Report of the Baseline Study Conducted on Access to Public Schemes in

Vijaynagar and Poshina Talukas, Sabarkantha district, Gujarat

April – July, 2014

UNNATI Organisation for Development Education

Gujarat Programme OfficeG 1/200, Azad Society, Ahmedabad 380 015. India

Tel: +91-79-26746145, 26733296 Fax: +91-79-26743752Email: sie@unnati.org

Coordinating Office216, Azad Society, Ahmedabad 380 015. Gujarat

Tel: +91-79-26746145, 26733296 Fax: +91-79-26743752Email: psu_unnati@unnati.org

1

EUROPEAN UNION

1. INTRODUCTION

A project entitled, ‘Strengthening inclusive civic leadership for social accountability and effective service delivery of public programmes in Gujarat, India’ was undertaken since January 2014. This project is as part of the European Union’s call for proposals for ‘Improving access to Information of public schemes in backward districts in India’. The overall objective of the project is poverty reduction through improved access to public services and institutionalization of inclusive service delivery practices - tripling the benefits in five years of the project period.

The location of the project is 15 gram panchayats each in Khedbhrama/ Poshina and Vijaynagar talukas in Sabarkantha district of Gujarat, India. Both Khedbhrama/ poshina and Vijaynagar are tribal talukas. A Baseline Survey on Access to Information on Public Schemes in Sabarkantha District of Gujarat was conducted on – Primary Education, Public Health Care and Social Security and Protection. The purpose of the base line is to understand the level of awareness and access to the schemes and for forming the basis for planning, monitoring and evaluation of the intervention.

1.1 MethodologyIn the context of the project, a simple methodology was developed and used to access the extent to which the government schemes and programs were being availed by community in both the Talukas.

Scope and Limitations: The base line was carried out in such a manner that it provides insights to the local people and the project team about the effective delivery of public schemes. The idea was to assess the benefits gained by the communities in monetary terms and the loss or deficits in monetary terms due to multiple reasons – number of times one traveled to avail the benefits and any other additional costs. It is expected that the sample size of 200 households in each Taluka would provide fair idea about overall access of government programs related to health, education and social security.

Following are limitations of the exercise. - From each sector (health, education and social security), important schemes have been identified

and covered during the baseline data collection, especially in household survey. Many services (like awareness programs on preventive health or education in the school) are not covered in this exercise, as it is difficult to get exact benefits because of the same at household level. Same way benefits of infrastructure (like school or road construction) have not been covered in calculation.

- At times, it was difficult to access the information with regard to eligibility. For example, for benefits related to disability, there has to be a certificate showing at least 40% of disability. It is difficult for field investigator to decide such persons’ eligibility, except s/he has certificate. Same way, many schemes have income criteria, and it is difficult to assess. Thus, though total benefits received by household have been derived but the total eligible benefits in many cases have not been calculated.

- It was difficult to get information with regard to exact information on ‘unofficial’ costs paid by beneficiary to avail that service/scheme, as people or service provider do not reveal such information easily, and also they are not reliable.

- In the household survey benefits of last one year has been covered for analysis. It is expected that the beneficiary household were able to broadly provide details of the benefits availed last year. The calculation of the amount in rupees (for the benefit in kind) has been calculated by field investigators.

Sampling: Out of 15 intervened panchayats in each taluka (Poshina and Vijaynagar talukas in Sabarkantha district), three panchayats from each taluka was taken. It was purposive sampling with focus on disadvantaged groups. Thus the population with more number of BPL as well as SC and ST households were selected, based on the secondary information. A total of 200 households from both

2

Vijaynagar and Poshina taluka were identified for household level survey. The selection of households was done on a random basis after short listing the panchayats. The geographical distance of these Panchayats from Taluka was also taken into the account while finalizing the Panchayats. i.e. one being the nearest, one in the middle and one being furtherest. In Vijaynagar the panchayats selected were: Saroli (5 km), Bilaydia (15 km) and Kanadar (30 km) in Vijaynagar taluka. In Khedbhrama/ Poshina these were Dantral (45 km), Amba Mahuda (55 km) and Kalikankar (65 km). Poshina taluka is jointly being operated from khedbhrama itself.

Methodology: The information was collected through household survey, community level consultation and consultation with service providers. Household level survey was undertaken for 200 households each in Vijaynagar and Poshina. The questionnaire of household survey is attached. The questionnaire was focusing on the access to government schemes and programs at household level.

