Activities of VHAS 2019-20

COMMUNITY HEALTH, WOMEN EMPOWERMENT & DEVELOPMENT

PAKA PROJECT 

  1. BACKGROUND OF THE PROJECT:

VHAS has implemented the IIMK-Belgium supported project named as PARAS THEZUM in the seven villages of West Pendam Gram Panchayat Unit from 2001-2009 and the overall impact of the project seems successful. After the successful implementation of PARAS THEZUM project in these villages of West Pendam area, VHAS shifted the focus to other area having similar kind of geographical and socio-economic background.

The new area is Budhang- Kameray Gram Panchayat Unit falls under Duga Block, where around six villages are covered during whole project period under community health and development project.

The baseline survey with regard to the Reproductive & Child Health care, Self Help Groups, Sanitary facilities and Livelihood were done to access the status of the villages which has helped in making the indicators accordingly and developing the proposal. While working on these two villages, program had been extended to Budang nearby Pachak and to Samkey nearby Kameray and finally to Sajong with similar activities.

The project is in withdrawal phase at present.

Majority of the population of these villages are dependent on agriculture and seasonal labour for their livelihood. The project area is situated above Rangpo, the gateway of Sikkim and is about 65 kms away from Gangtok, the capital town of the state and is under East District and shares its border with Central Pendam area at one side and with Darjeeling district of West Bengal state at other side.

VHAS is working in coordination with local organizations. The name of the local organizations are Jan Sewa Samiti from Pachak , Jeewan Jyoti Samaj from Kameray, Jan Chetna Pariwar from Sajong and Jan Uthan Samaj from Lower Pachak along with Sherpa Samiti from Upper Pachak . The involvement of these organizations is vital for the success of the project especially with regard to community mobilization part. Besides that, VHAS tried to build up their capacity by giving training on how to run an organization and also by involving them in the project so that after the withdrawal of the project they could sustain in their own and VHAS is also taking the initiative to bridge this gap between the government and the community with the help of community participation. The main Target Group of the project is Self Help Groups.

  1. COMPONENTS OF THE PROJECT FOR 2019-20:
  2. Reproductive & Child Health
  3. Women Empowerment & Development
  • Capacity Building
  1. Household Sanitation
  2. Support to SHGs
  3. Follow Up meetings
  • Coordination Meeting with Government & other Stakeholder.

 iii. Capacity Building:

  1. Awareness Generation on Importance of Health Insurance:

Awareness Generation program on Importance of Health Insurance has been organized at Sajong village on 11th November 2019. The venue of the program was Community Hall. It was the need based program demanded by the SHGs when proposal for 2019-20 was prepared with the input of stakeholders. Not even a single person or family who are in SHGs has the Health Insurance. As such, awareness has been given on the importance of Health Insurance. Mr. Sawan Rai, an authorised agent of Manipal Health Insurance, was present as a Resource Person. He highlighted about the importance and necessity of having Health Insurance and briefed the public about the scheme.

On that day itself, four families have decided to get insured and did the formalities. Other families have also shown the interest. They felt very happy and enlightened for such a program. The people from nearby village Bhurung also attended the program. This village is not included in project area but they also demand for such program in their locality, if possible. Project Coordinator shared that the basic requirement of the project is Self Help Group. It was also inform that if any SHGs are there they can come to Sajong and be the part of the program.

  1. Training to local SHGs on importance of records, legal status and how to work professionally and Sustainability of SHGs

This training was organized for the local SHGs from PAKA project villages at the Training Hall Sajong Community Hall on 14/12/2019 members of 6 different SHG from Budang, Upper Pachak, Kameray and Sajong villagers attended the program.  The resource person of the program was Mr. Sawan Rai from VHAS and Mr. Ashok Sharma, Program Officer from VHAS and Mr. C.D Rai, Fields Facilitator as in- house Resource person.

The Main Objectives of the Program:  Awareness on sustainability of SHG and role of SHGs in various fields such as Health awareness, livelihood, and formation of SHGs and actively participate in every scheme which has provided by concern department.

The training was initiated by welcome speech from Mr. Ashok Sharma (PO-VHAS) towards all the members of SHG who were present in the training. After then recapitulated the functioning of different SHGs in PAKA Project which was done in various part of Project areas.  After getting a thorough feedback from the SHG members he then gradually studied the registers of each SHG, he simultaneously enquired the member about the money that was being loaned and utilized. He asked them the purposes and suggested them to upgrade their fund utilization in various ways. It was also come to know that internal loan was being disbursed among the SHG members. The monetary support was utilized during the time of delivery, referred illness, to buy cows, goats, piglets and in funeral of the group etc. not only to upgrade their ways of living but to build a better future for the upcoming generation.

  1. Awareness on Sustainability of SHGs on 14th December 2019

The awareness program was started by welcome address, during the program it was observed that even though the monthly contribution was very less in amount which is just Rs. 30/- -Rs. 50/- but still the money collected and deposited in the bank is good amount.

The session on SHG record keeping and how to maintain files highlighted in the awareness programme which are as follows:

  • Book of Accounts, Such as case book, Ledger book, Journal book, Pass book
  • Maintain in Registers:- Monthly meeting minutes register, stock register, dispatch register, monthly fund collection register
  • Loan details must be kept in agreement and mention the rate of interest
  • Linkages to other agency for productive SHGs,
  • Process of marketing for SHGs
  • IGP importance and linkage of product
  • Local items also explore by SHGs
  • Cross leaning among the SHG from district to district
  • SHGs making good items will be choice
  • Topic of discussion was based on Integrated farming which constituted of Mixed farming, Poultry, Piggery, Dairy and Mushroom Cultivation
  • Loan was utilized in buying cows, piglets, delivery, referred illness etc. Some of the ladies who had skipped making SHG was also highly interested in making one. They requested if others and VHAS representatives could guide them.

The following topic has covered on 3rd Session on Health related by VHAS

  • Discussion on the Rotation system among the SHG
  • Reproductive child health care
  • Immunization coverage
  • Seasonal disease
  • Health Camp Discussion
  • Household Sanitary
  • Collaboration program with ICDS, Sub Center and ASHA in project areas
  • HIV AIDs
  • TB

The training was end with vote of thanks for their active participation and cooperation.

  1. SUPPORT TO SHGS

Awareness cum Free health camp:-

One day free Health Camps have been organized at Sajong Village. 1st Health camp was organized on 22nd December 2019. MPHW was assisted by Ms. Perimala Rai, ANM from VHAS, to conduct the camp successfully. A total of 91 people were screened comprising of children, adolescents, adults and elderly people. Blood Pressure of around 62 people was also measured by Ms. Samta Tamang & Ms. Munna Bhujal ANM from VHAS. Required medicines were also distributed to the needy patients free of cost. 65 people availed the benefits of free medicines but medicines for Hypertension and Diabetes were not included in the distributed medicine as it needs to be taken continuously.

The Main objectives of the health camp:-

  1. To give free health services to the people of Sajong village at their doorsteps
  2. To screen people for illness/ common diseases
  3. To aware the people for social issue in the PAKA Project.

Beside SHG member, geriatric people & school student from different Government Junior High School and Primary Schools student along with non teaching staffs was attended the Health Camp in PAKA project areas.

People who use alcohol and drugs a lot get sick more often and more severely than others. They are more likely to have:

  • Poor nutrition, which cause more sickness
  • Cancer and heart problem, liver, stomach, skin, lungs and urine system-including ones that cause permanent damage.
  • Brain damage or fits (seizures).
  • Memory loss-waking up not known what happened.
  • Mental health problems, such as seeing strange things or hearing voices (hallucination), being suspicious of others, having flashbacks, or feeling severe depression or anxiety.
  • Death from using too much at one time (overdose).

In addition, injuries or death from accidents happen more often to these people (and often to their families). This is because they make bad decisions or take unnecessary risks, or because they can lose control of their bodies while using alcohol and drugs, if they have unprotected sex, share needles used to inject drugs, or trade sex for drugs, they are at risk for hepatitis and sexually transmitted diseases. 70% of alcoholics admitted in the Society for Education, Action and Research in Community Health (SEARCH) dead diction centre have STDs. Drugs that are chewed: Chewing tobacco and betel nut often ruin a person’s teeth and gums, and cause sores in the mouth, cancer of the mouth and throat, and other harm throughout the body.

Adolescence is generally defined with reference to a period of years. Many of the development psychologists consider it a period between 13 and 18 years of age, while some of them put it between 10 and 19 and yet others extend it up to 24.but adolescence may not be seen only in association with the precise number of years, as its periodicity varies from person to person. It can start as early as at the age of 9 and as late as 14. Moreover, defining the age of adolescence varies from one socio-cultural setting to another. A young person attending school may be considered an adolescent in one place, while another person of the same age in another place may be married and considered an adult. Adolescence, therefore, may appropriately be defined as the period of physical, psychological and social maturation from childhood to adulthood, the period extending from puberty to the attainment of full reproductive maturity.

