivity in the village.
CONCLUSION
The transformation in Bakakera village is a compelling example of the power of a Rights-Based Approach to community development.
By empowering villagers to understand and assert their rights through the Gram Sabha, they not only gained access to essential
government services but also achieved a critical improvement in infrastructure. This case highlights the importance of community
mobilization and the role of local governance in ensuring that all citizens can exercise their rights and improve their
quality of life.
CONTEXT
In Badagai, a village once choked by heaps of garbage and overflowing drains, a heavy cloud of
despair hung over the community. Residents had grown accustomed to the squalor, their hearts resigned
to a reality of illness and neglect.
CHALLENGES
The community’s apathy stemmed from years of feeling powerless. They believed that change was impossible, living in a cycle of disease and
discontent.
ACTION TAKEN
Enter the KSRA team, armed with hope and determination. They arrived in Badagai, bringing with them not just knowledge, but a vision of what could be. Through engaging sessions, they ignited a fire within the villagers, educating them about hygiene and the dire consequences of their surroundings. Stories were shared, emotions stirred, and a sense of belonging fostered. The mobilizers inspired the community to envision a cleaner, healthier future.
OUTCOMES
The turning point came when the villagers, inspired and united, made a collective decision to reclaim their environment. Bi-weekly cleaning drives emerged from this shared resolve, and the village transformed before their eyes. No longer just a place of decay, Badagai became a symbol of hope and responsibility. The villagers now take pride in their surroundings, cultivating a culture of care and commitment. This transformation is a testament to their unity and the enduring spirit of community—their collective efforts have blossomed into a cleaner, healthier life for all.
CONTEXT
In the bustling neighborhood of Ali Nagar, Preeti (changed name), a young mother of two, felt the weight
of the world on her shoulders. Her daughters, aged two and six months, had never received
vaccinations, leaving them vulnerable. Preeti herself was pregnant and facing complications,
caught in a whirlwind of fear and uncertainty.
CHALLENGES
Preeti's reluctance to seek help stemmed from a deep-seated belief that she was undeserving of
support. Her daughters’ health and her own seemed like distant dreams, overshadowed by her
immediate struggles.
ACTION TAKEN
During a house visit, a compassionate KSRA Social Mobilizer saw through Preeti's hesitance. With genuine care, they engaged her in
conversation, understanding her fears and urging her to prioritize her family's health. The mobilizer's commitment didn't stop there;
they reached out to Sahiya Gulshan Ji at the nearest Anganwadi center, ensuring that Preeti would receive the necessary vaccinations
for her daughters.
OUTCOMES
Through persistent encouragement, Preeti finally found the courage to visit the Anganwadi center. That day marked a turning point.
Her daughters received their vaccinations, and Preeti received a new MCP card along with crucial health information. The mobilizer's
support empowered Preeti, reigniting her hope for a healthier future. She left the center with a renewed spirit, ready to embrace
her role as a mother and advocate for her family's health.