In both the talukas, Vijaynagar and Poshina, a total of 16 FGDs were organised in the six panchayats. In these discussions, a total of 321 (100 men and 221 women) participated. During the focused group discussion with community members the issues related to accessibility of government programs were discussed like community awareness on the schemes, its eligibility, process to avail the program, corruption, quality etc. were discussed. Discussions were also held with regard to various service providing institutions like Anganwadi, PDS shop, primary schools – their infrastructure, benefit availed, behavior of service providers etc. Following is the details of the FGDs.

Taluka Panchayat No. of FGDs Men Women TotalVijaynagar Kanadar 4 18 70 88

Saroli 2 27 8 35Biladiya 1 11 17 28

Poshina Ambamahuda 6 43 67 110Kalikankar 1 8 13 21Dantral 2 12 27 39TOTAL 16 100 221 321

In all six villages, discussions with service providers were also held to understand their perspective on access to service and issues at their end.

The data collection process was undertaken by field level staff members along with community leaders during the months of April – July 2015.

3

2. PROFILE OF THE COMMUITY

Following is the details about the profile of the community.

2.1 Caste and economic status related information

The caste wise and economic status wise information of sampled household is as follows;

Table 1: Caste wise and economic categories Particular Vijaynagar PoshinaScheduled Caste 7 (3.5%) 3 (1.5%)Scheduled Tribe 278 (89%) 197 (98.5%)Other Backward Caste 13 (6.5%) 0Primitive Tribal Caste 2 (1%) 0Economic categories BPL Card (0-16) 104 (52%) 128 (64%)BPL Card (17-20) 55 (27.5%) 49 (24.5%)Antoyadaya Card 30 (15%) 19 (9.5%)APL Card 11 (5.5%) 4 (2.0

Total number of household 200 200 From the above table it can be seen that in Vijaynagar majority (89%) of the households belonged to the Schedule Tribe category with schedule caste coming in as next majority residing with 3.5%. Among the households consulted, the primitive tribe group (PTG) households were found to be 1% in Vijaynagar indicating that they might be living in even more interior villages that were not covered during the consultation process.

In Poshina majority (98.5%) of the households belonged to the Schedule Tribe category with the rest of the households (1.5%) belonging to the Schedule Caste. There were no PTG or other castes in the households consulted.

Economic status wise, in Vijaynagar and Poshina, most of the households belonged to Below Poverty Line (BPL). This is as per the BPL survey conducted by the government in 2002. These households had a score of 0-16 and when Antoyadaya was added to that population, nearly three-fourth (67% and 73.5%) of the households consulted were economically poor.

2.2 Identification proof of head of the familyFrom the above table it can be noted that most families i.e. 93% in Vijaynagar have identification proof as Ration card and 95.5% have Election card as their proof. Caste certificate was found to be in 77% of the households followed by Aadhar card at 74.5% and BPL card with 68.5%. Mobile connection was found to be in 67.5% of the households.

In Poshina, majority households (98%) have identification proof as Ration card and 96% have Election card as their proof followed by BPL card at 91.5% and mobile connection and caste certificate at 43% and 32.5% respectively. Here the prevalence of Aadhar card was found to be very less at just 6.5%. This makes it difficult to access schemes like Jan Dhan Yojana where Aadhar Card is a must as a proof.

In Vijaynnagar 67.5% of the households were having minimum one mobile connection, while in Poshina there were 43% households with at least one mobile connection.

4

Table 2: Identification Proof of head of the familyParticular Vijaynagar (%) Poshina (%)BPL card 68.5 91.5Ration card 93.0 98.0Election card 95.5 96.0Addhar card 74.5 6.5Caste certificate 77.0 32.5Total number of household interviewed 200 200

2.3 Population and family sizeAge wise and gender wise segregation of sampled households is as follows.

Table 3: Population and family size Particular Vijaynagar PoshinaAbove 60 yearsMen 60 60Women 80 80Sex Ratio 1333 1333AdultMen 340 360Women 320 320Sex Ratio 941 8897-18 YearsMen 200 280Women 180 260Sex Ratio 900 9280-6 YearsMen 60 180Women 40 160Sex Ratio 667 889TotalMen 660 880Women 620 820Total population 1280 1700Sex Ratio 939 931

The overall sex ratio is 939 and 931 amongst sampled households of Vijaynagar and Poshina respectively. There is consistent decrease in sex ratio (in both the Talukas), with smaller age group (above 60 to adult to 0-6 years).

The average size of family member is as follows. The average size for Vijaynagar is 6.3, while for Poshina it is significantly higher (8.4).