Health Camp was conducted by the medical team of VHAS Ms. Permila Rai and Ms. Munna Bhujel, ANM and Ms. Samta Tamang ANM, who conducted the camp successfully and screened 90 people comprising of children, adolescents, adults and elderly people. Blood Pressure and Random Blood Sugar Testing for 80 people were done. Required medicines were also distributed to the needy patients free of cost.  90 people availed the benefits of free medicines but medicines for Hypertension and Diabetes were not included in the distributed medicine as it needs to be taken continuously.

Common diseases identified during both Health Camps were:

  1. Hypertension in adults and elderly
  2. Hypotension
  3. Diabetes in adults and elderly
  4. Skin Problems in adults
  5. Dental problems
  6. Fever, Cold and Cough
  7. Diarrhoea
  8. Body Ache, Joint Pain, Insomnia and general weakness in geriatric people
  9. Upper Respiratory Infections
  10. Headache
  11. Tonsillitis
  12. Reduced Appetite
  13. Skin Diseases
  14. Social Issue
  15. Mental Health
  1. FOLLOW UP MEETINGS

Follow up meetings have been conducted from time to time at previous project areas. The objective was to understand the activities of SHGs. During follow up, it was learnt that SHG activities are still going on. Some old SHGs are functional and become defunct and few new SHGs have also come up.

  1. Follow up Meeting at Pachak and Kameray:

A follow up meeting was conducted at Pachak and Kameray on 2nd December 2019. The objective of the meeting was to follow up the status and activities of the SHGs. The Government of Sikkim has recently announced that SHGs will be strengthened by giving them the opportunity to stitch and supply the School Uniforms at Constituency level. In Sikkim, there is a provision of free school uniform to the students of all Government schools. As of now under this scheme, established suppliers used to get the opportunity of supply work but the newly formed government has plan for uplifting SHGs by giving them the opportunity of supplying school uniform.

The main discussion of the meeting was whether they are skilled to undertake such responsibility or not. The SHGs as whole have left tailoring after the training as there was no demand but few SHG family members continue with tailoring work. It was learnt that they have basic knowledge of tailoring and if given opportunity, they can improve their skill. They have been encouraged to keep on upgrading their skill.

  1. Coordination Meeting with Government & other Stakeholders:

a). Update Meeting with Panchayats: On 5th Dec. 2019, visit has been made to the Office of Budang-Kameray Gram Panchayat Unit to update the newly elected Panchayat members about PAKA Project activities. They have been congratulated for being elected as public representatives by offering traditional scarf by Mr. Ashok Sharma and VHAS Annual Report for 2018-19 have been handed over to them after briefing about project activities. Panchayat President also requested for conducting Awareness Program for SHGs on their role and responsibilities.

All the activities have been briefed to them and they were impressed with the program. He further assured to extend all possible help from his side whenever needed. He also asked for the list of Individual Household Sanitation Beneficiaries list to see that there would be no duplicity in the program as there is toilet scheme from in government scheme as well. He briefed that under this program they support Rs. 12000 for the construction of either new toilet or repairing of old and unusable toilets in the villages. PC assured to provide the list of beneficiaries from PAKA Project to the BDO. The meeting went well.

During the Update meeting with BDO, PRI & other stakeholder, VHAS has highlighted the health related program in PAKA Project areas such as:

  1. ANC/PNC Registration, status, community awareness program on various health schemes under IIMK
  2. Children total Immunization of the project Reproductive and Child Health
  3. Meeting was to address the local community issues
  4. Overall working in Budang Kamerey GP and key stakeholder has really motivated.

The feedback was given by Mr. Indra Brd. Chhetri (BDO) of Duga Block; he said that this kind of health related meeting will benefit all the community so in future they are hoping for more works in their area in related discussed topic. He gave thanks to VHAS and IIMK Belgium for supported PAKA Project.

Lastly the meeting was concluded with the vote of thanks by Mr. C.D Rai (Fields Facilitator)

IIMK Belgium of the project.

b). Update Meeting with Panchayats: On 13th Feb. 2020, visit has been made to the Office of the Block Development Officer (BDO) at Duga to update him about the project activities. Project coordinator briefed him about project activities and gave him Annual Report of VHAS for 2018-19.

iii. FOLLOW UP MEETING AT PACHAK

Follow up meeting with Area MLA on 23rd February 2020 at Pachak, the follow up meeting with concern areas MLA, School teacher, SHGs member from project areas and other key stakeholder of the project areas. The main objective of the meeting was update of PAKA Project, which is supported by IIMK Belgium and implementing by Voluntary Health Association of Sikkim. SHG take responsibility for handing taking program which will be conduct end of the march 2020 under PAKA Project, supported by IIMK Belgium.

The meeting focus on following topic:-

  1. Project Handing Over Ceremony: Project Handing over Ceremony is scheduled to inform all the stakeholders about the closing of the project and to handover the project to them so that it becomes sustainable after the withdrawal.
  2. Evaluation of the Project: During the last quarter of final year, project will be evaluated by individual Evaluator from External Agency, who does not have linkage with VHAS. This is to ensure the fair evaluation of the project and the report will be submitted to IIMK.

Hon’ ble area MLA Mr. N.B Khatiwara, has suggested the following point which is given below:

  • Time to time update & sharing will be finalized
  • Selection of beneficiaries must be on need based assessment
  • To promote the SHG and linkages with different bank and institute for income generation program
  • Appreciated the work of VHAS and was doing good role of the PAKA Project and types of activities must continuous for the people.
  1. Planning Meeting at Sajong (2020-21): On 6thMarch 2020, we had annual planning meeting for 2020-21 with SHG members in presence of Ward Panchayat Mr. Karma Gyurmey Bhutia at Sajong Community Hall. The programs for final year of the project have been discussed to be incorporated in final year plan and budget.
  1. ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES

A.Individual Economic Activity at Sajong: Piggery-2 piglets each to the beneficiaries (Total 20 piglets supported)

Sl. No. Name of Primary Beneficiaries SHG No. of piglets Pig shed Status Rotation Status Income
1. Tendup Bhutia Himalayan 2 Pig shed constructed under MGNREGA Govt. Scheme (100 days Work) Rotation due  

2. Karma Dubo Bhutia Do 2 Do Rotation completed 20,000/-
3. Jiwan Kumar Rai Do 2 Do 1 rotated, 1 due  

15,000/-

4. Bimal Rai Do 2 Do Rotation completed 23,000/-
5. Bijay Kumar Rai Do 2 Do Rotation due
6. Neena Kumari Rai Sheetal 2 Self Constructed Rotation due

 

7. Dilli kumara Rai Do 2 Self Constructed Rotation due
8. Shanta Kumari Rai Do 2 Pig shed constructed under Govt. Scheme (100 days Work Rotation due

 

9. Bishnu Kumari Rai Do 2 Do Rotation due
10. Gauri Maya Rai Do 2 Do Rotation due 22,000/-
Name of Rotation Beneficiaries
1. Chiden Bhutia Shanti 2

 

Self Constructed Rotation from Karma Dubo Bhutia
2.

 

Dawa Lhamu Tamang Samarpit 1 Pig shed constructed under Govt. Scheme (100 days Work Rotation from Jiwan Kumar Rai
3. Meena Tamang

 

Do 2 Do Rotation from Bimal Rai
4. Man Kumari Rai Do 2 Rotation from Shata Kumari Rai

B. Milching Cow Scheme- Group & Individual Economic Activity

Sl. No. Primary Beneficiary’s Name Name of SHG
1. 10 Members- 4 cow Divyajyoti
 

2.

Rotation Beneficiaries Name Shanti
Menuka Acharya
3. K.M. Acharya Do
4. Renuka Pradhan Do
5. Meena Acharya Do

6. STATUS OF SELF HELP GROUPS:

Sl.No. Name of SHG Total members Monthly Savings per member Name of Bank Account No. Total Amount as on 29.6.2018
1. Jan Kalyan, Kameray 10 50 AXIS, Rangpo 441010100060589 47,400/-
2. Surakcha, kameray 10 50 AXIS, Rangpo 441010100060561 49,000/-
3. Sangam, Kameray 6 50 Opening of account under process 17,000/-
4. Deepmala, kameray 10 50 Opening of account under process 15,500/-
5. Ajambari Mahila Samiti, Samkey 10 50 AXIS, Rangpo 33,509/-
6. Sanjivini, Pachak 10 60 AXIS, Rangpo

 

441010100035246 60,000/-

 

7. Sunakhari, Pachak 10 60 AXIS, Rangpo

 

912010014066985 68,000/-

 

8. Pratigya, Pachak 07 60 SBI Rangpo 33526300413 3,787/-
9. Khatiwara SHG, Budhang 7 50 AXIS, Rangpo 911010029398513 7,000/-
10. Budang Deorali 12 50 Central Bank of India, Rangpo 2149220014 19,000/-
11. Shital, Sajong 12 100 Indian Overseas Bank, Pendam 311201000003589 13,784/-
12. Divyajyoti, Sajong 10 210 Indian Overseas Bank, Pendam 31120100000013 10,000/-
13. Himalayan, Sajong 10 110 SBI, Rangpo 33077201625

 

18,000/-
14. Shanti, Sajong 09 100 Indian Overseas Bank, Pendam 311201000002806 19,922/-
15. Samarpit, Sajong 10 200 SBI, Rangpo 3275529622 98,169/-
16. Pragati, Sajong 10 100 SBI, Rangpo 33152680781 6,000/-
17. Ujjal, Sajong 11 100 SBI, Rangpo 2149221381 60,020/-
18. Munal, Sajong 10 100 SBI Rangpo 33072770335 10,800/-
19. Srijansil, Sajong 08 100 Indian Overseas Bank, Pendam 311201000002806 18,729/-
20. Surya, Sajong 10 100 Indian Overseas Bank, Pendam 311201000003058 11,316/-
21. Makhamali, Sajong 09 210 Indian Overseas Bank, Pendam 311201000003934 2,202/-

SOCIAL AUDIT IN MGNREGS (A)

  1. INTRODUCTION

The basic objective of social audit is to ensure public accountability in the implementation of Projects, laws and policies. Social Audit is an effective means for ensuring transparency, participation, consultation and accountability under MGNREGA. The process of Social Audit combines people’s participation and monitoring with the requirements of the audit discipline. Since the agency implementing the Scheme cannot itself audit the Scheme, therefore, it is necessary to promote people’s participation in the audit along with support provided by an independent social audit organization that facilitates the process. The Social Audit process is not a fault finding, but a fact finding process. The work of the Auditor is only to ‘investigate’ by cross-verifying facts and details in the records from the laborers and cross verifying works at site. The “Auditors” must not view themselves as “Prosecutors”.

Social Audit Unit needs to be establishes for the purpose of Social Audit by state government. State Level Vigilance Cell followed district level and Vigilance and Monitoring Committee (VMC) at village level needs to be strengthened for the purpose of strengthen transparency. Maintain of Proactive disclosure by gram Sabha, where all the details of works with bills, MR and Vouchers will be read out for the purpose of validation by Gram Sabha.

Section 17 of Act clearly stated that, (1) the ‘Gram Sabha shall monitor the execution of works within the Gram Social audit of Panchayat. (2) The Gram Sabha shall conduct regular social audit of all the projects under the Scheme taken up within the Gram Panchayat. (3) The Gram Panchayat shall make available all relevant documents including the Muster rolls, bills, vouchers, measurement books, copies of sanction orders and other connected books of account and papers to the Gram Sabha for the purpose of conducting the social audit.

  1. SOCIAL AUDIT UNIT SIKKIM

Rule 4 of Audit of Schemes Rules, 2011 stipulate that each state Government shall identified or established an independent organisation, Social Audit Unit (SAU) to facilitate conduct of the Social Audit of MGNREGS works.

Voluntary Health Association of Sikkim has been identified by the Rural Management & Development Department, Government of Sikkim as the independent organisation to function as the Social Audit Unit (SAU) for conducting Social Audits of MGNREGS works in the state of Sikkim as per office order No.1122/RM&DD, dated 14.12.2011.VHAS has been facilitating the Social Audit for East and North of over 5 years since 2008.Over this year SAU has under gone for long process in collaboration with Rural Management & Development Department, Government of Sikkim to set up Social Audit Unit in the State. Dr. B.B Rai, Executive Director, VHAS has been appointed as Director for Social Audit Unit as per the letter Ref.No.496/RM&DD/MGNREGA,Dated:04/12/2012.

  1. MODEL OF SOCIAL AUDIT IN SIKKIM

 Figure-I: Human Resource Position at SAU-Sikkim (SOCIAL AUDIT UNIT)

 Capture

Sikkim has developed two models of Social Audit process for MGNREGA, which in practice is called Intensive and Paired Model. In the Intensive model, all step wise activities would be held for the particular GP by the concern District Resource Institutions (DRI) at a time.  The DRI would complete one Gram Panchayat at a time. In Paired Model of MGNREGA- Social Audit process will remain the as intensive model and does not reduce the scope of the Social Audit and Complete the Social Audit in two GP at a time in order to save the resources.

3.1 Intensive Model:-

In the Intensive model, all step wise activities would be held for the particular GP by the concern District Resource Institutions (DRI) at a time.  The DRI would complete one Gram Panchayat at a time. This model would be followed in area where pairing of GP would not be possible due to geographical features, distance and accessibility. Intensive model would also be followed in area with higher number of works and job card holders where more Resource Persons would be required. The Intensive model would follow the follow step wise process.

3.2 Paired model:-

In Paired Model of MGNREGA- Social Audit process will remain the as intensive model and does not reduce the scope of the Audit. Using the Pairing model the logistic would be shared by the team and GP close to one another would be paired at a time. This would help the DRIs cover more area while reduce the unit cost. The kick off and Exit Conference meeting would be conducted on the combined day since the block and the officials remains the same for both the GP. Using paired model Social Audit in 80 GP are being conducted by four DRI in the current financial year. The step wise processes followed are as follows.

Details of Social Audit Covered through Intensive & Paired Model 2019-20

Sl. No District No. of Paired GPs No. of Intensive GPs Total  GPs
1 North 11 03 25
2 East 25 01 51
3 South 24 00 48
4 West 30 01 61
Total 90 05 185

4. SOCIAL AUDIT CYCLE/PROCESS  

Capture

4.1. Kick off Meeting

Kick Off meeting will be organised by District Programme Coordinator at District level before 30 days from the date of Social Audit. This is the platform where District Resource Institution (DRI) will present the required document which needs to be providing during Social Audit and simultaneously finalisation of the Social Audit calendar take place. Check list of documents also distributed by DRIs to the entire stakeholder. The programme needs to be present by the entire implementing agency.

4.2. Document Verification

Social Audit Team will verify all the documents at GPK for two days. During document verification social audit team will verified document like, Master Roll, bills, voucher, etc.

 4.3. Field visit and Door to Door interaction

Social Audit team will visit the field of completed work and ongoing work to verify the work status. On the other hand interaction with job card holder will also take place, where Social Audit team will cross checked the job card with bank passbook and feedback on the Schemes will be recorded.

4.4. Data Compilation

On compilation day Social Audit Team will compiled the data collected from document verification and field visit to present in Jan Sunwai/Gram Sabha.

 4.5. Jan Sunwai/Gram Sabha

Jan Sunwai/Gram Sabha will be organised by GP at convenient place for maximum participation of the job card holder. Jan Sunwai will be chaired by Zilla member and 30% of the active job card holder must be present to conduct the same. The day long programme will be attended by all implementing agency. All the quires raised by gram Sabha will be recorded by social audit team and explanation will be sought from implementation agency. All the bills voucher and Master Roll will be reading out in Gram Sabha for validation.

4.6. Exit Conference

Exit Conference will be organised by District Programme Coordinator (DPC) at district level. All the finding of Social Audit will be presented by DRIs once again and time line will be provided to submit the Action Taken Report to the officers. No Para which was raised during Social Audit will be drop in the exit conference.

  1. CONDUCTING SOCIAL AUDIT AFTER ESTABLISHMENT OF SAU

After establishment of the Social Audit Unit Sikkim and finalisation of the Sikkim Module of social audit, it was decided to conduct Social Audit in the state of Sikkim for the financial year 2013-14.Social Audit Unit Sikkim finalised Social Audit calendar for the financial year 2013-14.After the finalisation of the Annual calendar for Social Audit same has been circulated to District Programme Coordinator (DPC) and other implementing agency during Kick off meeting at District level which was organised by DPC.

Social Audit Started with conducting Kick off meeting at four districts of Sikkim before the actual start of Social Audit at Gram Panchayat. During kick off meeting Social Audit team circulated social audit calendar and clearly disseminated information about the process of social audit and required documents which social audit team will verify. With initiation of full flag Social Audit  in the state from financial year 2013-14 same has been continued for 2014-15, 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18, and 2018-19.Details as follows.