Table 4: Average family sizeParticular Vijaynagar PoshinaMen 3.2 4.4Women 3.1 4.0Total person 6.3 8.4

5

2.4 Persons with Disabilities (PWD)The reported cases of persons with disabilities were as follows.

Table 5: Information about persons with disabilities Particular Vijaynagar PoshinaTotal population 1280 1700%ge of PWDs 2.7 3.4PWD with access to disability certificate 14 (41%) 5 (9%)PWD with I card 4 1

The percentage of persons with disability in Vijaynagar is 34 (2.7%). However only 14 (41%) are having disability certificate. While in Poshina 56 persons out of population of 1700 are PWDs (3.4%), with only 5 (9%) having disability certificate.

Table 6: Age wise distribution of persons with disabilities Particular Vijaynagar Poshina1-5 years 5.9 10.36-15 years 29.4 24.116-30 years 29.4 32.831-45 years 17.6 8.646-60 years 5.9 13.860+ years 8.8 6.9Not reported 2.9 3.4GenderMen 64.7 60.3Women 35.3 39.7Total persons with disabilities 34 58

The above table shows that in Vijaynagar, majority (64.7%) of the persons with disabilities were men and 35.3% were women. Among them majority (29.4%) were in the age group of 6 to 15 years with 16 to 30 years constituting an equal percentage. Followed by them, adults in the age group of 31 to 45 years constituted 17.6% and 46-60 years constituted 5.9%. Children in the age group of 1 to 5 years constituted 5.9% and old age persons constituted 8.8% respectively. 2.9% were unreported.

In Poshina, majority (60.3%) of the persons with disabilities was men and 39.7% were women. Among them majority (32.8%) were in the age group of 16 to 30 years, followed by the age group of 6 to 15 years constituting 24.1%. Adults in the age group of 31 to 45 years constituted 8.6% and 46-60 years constituted 13.8%. Children in the age group of 1 to 5 years constituted 10.3% and old age persons constituted 6.9% respectively. 3.4% were unreported.

6

3. ACCESS TO PRIMARY EDUCATION The status of access to education related programs is as follows;

3.1 Mid Day MealThe data shows that the majority of school going children between the standards 1 to 5 are availing mid day meal benefits. Only 21 students in Vijaynagar and 3 students in Poshina are not availing the same. The benefit availed in terms of rupees is Rs. 100,584/- is Vijaynagar, while in poshina it is Rs. 186,912.

Table 7: Mid Day Meals (1st-5th standard)Particular Vijaynagar PoshinaNo. of children in going to school in 1 – 5 standard 148 239Children availing mid day meals 127 (86%) 236 (99%)Children not availing mid day meal 21 3Total benefits availed (in terms of rupees) 100584 186912Total benefits not availed 16632 2376

For students between 6 to 8 standards, the overall figures are similar. In Vijaynagar, among the 95 school going children between standards 6 to 8, 86 (92%) are availing mid day meal benefits. Same way in Poshina 98% students are availing the benefits of mid day meal program.

Table 8: Mid Day Meals (6th-8th standard)Particular Vijaynagar PoshinaNo. of children in going to school in 6– 8 standard 95 87Children availing mid day meals 86 (92%) 85 (98%)Children not availing mid day meal 19 2Total benefits availed (in terms of rupees) 97438 96305Total benefits not availed 21527 2266

Overall the benefits of mid day meal program has been availed by majority of students in both the talukas. Though mid day meal is being availed by majority of the students, the day wise menu chart is not being followed and there is a tendency to repeat one or two items daily – khichadi and dal dhokli. Generally in all the schools there is a kitchen shed and utensils for cooking mid day meal. In some villages the children were also seen carrying the mid day meal home.

3.2 Allowance for school uniformFollowing is the information related to allowance for school uniform.

Table 9: Allowance for school uniformParticular Vijaynagar PoshinaTotal government school going students 243 326Students availing allowance for school uniform fully

145 (60%) 264 (81%)

Not availing 58 (24%) 54 (17%)Partially availing1 40 (16%) 8 (2%)Total amount availed 56100 81150Amount could not be availed 16800 16650

1 These students could not get full scholarship amount, primarily because bank deducted some amount (Rs. 50 or Rs. 100/-)

7

Out of total 243 and 326 students in Vijaynagar and Poshina, 145 (60%) and 264 (81%) were availing allowance for school uniform. In Vijaynagar, a significant number of students (40), whose Rs. 50/- or Rs. 100/- are deducted by bank each time while availing the benefit.