SOCIAL AUDIT CONDUCTED DURING 2013-14

Sl. No District Total No of GPs Number of GPs covered
1 East 50 24
2 West 55 26
3 South 47 22
4 North 24 18
Total 176 90

SOCIAL AUDIT CONDUCTED DURING 2014-15

Sl. No District Total No of GPs Number of GPs covered
1 East 50 26
2 West 55 29
3 South 47 25
4 North 24 12
Total 176 92


SOCIAL AUDIT CONDUCTED DURING 2015-16

Sl. No District Total No of GPs Number of GPs covered
1 East 50 50
2 West 55 55
3 South 47 47
4 North 24 24
Total 176 176

SOCIAL AUDIT CONDUCTED DURING 2016-17

Sl. No District Total No of GPs Number of GPs covered
1 East 50 50
2 West 55 55
3 South 47 47
4 North 24 24
Total 176 176

SOCIAL AUDIT CONDUCTED DURING 2017-18

Sl. No District Total No of GPs Number of GPs covered
1 East 50 50
2 West 55 55
3 South 47 47
4 North 24 24
Total 176 176

SOCIAL AUDIT CONDUCTED DURING 2018-19

Sl. No District Total No of GPs Number of GPs covered
1 East 51 51
2 West 61 61
3 South 48 48
4 North 25 25
Total 185 185
  1. POST SOCIAL AUDIT

6.1. Submission of Action Taken Report (ATR)

District Programme Coordinator (DPC) organised Exit conference at District level and one month time line will be provided to the officers for submission of ATR. After receiving ATR from Block Level, DPC submits the same to the office of the SAU for further action.

6.1. Reports & Monthly Progress Report (MPR)

Social Audit Unit, Sikkim submits final Reports to RM&DD, C&AG Office, District, Block and Gram Panchayat. On monthly basis Social Audit Unit will prepared the Monthly Progress Report (MPR) of all the Action Taken Report received from District and submit to RM&DD and copy of the same is also send to C&AG office. In MPR issues raised are categorically compiled as summary for state, Block and followed by Gram Panchayat level.

6.3. Dropping of Social Audit Para

Resource Person from Social Audit Unit, visiting Gram Panchayat shall readout the para raised in previous Social Audit and dropped the same it finds satisfactory, if Gram sabha finds it unsatisfactory, the same will be remain open for further appropriate action.

  1. INFORMATION EDUCATION & COMMUNICATION (IEC) ON SOCIAL AUDIT

To aware the implementing agency about their responsibility on social audit and importance of participation in public hearing SAU-Sikkim had initiated IEC activity. Initiative was taken from the preparation of MGNREHA Social Audit song, Social Audit Hand Book and Poster on roles and responsibilities of workers and Panchayats to make them aware leading to social audit vibrant at village level.

  1. SOCIAL AUDIT HAND BOOK, 3rd EDITION

To make the concept clear on  social audit modle of sikkim,Social Audit hand book has been published in the year 2013.After getting experiences and making improvements in strengthing the social audit in the states of sikkim same has been incorporated in Social Audit handbook subsequently.In the year 2015, 3rd edition of Social Audit Handbook has been publish with the help of MGNREGA Cell, Rural Management & Development Department,Government of Sikkim.

  1. REPLICATION OF SIKKIM MODEL OF SOCIAL AUDIT BY OTHER STATES

Sikkim is one of the first states in the country to initiate Kick off meeting in the process of conduct of Social Audit, which is before one month of start of actual Social Audit in the field and Exit conference after the completion of Social Audit at District level. The Kick off meeting and exit conference steps has also been replicated by other states in the country.

Sikkim Model of Social Audit has earned name at the national level. Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) had praised the implementation of Social Audit in the states of Sikkim. Different States had visited Sikkim to experience Social Audit and same has been shared at different occasions at national level.

Dr. B. B. Rai, Director, SAU-Sikkim was send to Bhutan as a part of delegation from India as Social Audit Trainer, which has added fame for the state of Sikkim.

Delegation from Nepal had an exposure visit to witness Sikkim Model of Social Audit process in 2016. A flip of state visited Sikkim to learn Sikkim Model of social audit process and experience sharing done at different level as follows;

  • Mumbai, 21st Sept, 2013 in TISS National Workshop, by Dr. B.B Rai, Diractor, SAU Sikkim
  • Bhutan 3rd – 9th Sept, 2014 as part of Indian delegation by Dr. B. B Rai, Diractor, SAU Sikkim
  • Social Audit Team of Himachal Pradesh experience Sikkim social audit process from 23rd to 28th February 2014 by SAU, Sikkim
  • Guwahati-Assam,06th to 12 April 2015 to Facilitate Training for NE States by SAU Team
  • Social Audit team of Assam got experience of Sikkim model of Social Audit process at Sikkim, 15th to 25th May 2015 by SAU, Sikkim
  • Hyderabad 2nd -06th November 2015 at NIRD by SAU Team
  • Team from Nepal Attended Social Audit Jan Sunwai at Niya Mazing GP under Yangang Block on 18/05/2016
  • Team from Himachal Pradesh including Director-HPSAU visited Sikkim to experience the Sikkim Model of Social Audit Process from 04/12/2017 to 09/12/2017.
  1. AWARDS AND ACCOLADE
  • Voluntary Health Association of Sikkim was conferred with “Rozgar Jagrookta Puraskar” in 2011 by Ministry of Rural Development, GoI on Conduct of effective Social Audit in MGNREGA in the state of Sikkim
  • Sikkim state was conferred with “Transparency and accountability” award by Ministry of Rural Development on maintaining transparency through conduct of Social Audit for financial year 2015-16, 2016-17 & 2018-19.

Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Assisted Sikkim Bio-diversity Conservation and Forest Management Project (SBFP)

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) assisted Sikkim Bio-diversity Conservation & Forest Management Project (SBFP) is approved for implementation from 2010-11 with a financial outlay of Rs.330.57 crores. The implementing agency of this project is Department of Forest & Environment, Government of Sikkim.  The project has covered all the four districts of Sikkim.

PROJECT OBJECTIVE

The project has the goal of improving the management of natural resources and alleviating the rural poverty. In order to achieve these goals, the project has the following objectives:

To strengthen biodiversity conservation activities and forest management capacity, and to improve livelihood for the local people who are dependent on forest by promoting sustainable biodiversity conservation, afforestation and income generation activities including eco-tourism for the community development, thereby contributing environment conservation and harmonized socio-economic development of Sikkim.

To achieve this project objectives, it is provided in the project to take the support of NGO as a district level facilitating Organization, so that again the same 3 NGOs selected for the four districts of Sikkim namely Voluntary Health Association of Sikkim (VHAS) for the East Sikkim, Kanchandzonga Conservation Committee (KCC) for the West & South Sikkim and Eco-Tourism & Conservation Society of Sikkim (ECOSS) for the North district.

The following activities have been proposed in the Project.

  • Afforestation
  • Protected Area Management & Biodiversity Conservation
  • Income Generation Activities for poverty alleviation
  • Supporting Activities for Forest Management (Research and Training, Monitoring and Evaluation and Enhancement of Geographic Information System (GIS) and Management Information System (MIS).

The project area covering 26 Forest Ranges spread over nine Divisions (four Territorial Forest Divisions, four Wildlife Divisions and one KNP Divisions).These nine Divisions are located throughout the state of Sikkim.

Details of Community Organizers (COs)

The details of Community Organizers along with their place of posting are given below as follows:

SR. RANGE NAME OF COMMUNITY ORGANIZER (CO) Contact No:
1. Singtam Territorial Mrs. Chumkey Dem Bhutia 7679002209
2. Ranipool Territorial Mrs. Shanti Chettri 6295980744
3. Pakyong Territorial Ms. Dawa Kipa Lepcha 8167742202
4. Gangtok Territorial Ms. Keshang Ongmu Lepcha 7908216800
5. Rongli Territorial Mr. Siyon Subba 9382162562
6. Fambonglho Wildlife Sanctuary Ms. Yeshey Ongmu Ethenpa 7550859958
7. Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary Mr. Dinesh Sharma 7872883148
8. Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary Mrs. Yogita Chettri 9609026755
9. Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary Ms. Tara Rai 9832076293

Details of JFMCs & EDCs adopted under JICA Assisted SBFP (East-T &WL Division)

Since the initiation of the JICA Assisted SBFP in the Sikkim State, altogether 42 Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMCs) and Eco-Development Committees (EDCs) has been selected and adopted under JICA Assisted SBFP in East Division (Territorial & Wildlife) under four batches (IIVs, SEVs-I, SEVs-II & SEVs-III). Out of which 2 JFMCs (Aritar JFMC & Taaza JFMC) has been abolished after 3R exercise.