3.3 ScholarshipIn Vijaynagar 81% (197 out of 243) students of 1 to 8 standards are receiving scholarship, while in Poshina 62% (202 out of 326) students are receiving the same.

Table 10: Scholarship for students of 1 to 8 standardsParticular Vijaynagar PoshinaTotal government school going students 243 326Students availing full scholarship 197 (81%) 202 (62%)Not availing 09 (4%) 59 (18%)Partially availing2 37 (15%) 65 (20%)Total amount availed 48200 63750Amount could not be availed 12550 17750

A total of 61 students from Vijaynagar and 33 students from Poshina are receiving pre metric benefits.

Table 11: Scholarship for students of 9 to 12 standards Particular Vijayagar PoshinaNo. of students reported received full scholarship 61 33No. of students reported received part scholarship 9 2Total amount availed 27200 13800Total amount could not availed by the reported students 800 200

3.4 Other schemes in the schools Following is the details of other benefits availed by students in the schools.

Table 12: Other benefits in the schoolParticular Vijayagar PoshinaFree bicycle for girls in standard 9 (Rs. 3000/-) 7 1Vidyalakshmi bonds for girls 0 0Scholarship for student with disability for standards 1 to 8 0 1 (Rs.1000/-)Scholarship for students with disability for standards 9 to 12 1 (Rs. 2500/-) 0Special teachers for students with disability 3 0Subsidy in course for PWD student for higher education 1 (Rs.2500/-) 0

As shown in the table only few students were receiving benefits of various programs. It was reported that none of the households were aware about the scholarship and the facilities of resource teachers provided for children with disabilities. In Poshina particularly the households were not aware about the bicycle scheme for girls provided from 9 Std. – 12 Std. Same way, none of the households were aware about the Vidhya Laxmi Bond scheme that is for promoting education of young girls. This is scheme where a bond of Rs 2000 with interest is handed over to the parents of a girl child when she passes the 7th Std.

3.5 Overall benefits under education programs (in terms of Rupees)

2 These students could not get full scholarship amount, primarily because bank deducted some amount

8

As per the table, total availed benefits related to education program in Vijaynagar is Rs. 355,522/- (with an average of Rs. 1778/- per household) and in Poshina it is Rs. 445,917/- (with an average of Rs. 2230/- per household).

Table 13: Overall benefits for school going childrenParticular Vijaynagar (Rs.) Poshina (Rs.)1. Mid day meal for standards 1 – 5 100,584 186,9122. Mid day meal for standards 6 – 8 97,438 96,3053. Allowance for school uniform 56,100 81,1504. Scholarship for standards 1 – 8 48,200 63,7505. Scholarship for standards 9 – 12 27,200 13,8006. Free bicycles for girls in standard 9 21,000 3,0007. Scholarship for students with disability (standard 1 – 8) 1,0008. Scholarship for students with disability for stds 9-12 2,500 09. Subsidy in course for PWD students for higher education 2,500 0

Total benefits Rs. 355,522/- Rs. 445,917/-Average benefits (for 200 households) Rs. 1778/- Rs. 2230/-

3.6 Other issues with regard to primary schoolsDuring the baseline exercise, following aspects were highlighted by community members, teachers and students.

The teaching- learning levels at school are not up to the mark. The students do not seem to be progressively learning hence children drop out during the year. Another reason for drop outs in schools especially for girls is no provision of separate toilet for girls.

Water facility is generally available in all the schools. Infrastructure wise most schools had less number of classrooms then required. Computers were

installed for bio-metric attendance of students and teacher. The payment of the mid-day meal contractor is done based on the attendance each day. Attendance is taken twice, once in the morning and once before serving the mid day meal. As both the talukas have been declared as tribal talukas, each school has been given a computer lab but the teacher mostly do not have the requisite skills

Some of the schools had a playground (Saroli) and had in placed some play equipments but the ramp for children with disabilities was not usable.

The school principal and teachers were not aware about the provisions for resource teachers or scholarships for children with disabilities.

Irregularities of teachers was seen where teachers were transferred and the new teacher had not been appointed or had not joined.

During rainy season students are not able to go to school as the river water overflows on the roads. This is particularly difficult in Poshina taluka as ‘culvats’ are built on river beds at five locations connecting villages / panchayats.

Several orphan children were found who had either lost their parents or one parent had passed away and the other had remarried as they were earlier married young. In such cases often children were found to drop out of school and forced into wage labor.

Information details of teacher, day wise menu of mid day meals being served in the school, member of the SMC and the number of children on that day were displayed. The registers showed that meetings of SMC members were being conducted.

9

4. ACCESS TO HEATLH PROGRAMS

Following is the details of access to health related services and programs

4.1 Maternal BenefitsAs per the survey, total number of deliveries was 31 and 65 in Vijaynagar and Poshina respectively. The availed benefits related various schemes are as follows;

Table 14: Maternal Benefits Particular Vijaynagar PoshinaNo. of deliveries held during last one year 31 65ChiranjiviNo. of women availed benefits fully 12 (39%) 18 (28%)No. of women availed benefits of partly 4 (13%) 0No. of women did not availed benefits at all 15 (48%) 47 (72%)Amount of availed benefits 29000 35100Amount of non availed benefit 31450 91650BalsakhaNo. of new born availed Balsakha scheme 0 0Janani Suraksha YojnaNo. of women availed benefits fully 25 (81%) 19 (29%)No. of women did not availed benefits at all 06 (19%) 46 (71%)Amount of availed benefits 12500 9500Amount of non availed benefit 150 23000Vaccination (BCG)No. of children benefitted 27 (87%) 52 (80%)No. of children not benefitted 4 (13%) 13 (20%)Benefits availed 1350 2600Benefits not availed 200 650Vaccination (DTP+ Hepatitis B + Pentavalent)No. of children benefitted 25 (81%) 43 (66%)No. of children partly benefitted 2 (6%) 4 (6%)No. of children not availed 4 (13%) 18 (28%)Benefits availed 3850 6800Benefits not availed 800 2950Oral PolioNo. of children benefitted 3 (10%) 0No. of children partly benefitted 2 (7%) 0No. of children not benefitted 26 (83%) 65 (100%)Benefits received 600 0Benefit not availed 4050 9750Kasturba Poshan Sahay YojnaDelivery of BPL households 24 44No. of children benefitted 1 (4%) 2 (4%)No. of children partly benefitted 2 (8%) 12 (24%)No. of children not benefitted 21 (88%) 30 (72%)Amount availed 4000 14500Amount not availed 46400 77900CDNC Benefits (7 months to 5 years) 0 0

10

From the table, it could be said that in both the Talukas, the benefits of Janani Suraksha Yojna, BCG Vaccination and DTP + Hepatitis B + Pentavalent vaccination is availed in good numbers. While the benefits of Kasturba Poshan Sahay Yojna, Oral Polio, CDNC and Chiranjivi are availed by few households. In Poshina area the houses are scattered and there is low registration for pregnant woman hence benefit of JSY and KPSY is not availed. Rate of immunization hence also is very low.

It was reported that some households have been able to avail the benefits of Chiranjeevi and Janani Suraksha yojna but the medicines have to be purchased from outside at own cost. The families reported that no escort allowance is being provided for institutional deliveries. Several families reported that no information was provided to them by the ASHA workers and so even though they were eligible for benefits under Kasturba Poshan Sahay Yojana they were not able to access it.

4.2 Integrated Child Development Scheme (Anganwadi)From the various services of ICDS, 42 households in Vijaynagar and 72 households in Poshina were receiving benefits of Poshan Sahay Yojna. While 20 and 31 were receiving benefits of ration in Vijaynagar and Poshina respectively. The numbers of pregnant / lactating women receiving benefits are 20 and 29 respectively in Vijaynagar and Poshina. Very few (6 in Vijaynagar and 1 in Poshina)

Table 15: ICDS benefitsParticular Vijaynagar PoshinaNo. of households availing Poshan Sahay Yojna 42 72Amount of availing benefit 27317 104,255No. of households availing ration benefits 20 31Amount of availing benefits 9070 13040No. of households availing benefits for pregnant and lactating mother 20 29Amount of availing benefit 6330 10920No. of households availing benefits for adolescent girl 6 1Amount of benefit availed 790 360

Following issues with regard to Anganwadi were raised during baseline exercise. There are several issues with regard to functioning of Anganwadis in many places like, the

anganwadi centre not opening on time, location of the centre very far from the house, children being released soon after providing nutri candy, hot meal being cooked only once, irregularity in distribution of food packets for pregnant and lactating women, children below three years and adolescent girls, beneficiaries were not aware about the food packet entitlements even though their names may be registered at the anganwadi.

Mamta divas are regularly celebrated at the anganwadi where the pregnant and lactating women assemble for immunization and other benefits. Government officials are also participating in the Mamta diwas.