Batch wise list of JFMCs & EDCs is shown below in Table-1.1 & 1.2

Table-2.1

LIST OF JFMCs ADOPTED UNDER JICA ASSISTED SBFP-EAST TERRITORIAL DIVISION
BATCH RANGE JFMCs
 

IIVs

Singtam Territorial Sirwani-Chisopani
Ranipool Territorial Tumlabong
Rongli Territorial Sudunglakha-Kopchey-Mukulay
Aritar1
Pakyong Territorial East Pendam
 

 

SEVs-I

Singtam Territorial Central Pendam
Phegyong Zingla
Ranipool Territorial Assam-Gairigoan
Rongli Territorial Lamaten
Pakyong Territorial Taaza1
Pakyong-Karthok
Phadamchen Territorial Lingtam
 

SEVs-II

Gangtok Territorial Syari-Kobibari
Navey Shotak Rateychu
Barapathing Territorial Parakha
Rongli Territorial Rongli-Chujachen
 

 

 

SEVs-III

Gangtok Territorial Lingdok
Rongli Territorial Rolep
Ranipool Territorial Changey Senti
Singtam Territorial Lower Martam
Bordang-Singleybong
Pakyong Territorial Pachey Phirphirey
Linkey Thekabong

Table-1.2

LIST OF EDCs ADOPTED UNDER JICA ASSISTED SBFP-EAST WILDLIFE DIVISION
BATCH RANGE EDCs
 

 

 

IIVs

Fambonglho Wildlife Sanctuary Tumin
Ranka
Sang
Luing-Perbing2
Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary Tsangu
Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary Phadamchen
Dalapchand
SEVs-I Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary Kyongnosla
Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary Singaney-Bas
South Regu
SEVs-II Fambonglho Wildlife Sanctuary Lingdok-Pangthang
Rumtek
Rakdong-Tintek
Samdong
Simik-Lingzey
SEVs-III Fambonglho Wildlife Sanctuary Nazitam-Lingtam
Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary North Regu
Gnathang
Kupup

2 Luing Perbing JFMC (Gangtok Territorial Range) was reorganized as Luing Perbing EDC (Fambonglho Wildlife Sanctuary) after 3R exercise.

ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT IN THE FINANCIAL YEAR: 2019-20

In the financial year: 2019-20, District Facilitating NGO: Voluntary Health Association of Sikkim (VHAS) along with Community Organizers (COs) and forest official conducted series of meeting at the grassroots level to strengthen the documentation and functioning of Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMCs) and Eco-development Committees (EDCs) under East Division. Beside this, VHAS along with COs also involved in the review micro-planning exercise and annual general meeting of JFMCs/EDCs. The detail of activities is highlights below as:

REVIEW MICRO-PLANNING EXERCISE

 In the financial year: 2019-20, Community Organizers (COs)  along with forest official, representative from VHAS (NGO) and member of JFMCs and EDCs facilitated  review micro planning exercise in  JFMCs and EDCs.

Objective of Review Micro-planning Exercise

The main objective of the review micro-plan exercise was to review the activities of JFMCs/EDCs and to discuss on possibilities of convergence of JFMCs/EDCs activities with different line different. Other important aspect of Micro planning was to seek people’s participation in forest conservation and related activities including implementation of IGAs through SHGs through the joint effort of the Forest Department and the JFMCs/EDCs.

METHODOLOGY OF REVIEW MICRO-PLAN PREPARATION

The micro plan has been formulated using a participatory approach with the help of the Community Organizers (COs), concerned Range Office staff, district level facilitating NGO and the JFMCs/EDCs members. The major components in the review micro plan development process include the following:

  1. The brief background of Sikkim Biodiversity Conservation and Forest Management Project (SBFP) was shared on a chart paper by Assistant Program Coordinator (APO)-cum-Coordinator (VHAS) along with the objective of the micro-plan exercise.
  2. Primary information collection: The information on the socio – economic status, demography, land holding and village profile was collected from the office of the Village Administrative Centre (VAC) ASHA, ICDS and various other sources. The information related to forest, environment and conservation were collected from the Range office and members of JFMCs/EDCs.
  3. The information collected was shared with the JFMCs/EDCs members of the village during the consultation. Further the issues on livelihood, forest development activities and community perspective development plan were discussed in the meeting with the JFMCs/EDCs members.
  4. The review micro-plan exercise was conducted with the community in general meeting by the Assistant Program Coordinator (APO)-cum-Coordinator (VHAS), Community Organizers (COs), Range Officer and Forest Guards from the RSU.
  5. PRA tools like the village resource map, seasonal calendar, historical trend etc. were prepared with the participation of Executive Committee Members of JFMCs/EDCs, Range Officer, General Members, Forest Guard and others.
  6. Wish list for micro-planning activities was prepared.
  7. Feasibility analysis was done for various activities considering economic viability, social acceptability, ecological soundness and technical feasibility for each item on the wish list.
  8. Based on available budget local human and natural resources, final list of activities were prepared.
  9. Representative from different line department was involved in the process and discussed on the possibilities of convergence of JFMCs/EDCs activities.
  10. Human-Wildlife conflict in the respective JFMCs/EDCs was also discussed.
  11. Status of forest area being protected by respective JFMCs/EDCs was also discussed.

Annual General Activities (AGM)

Community Organizers was involved in the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of JFMCs/EDCs. In the Annual General Meeting, activities undertaken by JFMCs/EDCs were discussed and role and responsibilities of Executive Committee was also stressed by Community Organizer. Community Organizers also highlights the importance of record keeping to Self Help Groups during the AGM.

National Workshop on Man Animal Conflicts

On 14th & 15th November 2019, Executive Committee of JFMCs, EDCs, member of SHGs and Community Organizers participated in the National Workshop on Man Animal Conflicts at Chintan Bhawan, Gangtok.

Visit of JICA Team at Lingdok JFMC

On 15 November 2019, Chief Representative (JICA) and Program Specialist (JICA) along with forest department officials visited Lingdok JFMC under Gangtok Territorial Range and interacted with Executive Committee and General Members of JFMCs/EDCs, Self Help Groups (SHGs) members and Community Organizer and verified the book keeping and documentation of JFMCs and SHGs.

Income Generation Activities (IGAs)

JFMCs and EDCs provide a loan amounting Rs.60, 000/- at minimal interest rate to 109 Self Help Groups (SHGs) under JICA assisted SBFP for Income Generation Activities (IGAs) as on date: 31.03.2019. Vegetable cultivation, poultry farming, piggery farming, goat farming, mushroom cultivation, ginger cultivation, broom binding, cardamom nursery/cultivation and business (canteen/shop) are the selected activities under IGAs.

Rs. 48, 00,000/- was disbursed as IGA loan to SHGs under East Territorial Division, out of which repayment of Rs.32, 45,000/- was made by respective SHGs as on date: 31.03.2020 (Table-1.3).

Rs. 30,00,000/- was disbursed as IGA loan to SHGs under East Wildlife Division, out of which repayment of Rs.21,36,200/- was made by respective SHGs as on date: 31.03.2020 (Table-1.4).