At none of the anganwadis pre-school education is being imparted. In some places since 3-4 months gas cylinder has not been refilled so hot snacks are not being

prepared Often the anganwadi helper does not attempt to fetch the children from the home Most of the anganwadi centres are old and in dilapidated condition with no regular facilities for

electricity, water and toilets. Many anganwadis are on rented premises and despite raising infrastructure related issues at the panchayat level no workable solutions were being derived.

None of the anganwadis visited where the worker or helper were available to provide information had registered children with disabilities. Most anganwadis have no provision for toilets, water and drinking water. The anganwadi worker gets a pot of water from home for the children.

11

Anganwadi workers by and large shared that the supply of gas cylinders for cooking is deficit and in many places they have not received a cylinder for the past two years. They then try to cook the hot meal on firewood. Clearing bills is a major issue as these are pending at the taluka level.

The supply of ration for anganwadis is dropped off at the first roadside anganwadi and the rest of the anganwadi workers are expected to transport the bags of grains and food packets.

Bills related to fruits are pending at the taluka level and fruits are not easily available at the village level these are not being provided.

4.3 Health InsuranceIn Vijaynangar 2 persons took benefit of RSBY and 1 was benefitted by free medical assistance scheme.

Table 16: Health insurance benefitsParticular Vijaynagar PoshinaHouseholds received RSBY benefits 2 (Rs. 35,000/-) 0Aam Admi Bima Yojna 0 0Free medical assistance scheme 1 (Rs. 500/-) 0Niramay Bima Yojna 0 0

Most households were not aware about the insurance and medical assistance schemes. Most of the families had the RSBY card but did not know how and when it could be used.

4.4 Services of Government Hospital103 households from Vijaynagar and 138 households from Poshina went to private hospital last year and spent Rs 418,910/- and Rs. 750,067/- respectively.

Table 17: Benefits of government hospital and expense in private hospitalParticular Vijaynagar PoshinaNo. of households spent money in private hospital 103 138Amount spent in private hospital 418,910 750,067Average amount spent in private hospital Rs. 4068/- Rs. 5435/-No of households availed govt. hospitals 26 53Amount benefitted 26,300 57,400Average amount benefitted Rs. 1012/- Rs. 1083/-

It was reported that services at PHC and CHC level is not provided timely and patients are moved from one window to other. Hence people prefer to go to private hospitals as they receive early treatment and on time. The community does not mind paying the extra amount. As they do not receive quality and timely treatment in government hospitals. Compare to government hospitals, mostly households were found to be approaching private doctors or hospitals for health care and the out of pocket expenses were very high (average of Rs 4068/- in Vijaynagar and Rs. 5435/-).

A large number also said that the behaviour of health professionals in not friendly. The FHW and ASHA workers do not visit the falias regularly and do not pro actively share information related to schemes. Even at times if treatment is taken at the PHC/ CHC often they are asked to purchase medicines from outside. In many PHC/CHC the facilities were not adequate. For example in Dantral (Poshina taluka) PHC there was no water connection inside the clinic. Most PHCs displayed some posters on janani suraksha yajna, other schemes related to maternal and child health and information about the members of the Rogi Kalyan Samiti. No information was available on the sanjivini samiti and stock of medicines available at the PHC. In Poshina the Medical officers are found to be in charge of two PHCs as the other doctor was suspended or/ and on leave.

12

4.5 Overall benefits of health related programsFollowing is the overall benefit availed by 200 households each in Vijayagar and Poshina taluka by health related programs. In Vijanagar the total benefit is Rs. 156,337/- (with an average of Rs. 782/-), while in Poshina the total benefit of health related programs is Rs. 245,475/- (with an average of Rs. 1272/-).

Table 18: Overall benefits on health programsParticular Vijaynagar Poshina

1. Chiranjivi Scheme 29000 351002. Balsakha scheme 0 03. Janani Suraksha Yojna 12500 95004. Vaccination (BCG) 1350 26005. Vaccination (DTP + Hepatitis B + Pentavalent) 3580 68006. Oral polio 600 07. Kasturba Poshan Sahay Yojna 4000 145008. CDNC benefits 0 09. ICDS – Poshan Sahay Yojna 27317 10425510. ICDS – Ratio 9070 1304011. ICDS – benefits for pregnant and lactating mothers 6330 1092012. ICDS – Adolescent girls 790 36013. RSBY 35000 014. Aam Admi Bima Yojna 0 015. Free medical assistance scheme 500 016. Niramay Bima Yojna 0 017. Government hospitals 26300 57400

Total 156337 254475Average for 200 households 782 1272

5. ACCESS TO SOCIAL SECUITY PROGRAMS Following are the benefits under various social security programs

5.1 Pension and related schemesVery few persons were availing pension and related schemes as shown in the table. 20 persons in Vijaynnagar and 3 persons in Poshina availed benefits of housing schemes.

Table 19: PensionParticular Vijaynagar PoshinaNo. of persons availed widow pension scheme 1 0Amount benefitted through widow pension scheme 7560 0No. of persons availed old age pension 1 0Amount benefitted by old age pension 2400 0No. of persons availed pension for destitute/ separated 0 0

Overall awareness on these programs was low. Most widows (about 50%) were not aware about the pension scheme. After the death of a husband the women are dependent on relatives to gather the documents that need to be submitted as proof for availing the pension or death related insurance schemes. In this process often, the time limit for submitting the forms lapses. Due to illiteracy levels even if forms are filled and submitted, when replies or queries are received the women may not be able to respond on

13

time. Same way, families of persons with disabilities are not aware about procedures for obtaining a disability certificate that is the preliminary document that is required for availing benefits of any disability related scheme. The experiences of previous disability camps have been very negative and disillusioning.

There were several elderly in the villages that may be poor or may be abandoned by their children and require the benefit of the old age pension but as they are not included in the BPL score list they are cannot avail this .There is very limited awareness regarding the criteria and documents required for obtaining old age pension. In some households there were a large number of persons included in one ration card, hence even though there were deserving beneficiaries eligible for pension they were not able to get the benefits.

5.2 Other Schemes for vulnerableFollowing is the detail of other schemes for vulnerable sections of the society.

Table 20: Schemes for vulnerableParticular Vijaynagar PoshinaNo. of persons availed skill development training 0 0No. of households availed Sankatmochan scheme 0 0No. of persons availed ST Bus pass for disabled person 4 1Amount benefitted by ST bus pass for disabled persons 3000 1000No. of persons availed Sant Surdas scheme 0 0No. of households availed Saat phere scheme 0 0No. of households availed Saat phere scheme for disable 0 0

There are very few persons who have availed schemes like Sankatmochan, Saat Pher and ST Bus Pass (for PWDs.)

5.3 Housing schemesThe total no. of beneficiaries of housing schemes (like Indira Awas Yojna, Ambedkar Awas Yojna, Sardar Awas Yojna etc.) in last one year is as follows. Most households were aware about Indira Awas and Sardar Awas yojna. But they faced difficulties in releasing the 2 nd and 3rd installments. Several families declared that they were expected to pay Rs 3,000 to 4,000 to the gram sevaks and talati if they would like to receive these installments. However, it also needs to be mentioned that under all these housing schemes, the second and third installment is released after completion of construction to a level. If beneficiary fails to construct the house in timely manner, the installments are delayed.

Table 21: Housing schemesParticular Vijaynagar PoshinaNo. of household availed benefits of housing schemes 20 3Amount benefitted from housing schemes 429,000 31,000

5.4 Public Distribution SystemAs shown in the table, majority of Antyodaya and BPL households are availing PDS (partly or fully).

Table 22: PDS benefitsParticular Vijaynagar PoshinaAntyodaya No. of households 30 19No. of households availing PDS 30 17Amount benefitted 77,179 36,148BPL (1-16)

14

No. of households 104 128No. of households availing PDS 85 (82%) 126 (98%)Amount benefitted 246,545 265,870BPL (17 – 20)No. of households 55 49No. of households availing PDS 47 (85%) 49 (100%)Amount benefitted 135,291 105,379APLNo. of households 11 4No. of households availing PDS 7 2Amount benefitted 14,877 6932Payment for Barcode couponNo. of households paying for barcode 116 96Amount paid 11600 12400

Following issues were found with regard to Fair Price Shops (FPS) as follows; Irregularities in the opening of and distribution of grains through Fair Price Shops (FPS) were

reported by almost all the families. The members of the community face difficulties in getting their monthly ration as the days of distribution are not decided and there is no mechanism for intimating the villages about the arrival of the stock. FPS remains open only 3 – 4 days in a month and if beneficiaries arrive late they may not even get as stock gets over.