Table-1.3

DETAILS OF SHGs UNDER EAST TERRITORIAL DIVISION AS ON DATE: 31ST MARCH 2020

Division Range JFMC Name of SHG IGA Cycle Loan amount Repayment
East Territorial Gangtok Territorial Syari Kobibari JFMC Gurash Poultry farming 1 60,000 60,000
Lotus Goat farming 1 60,000 60,000
SUNS Poultry farming & piggery farming 2 1,20,000 1,20,000
Jagriti Piggery farming 1 60,000
Makhmali Poultry farming 1 60,000
Lingdok JFMC Ekta Dairy farming 1 60,000 30,000
Mahima Poultry farming 1 60,000 30,000
Rising Sun Poultry farming 1 60,000
Singtam Territorial Sirwani Chisopani JFMC Kalyan Jyoti Poultry farming 2 1,20,000 1,20,000
Ama Milan Broom binding and pickle making 2 1,20,000 1,20,000
Ekta Poultry farming 2 1,20,000 1,20,000
Central Pendam JFMC Makhmali Ginger and Dalley chilli cultivation 1 60,000 60,000
Progressive Ginger and Dalley chilli cultivation 1 60,000 60,000
Triveni Goat farming 2 1,20,000 1,20,000
Blue Sky Tea Packaging 1 60,000
Nilkamal Vegetable Cultivation 1 60,000
Bordang Singleybong JFMC Surya Poultry farming 1 60,000 45,000
Kanchan Poultry farming 1 60,000 45,000
Sanskriti Vegetable shop 1 60,000 45,000
Lower Martam JFMC Ujjwal Broom binding & vegetable cultivation 1 60,000 60,000
Rising Women Phenyl making 1 60,000 60,000
Bless Pickle making 1 60,000 60,000
Ranipool Territorial Tumlabong JFMC Makhmali Neutrela pickle making 1 60,000 60,000
Prakriti Poultry farming 1 60,000 60,000
Bless Poultry farming 1 60,000
Assam Gairigoan JFMC Keshari Vegetable cultivation 2 1,20,000 1,20,000
Mitok Pema Vegetable cultivation 2 1,20,000 1,20,000
Sayapatri Vegetable cultivation 1 60,000 60,000
Surya Jyoti Piggery farming 1 60,000 60,000
Changey Senti JFMC Unity Fastfood 1 60,000 30,000
Haryali Business 1 60,000
Jyoti Mahihari 1 60,000 30,000
Pakyong Territorial East Pendam JFMC Triveni Goat farming 2 1,50,000 1,50,000
Akash Ganga Poultry farming 2 1,50,000 1,50,000
Lily Vegetable farming 1 60,000 60,000
Jhandi Dara Vegetable farming 1 60,000 60,000
Sunakhari Vegetable farming 1 60,000 60,000
Pakyong Karthok JFMC Ranichaap Vegetable cultivation 1 60,000 60,000
Anmol Vegetable cultivation 1 60,000 60,000
Jyoti Vegetable cultivation 1 60,000 60,000
Umang Vegetable cultivation 1 60,000 60,000
Laligurash Vegetable cultivation 1 60,000 60,000
Anmol Vegetable cultivation 1 60,000 60,000
Pragiti Vegetable cultivation 1 60,000
Himalayan Vegetable cultivation 1 60,000
Prayas Vegetable cultivation 1 60,000
Linkey Thekabong JFMC Yargay Mushroom cultivation 1 60,000
Noap Jyoti Ginger cultivation 1 60,000
Suracha Vegetable cultivation 1 60,000
Pachey Phirphirey JFMC Marygold Vegetable cultivation 1 60,000
Evergreen Vegetable cultivation 1 60,000
Sayapatri Business 1 60,000
Barapathing Territorial Parakha JFMC Kalyan Vegetable cultivation 1 60,000 60,000
Gadavari Ginger cultivation 1 60,000 60,000
Rongli Territorial Sudunglakha Kopchey Mukulay JFMC Darpan Dairy farming 1 60,000
Lotus Vegetable cultivation 1 60,000
Pragati Dairy farming 1 60,000
Lamaten JFMC Sayapatri Cardamom nursery 2 1,20,000 1,20,000
Laligurash Cardamom nursery 2 1,20,000 1,20,000
Lily Poultry farming 1 60,000
Rongli Chujachen JFMC Kalyan Dairy farming 1 60,000 20,000
Aago Cloth business 1 60,000
Angel Poultry farming 1 60,000
  Rolep JFMC Cheli Jagran Piggery farming 1 60,000 30,000
Namuna Business shop 1 60,000 30,000
Phadamchen Territorial Lingtam JFMC Makhmali Poultry farming 1 60,000 60,000
Sayapatri Mushroom cultivation 1 60,000 60,000
Laligurash Poultry farming 1 60,000 30,000
Sunstar Vegetable cultivation 1 60,000 30,000
Sangam Mushroom cultivation 1 60,000 30,000
TOTAL (Rs.) 48,00,000/- 32.45,000/-

Chart-1A 

STATUS OF LOAN DISBURSEMENT & REPAYMENT MADE BY SHGs UNDER EAST TERRITORIAL DIVISION AS ON DATE: 31.03.2020

table

Table-1.4

DETAILS OF SHGs UNDER EAST WILDLIFE DIVISION AS ON DATE: 31st MARCH 2020

Division Range EDC Name of SHG IGA Cycle Loan amount Repayment
East Wildlife Fambonglho Wildlife Sanctuary Tumin Aashirwad Goat farming 1 60,000 60,000
Jyoti Cardamom nursery & Goat farming 3 1,80,000 1,20,000
Tendong Chu Vegetable cultivation 1 60,000 60,000
Ranka Pragati Ginger cultivation 1 60,000 60,000
Suryamukhey Broom binding 1 60,000 60,000
Simick Linzey Yargay Cardamom cultivation 2 1,20,000 60,000
Rose Vegetable cultivation 2 1,20,000 60,000
Prativa Vegetable cultivation 2 1,20,000 90,000
Samdong Kambal Sidhivinayak Cardamom nursery & fishery 2 1,20,000 90,000
Nari Kalyan Vegetable cultivation 1 60,000 60,000
Sunakhari Vegetable cultivation 2 1,20,000 60,000
Rakdong Tintek Pratigya Vegetable cultivation 1 60,000 60,000
Konchell All Cardamom nursery 1 60,000 60,000
Reebum Cardamom nursery 1 60,000 60,000
Rumtek Khangri Vegetable cultivation 1 60,000 60,000
Makhim Yargay Pickle making 1 60,000 60,000
Lingdok Pangthang Bijay Cardamom cultivation 1 60,000 60,000
Teenjurey Cardamom cultivation 1 60,000 60,000
Rising Sun Vegetable cultivation 1 60,000 60,000
Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary Phadamchen Jan Kalyan Sunakhari Poultry farming 2 1,20,000 60,000
Mahila Kiran Sanstha Canteen (Fast Food) 1 60,000 60,000
Rising Sun Poultry farming 2 1,20,000 60,000
Hiamalayan Business (Fastfood) 1 60,000
Dalapchand Surakcha Mushroom cultivation 1 60,000 60,000
Shanti Ekta Doll hanging & cushion making 2 1,20,000 1,20,000
Sheetal Cardamom nursery 2 1,20,000 1,20,000
Mangkhim Vegetable cultivation 1 60,000 60,000
South Regu Hiamlai Sangh Cardamom cultivation 1 60,000 30000
Premula Cardamom cultivation 1 60,000 30000
Jyoti Cardamom cultivation 1 60,000 30000
North Regu Smriti Cardamom cultivation 1 60,000
Makhmali Cloth business 1 60,000
Prakitik Cloth business 1 60,000 6,200
Gnathang Silk Route Business 1 60,000 30,000
House of cloud Business 1 60,000 30,000
Kupup Himalayan Canteen 1 60,000 30,000
Khanchenjunga Canteen 1 60,000 30,000
Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary Kyongnosla Karponang Business-Canteen 1 60,000 60,000
Kyongnosla Sewa Samiti Business-Canteen 1 60,000 60,000
TOTAL (Rs.) 30,00,000/- 21,36,200/-

Chart-1B

STATUS OF LOAN DISBURSEMENT & REPAYMENT MADE BY SHGs UNDER EAST WILDLIFE DIVISION AS ON DATE: 31.03.2020

table 2

Unutilized/Challenge fund under IGA

Though the PMU has already released block grant of Rs.1, 80,000/- for income generation activities to JFMCs/EDCs adopted under the project, it was found that in some of the JFMC and EDC block grant has been remain park as unutilized in their respective account since the release of the grant.

Details of unutilized funds/challenge funs as on date: 31.03.2020 is as follows:

East Wildlife Division
RANGE EDCs BATCH AMOUNT (IN RS.)
Fambonglho Wildlife Sanctuary Sang Beyong  

IIVs

1,80,000
Luing Perbing 1,80,000
Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary Tsangu 1,80,000
Pangolakah Wildlife Sanctuary Singaney Bas SEVs-I 1,80,000
Fambonglho Wildlife Sanctuary Nazitam Lingtam SEVs-III 1,80,000
TOTAL 9,00,000
East Territorial Division
RANGE JFMCs BATCH AMOUNT (IN RS.)
Gangtok Territorial Navey Shotak Rateychu SEVs-II 1,80,000
TOTAL 1,80,000

CASE STUDY

CONSTRUCTION OF ORGANIC STALL

Bordang-Singleybong JFMC was adopted under JICA Assisted SBFP in the 4th Batch (SEVs-). During micro planning exercise, the villagers, Gram Panchayat and JFMC executive committee decided to utilize the grant amounting Rs. 3.00 Lakhs under Entry Point Activity (EPA) for the construction of organic stall-cum-Fast-food canteen at Bordang ward, Singtam.

After the construction of the vegetable shed, it was handed over to SHGs (Tulsi, Gurash, Ekta, Saipatri) at monthly rent of Rs. 510/-. The amount collected from the same shall be deposited in village development fund of the JFMC. This stall-cum-fast-food canteen will helps in the sustainability of the SHGs in the area even after the project.

case

Report Compiled by:

Mrs. Chumkey Dem Bhutia

Community Organizer

Singtam Territorial Range

PROGRESSIVE SHG

Syari Kopibari JFMC supported Suns SHG for income generation activity (Poultry Farming) with the loan amounting Rs 60,000 at 2% interest per annum for the period of one year. During their associate with JFCM, JICA-SBFP provided training on record keeping at regular time interval with the support of community organizer, district facilitating NGO (VHAS) and SBFP. With the training provided it was observed that there is much improvement in record keeping and functioning of the SHG.

After successful repayment of the loan SHG was marked with the profit of Rs 19,300/-.Beside IGA, SHG also provide financial support to needy persons within the village at 1% interest.

For the successive second time, SUNS SHG have taken loan from JFMC at the interest of 3 % per annum for income generation activity on pig farming and accordingly SHG have made successful repayment of loan on February 2020. This time it was found that SHG was marked with the profit of Rs 24,000/- which is Rs. 4,700/- than the previous profit.

Beside this, SHG have also participated in National Seminar on “Man-Animal Conflicts” and State Level Workshop on “Roles & Responsibilities on frontline staff” where an IGA product being prepared by SHG was displayed.

case2

Report Compiled by:

Ms. Keshang Ongmu Lepcha

Community Organizer

Gangtok Territorial Range

TARGETED INTERVENTION PROJECT ON HIV/AIDS & STIs

The Voluntary Health Association of Sikkim is implementing the Targeted Intervention (TI) Project with the support of Sikkim State AIDS Control Society (SSACS) on HIV-AIDS/STIs amongst the high risked behaviour groups i.e. Female Sex Workers (FSW).  We have two TI projects running i.e. TI Project (I) & TI Project (II). Under TI Project- (I) we are covering Gangtok & Ranipool and the target population registered till now is 240. Under TI Project- (II) we are covering Singtam and Rangpo and the target population registered till now is 300.

The project was initiated with the following objectives to achieve.

  • To create awareness about HIV-AIDS/STI among the vulnerable flying FSW.
  • To detect and cure Sexually Transmitted Infection.
  • To motivate for visiting ICTC.
  • To stop the transmission of HIV-AIDS/STI among the high risk group population.
  • To promote safer sex practice.
  • To reduce multiple partners and to use regular condom with regular partner.

The most effective way of controlling HIV-AIDS/STI from further spread was to carry out direct intervention programme among this high risk behaviour groups, through multi- pronged strategy such as:-

  • Advocacy & Community Meetings
  • Field visit/Networking
  • Group Discussion/Focus Group Discussion
  • One to One interaction
  • Counselling
  • STI Management
  • IEC materials distribution
  • Training to Peer Educator
  • Condom promotion and distribution.

PROJECT COMPONENTS

Following components were emphasized in the project programmes.

  • Out Reaching: To motivate target group to access the facilities available at DIC. Field visit & networking to reach towards target group for one to one interaction, GD/FGD, motivate to make visit Drop-In-Centre for seeking the facilities & benefit.
  • Behaviour Change & Communication: correct and consistent use of condom and to motivate them for safer sex practice, IEC Materials for behavioural change, motivate for condom use, improves health care seeking behaviours, counselling on HIV-AIDS/STI to minimize the risk of spread & reduces number of sexual partners.
  • STI Management: Clinical services for the management of STIs and to meet other health care needs. Beside this we also do partner notification and follow up on STI patient.
  • Condom Promotion: Condom programming to ensure the availability of easily accessible, good quality and affordable condoms and to use regular condom with regular partner also.
  • Linkages and Referrals: Linkages with ICTC, STI, DOTs, ART Centre For referrals and support.
  • Monitoring and evaluation: Monitoring and evaluation for providing regular feed back to the managers for the project at different levels.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES

  • To make awareness of HIV-AIDS/STI infection to flying FSW as well as their clients.
  • To give knowledge on HIV-AIDS/STI to flying FSW as well as their clients.
  • To establish a Drop-in Centre for Health Check up, condom demonstration & distribution, counselling and other relevant program.
  • To provide STI treatment facilities at DIC.
  • Condom promotion for minimizing the spread of HIV-AIDS/STI.
  • To extend individual and group counselling for behavioural change.
  • To create awareness amongst the target groups through IEC materials, Training, Quiz competition, Group Discussion/Focus Group Discussion.
  • To inform about HIV testing facilities available in our state and implication of positive or negative test result.

Following is the total coverage of TI-I and TI-II of the financial year 2019-20

Gangtok (180) & Ranipool (60) =240 (Active Population)

Months

 

 

Apr.19 May.19 Jun.19 Jul.19 Aug.19 Sept.19 Oct.19 Nov.19 Dec.19 Jan.20 Feb.20 Mar.20 Twelve months total
1) STD  Symptomatic Treated

 

RMC 53 54 57 62 56 54 54 60 65 61 59 48 683
2) ICTC Tested 31 25 21 28 30 29 26 27 16 25 28 20 306
Counselling 82 63 77 65 65 66 56 63 68 63 65 48 781
STI 1 2 0 1 0 0 2 2 0 2 2 0 12

ACTIVITIES OF TI-I

HEALTH CAMP

Health camp was organized at Dr. Kanti’s North-East Clinic, Deorali , General people and our target group(HRG) were present during camp . During this camp patient free medical check-up and STI treatment was done by Dr. Kanti Sharma (Sr. Gynaecologist) and also provided free medicines to them. More than 30 patient were attended the program.

COMMUNITY BASED SCREENING

Community based screening (CBS) was done to know the HIV status of HRG’s  who is far away and hard to reach and person who is willing to know their HIV status they can do through CBS. This screening was done at both Gangtok and Ranipool area.

AWARENESS PROGRAM/EVENTS DAY

Awareness programs were organized during this financial year, one is at hotspot named called Jalipool and another is at DIC. The Programs was mainly focus on menstrual/personal hygiene/ STI/RTI and HIV/ AIDS and its sign and symptoms. Provide them information on correct and consistent use of condom in every sexual activities and done condom demonstration. The awareness program was attended by College student, general people and HRG’s. Community Based Screening (CBS) was also done to those who are at high risk.

SINGTAM & RANGPO (TI-II)

Months

 

 

Apr.19 May.19 Jun.19 Jul.19 Aug.1 Sept.19 Oct.19 Nov.19 Dec.19 Jan.20 Feb.20 Mar.20 Twelve months total
1) STD  Symptomatic Treated

 

RMC 89 90 83 80 75 81 75 82 84 87 72 65 963
2) ICTC Tested 44 83 27 35 27 67 33 88 29 39 23 43 538
Counselling 56 59 59 60 54 33 60 46 43 53 42 38 603
STI 2 0 0 0 2 0 2 2 0 2 0 2 12

ACTIVITIES OF TI -II

HEALTH CAMP

During this financial year TI-2 organized one health camp at Rangpo and another at Singtam. On this day free medical check up and medicines to all HRGs and general public were provided. The main objective of this programme is to provide free services to people and also make them aware of HIV/AIDS and STI. Doctor, Lab technician and counsellor were also present during health camp for check-ups and to provide counselling to the general public and HRGs.

EVENT’S DAY (WORLD AIDS DAY)

World AIDS Day was observed at Singtam DIC on 19/12/19 based on theme “Community Make Difference” Mrs. Srijana Thapa was invited as Resource Person. Total 35 participants were participated in the programme maximum participants were new HRGS.

The programme was started with welcome speech by Mrs. Dhanmaya (PM) and the programme was followed by Ms. Poonam Tamang (Counsellor) she highlighted briefly about STIs. Mrs. Srijana Thapa, Resource Person briefly talked about world AIDS theme 2019.On the occasion (Project Manager) distributed Gifts to hardworking Pair Educators for encouragement. Quiz competition was also organised by Ms. Devika Chettri M&E cum Accountant in the end of the programme session which was very interesting for the participants. Prize was also distributed to winner as at token of gift. At last the Community Based Screening was also done among new HRGS.

FSW CUM WOMEN’S DAY

The program FSW cum Women’s day is celebrated first time in the Drop- In-Centre at Rangpo. The programme resource person was Dr. M. P. Sharma MBBS,MS (O&B). He briefly talked about Cervical Cancer and Breast Cancer the session was very interactive and he also talked about Corona virus and its precautions,  and transmissions, he also added that Rangpo is the gateway of Sikkim and we have to stay safely. The programme was followed by Ms. Devika Chettri M&E cum Accountant she briefly talked about HIV/AIDS. At the end of the session quiz competition was also organized by Mrs. Dhan Maya, Project Manager and gifts was distributed to winner.

COMMUNITY BASED SCREENING

The first program was organised in the month of November 2018, since then the community based screening was conducting at field visits too. Basically this HIV screening or testing is being done at project area and this is mainly for those HRGs who don’t feel comfortable coming to Drop-In-Centre or those HRGs who are difficult to meet as they are travelling most of the time. The general public can also avail this service after their consent only. Nobody is forced to undergo this CBS screening. This test is carried out by Out Reach Worker as they are well trained and if any individual is tested HIV positive then for further confirmation we refer them to hospital.

HEALTH ON WHEELS

BACKGROUND:

Voluntary Health Association of Sikkim in collaboration with Inclusive India Foundation is implementing Health on Wheels (HoW) project. The project is financially supported by Glenmark Foundation, Mumbai. The objective is to provide Quality Primary Health facilities and awareness among the communities through mobile health clinic covering 9 villages in East Sikkim, as follows:-

  1. Rumtek-Samlik
  2. Tumlabong
  3. Radong
  4. Namin
  5. Namli
  6. Chuba
  7. Chuja
  8. Tshalamthang
  9. Mangthang

Presently, 20374 populations and 31 ICDS area are being covered under 9 villages. The main target population is 0-6 year children, Pregnant and lactating mothers and Community.

DELIVERABLES: To provide mobile health care services in East District of Sikkim covering 9 broad villages where the basic access to health services is lacking.

STRATEGY OF HoW: Provide quality primary health facilities and awareness among the community through mobile health clinic.

OBJECTIVES OF HoW:

  • To reduce and control diseases through mobile clinics covering the target population/proposed beneficiaries
  • To provide health care to the poor and needy at their door step
  • To undertake awareness and IEC activities informing the target audience regarding the programme and its operation
  • To provide health education to the target population, especially women and adolescent girls
  • To provide reproductive health care including immunization to the expectant and lactating women
  • To provide complete immunization service for the children below 6 years of age
  • To educate the target population on health and sanitation and the use of safe drinking water and protection of the environment
  • To transport serious paediatric patients and emergency cases to nearby PHCs, District Hospital, Singtam or STNM Hospital, Gangtok or private clinics by Ambulance
  • To strengthen the Village Health & Nutrition Day scheme of the Government through its activities in each ICDS Centre (AWC)
  • To strengthen the hands of the Government as a collaborative partner in healthcare service delivery in order to progress towards its objectives of a complete healthy state
  • To portray Glenmark as a concerned and responsible corporate that contributes to the growth and development of the nation

MAJOR ACTIVITIES:

  1. Health Camp: A total f 299 Health Camps have been organized at project locations during 2019 – 2020 Services have been provided to 5721 people through Health Camps. Among them, the target population of mother and children up to 6 years of age, who have been provided services were 2456 and the remaining people were from the community comprising of adolescent, adult and geriatric people.

It is mandatory to organize 26 Health Camps per month covering all project sites on rotation basis. However, extra camps had been organized sometimes, to reach out to the larger section of people and give services to the unreached areas. Presently, services have been provided to the people of 31 ICDS areas under 9 broad villages given by the funding agency.

Monthly plans were prepared and executed accordingly. Venues for Health Camps have been decided in consultation with other stakeholders and concerned authorities of various departments of state Governments like Health Care, Human Services & Family Welfare Department, Social Justice, Empowerment & Welfare Department, Panchayati Raj Institutions, and Schools etc.

The identified Health Camp Venues where regular Camps conducted are ICDS Centers and PHSCs and sometimes it is organized at Gram Panchayat Offices and Schools when the demand was generated from the stakeholders.

  1. Awareness Program on various health issues: A total of 66 Health Awareness programs have been conducted in the year 2019-20 and total beneficiaries of Awareness Program comes to 1467. Awareness have been generated on various health issues and the broad topics covered were:
  2. Reproductive & Child Health: Importance of Ante Natal and Post Natal Care, Institutional Delivery, Immunization, Family Planning, Exclusive Breastfeeding etc.
  3. Communicable Diseases: Awareness have been generated on various communicable diseases like Tuberculosis, HIV-AIDS
  4. Non-Communicable Diseases: Awareness have been generated on various NCDs like Diabetes, Hypertension, Heart Diseases, Liver Diseases, Different Cancers, Substance Abuse etc
  5. Hygiene and Sanitation: Awareness have been generated on the issues of Hygiene and Sanitation from time to time like personal hygiene, menstrual hygiene,etc.
  1. Free Medicines: A total of 19166 medicines for minor ailments like fever, cold, cough, worm infestation, skin problems, cut injuries, vitamins etc. were given to the needy patients free of cost during 2019-20
  1. Health Related Days / Weeks celebrated:

Important health related days/ weeks have also been celebrated by HoW Project Team at various project locations. National Nutrition Week, Breastfeeding Week, Diabetes Week, World AIDS Day, Girl Child Day, National De-worming Day, National Oral Health Day, International Women’s Day and all health related days were observed and awareness have been generated to the people.

  1. Random Blood Sugar (RBS) Test: From August 2017, facility for Blood Sugar Test through One touch Glucometer at Health Camps and Home Visits has started. From April 2019 to 31st March 2020, 710 people have been catered.
  2. Heamoglobin (HB) Test: From November 2019,facility for heamoglobin test at health camps and Home visits has started From November 2019 to 31st March 2020 ,30 people have been tested .
  3. Ambulance Service: Provision of Free Ambulance Services (transportation facility) especially for children up to 6 years and mothers are there in the project during initiation phase but the services had been provided to all the needy people from project area. 02 patients have been transported to higher facility from field during 2019-20.
  4. Home Visits : Home visits to the project villages have been done to inform the people about the project.  Besides, people with mobility problem, who could not make to Health Camps, have been given services like RBS, Pressure measurement and services to the emergency cases were also a part of home visit. 189 people were met during Home visits in 2019-20
  5. Meetings with Stakeholders / Govt. officials: Networking, Rapport Building and project update meeting with Health Department officials like Chief Medical Officer, Primary Health Centre officials and PHSC staff, Social Welfare Department officials like Deputy Director, Child Development Project Officer (CDPO), ICDS Supervisors and AWWs, School Head and Teachers, Panchayats, ASHAs have been organized by HoW Team from time to time.

BENEFICIARIES; Initially, free medicines and ambulance services are provided only to children up to 6 years, expecting mothers and lactating mothers but from 2017 onwards, all the community people are getting these services along with the facility for RBS

OUTPUT OF ACTIVITIES:

  1. Number of health camp conducted: 299
  2. Number of patients seen: 5721
  3. Number of target group examined: 2456
  4. Number of health awareness conducted: 66
  5. Number of people attended awareness program: 1467
  6. Number of medicine distributed: 19166
  7. Number of people who did RBS Testing: 710
  8. Number of patients transported by ambulance:    02
  9. Number of People met during home visit: 189

INTERNSHIP REPORT

Voluntary Health Association of Sikkim (VHAS) provides an opportunity for internship to the student who has to undertake compulsory Filed Work in their Academic Programme. Internship would be provided to those areas where VHAS has been working. During their tenure as intern, all possible help will be extended by concerned division under which they want to work. Induction training will be given to them on working of VHAS. Every year Voluntary Health Association of Sikkim gives an opportunity to young generation to serve the society voluntarily and to learn about the rural and urban communities. In the year 2019-20 VHAS provided internships to the students who come from different institute.

Name of Intern: KEZIAH BENYI

Institution: sikkim university

Course: M.A. psychology

Internship period: 5th February to 6th March 2020

ACTIVITIES DURING INTERNSHIP

During this period she learned a lot of corporate, medical and educational skills. In her early days at the NGO, she was briefed on the NGO’s goal and missions, the various departments in the Organization and thereafter was attached to a department (project) in which she was to learn and help for the entire internship duration. There was an upcoming program for which brochures were being prepared so helped to edit case studies, proposed handouts and reports from health camps which were to be featured in the brochure.

During her internship she was engaged in Health on Wheels project and visited following places with HoW medical team:-

  • Rumtek
  • Namrang-Middle Camp
  • Upper Namli
  • Lower Martam
  • Middle Chubba

SHARING OF LESSON LEARNED DURING INTERNSHIP

At the NGO Level: Relational skills, team work skills and Communication skill is key and this how the medical team spoke to the community people and created an ambiance for them to tell them all their health issues no matter how bad it may be.

At the Community Level: The essence of group and how relevance it is in the community.  A group property like cohesiveness was evident.

At the individual level: Working with the health team helped to develop a strong empathy towards those who are medically unwell and challenged me to help them if I come into contact with any. I built up an emotional intelligence as well; knowing how to relate with people; the physically healthy, the unhealthy, the children, the aged and even with the medical team. 

The purpose of the internship which was to learn and gather some experience as well as give back to the society was achieved.

Join Us on Facebook