For obtaining the stipulated stock each BPL ration card holder is expected to print out a coupon with the details of eligible stock to be provided. These coupons are to be printed every month online from either the FPS shop itself or from the village computer entrepreneur (VCE) that is provided space in the panchayat. Families with BPL cards reported that they were being charged Rs. 5 or 10 for getting a print of these coupons and this amount is not deducted at the PDS shops. If there is poor connectivity for printing the coupons then the person may need to visit more than once. Many times the thumb impressions do not match and the VCE may be busy doing other tasks. At times less amount of ration is received though coupon is issued for full ration

Sometimes ration is not of edible quality Salt is not distributed from the PDS shop so the people has to buy costly salt from the other shops The FPS shop owners shared that less stock is received from the taluka.

5.6 MGNREGA Very few households have availed MGNREGA, both in Vijayagar and Poshina.

Table 23: Benefits of MGNREGAParticular Vijaynagar PoshinaMGNREGA 5 (Rs. 7200/-) 2 (Rs. 700/-)

There is high demand and requirement for MGNREGA as it guarantees 100 days of employment to unskilled poor populations and helps to address migration. Since 2012 all MGNREGA works are closed in both the talukas. Due to mis-appropriation of a fairly large amount, running into crores of rupees, a court case has been filed and an inquiry has been commissioned. Taking this as an excuse, all the taluka level officials have taken a back seat and are reluctant to sanction the starting of any works. Works are started overnight without informing anyone and closed on the pretext that no workers were present when the works were started, hence the demand is false. Several times, works are initiated when the community is busy in farming or other social activities leading to low levels of participation. It was reported that about 60% persons have deposited their job cards in the panchayat for renewal. There is very little awareness that if demand for work is made within 15 days work needs to be provided. Applications are

15

forwarded for making new job cards, toilets under the sanitation scheme to panchayat but there is no response from sarpanch and talati.

5.7 Other livelihood related schemes and programsFollowing is the details of benefits availed of other livelihood related schemes and programs

Table 24: Other livelihood related schemesParticular Vijaynagar PoshinaManav Garima Scheme 3 (Rs. 12,500/-) 0Manav Kalyan Scheme 2 (Rs. 10,000/-) 0Agriculture development for BPL 6 (Rs. 3550/-) 31 (Rs. 16,100/-)Integrated Dairy Development Program 14 (Rs. 4450/-) 1 (Rs.500/-)Agriculture loan 0 3 (Rs. 4100/-)Benefit under sunshine and jivika project 0 0Dairy development program for PTGs 0 0Skill building training 2 (Rs. 3500/-) 1 (Rs. 300/-)Support for agriculture automation 0 0Support for self employment for PWDs 1 (Rs. 5000/-) 0

Benefits of other schemes are very low as people are not known to these schemes and accessing those schemes is a tedious process.

5.8 Overall benefits of social security programsIn Vijaynagar the total benefit of social security programs is Rs. 962,052/- (with an average of Rs. 4,810/-), while in Poshina the total benefits is Rs. 468,029/- (with an average of Rs. 2340/-). However, the difference is primarily because of Rs. 429,000 of benefit of housing schemes in Vijaynagar.

Table 25: Overall benefit of social security programsParticular Vijaynagar Poshina

1. Widow pension 7560 02. ST bus pass for PWDs 3000 10003. Old age pension 2400 04. Housing schemes 429,000 31,0005. PDS – Antyodaya 77179 361486. PDS – BPL (1 – 16) 246,545 265,8707. PDS – BPL (17 – 20) 135,291 105,3798. PDS – APL 14,877 69329. MGNREGA 7200 70010. Manav Garmia Scheme 12500 011. Manav Kalyan Scheme 10000 012. Agriculture development for BPL 3550 1610013. Integrated dairy development program 4450 50014. Agriculture loan 0 410015. Skill building training 3500 30016. Support for self employment for PWDs 5000 0

Total 962,052 468,029Average for 200 households 4810 2340

6. TOTAL AND AVERAGE BENEFITS OF ALL THE PROGRAMS

16

As shown, in Vijaynagar an average of Rs. 7370/- is availed by sampled 200 households, while in Poshina the same is Rs. 5842/-

Table 23: Total benefits of government programsParticular Vijaynagar Poshina

1. Education Related ProgramsTotal benefit 355,522 445,917Average benefit (for 200 households) 1778 2230

2. Health related programsTotal benefit 156337 254475Average benefit (for 200 households) 782 1272

3. Social security programsTotal benefit 962,052 468,029Average benefit (for 200 households) 4810 2340

Grand total benefit 1,473,911 1,168,421Grand total average benefit (for 200 households) 7370 5842

7. CONCLUSION AND REFLECTION FOR THE ACTION

As is evident from the household level information, focus group discussions and consultations with service providers that there is low access to benefits of various schemes offered by the government. The community is mostly aware about schools, PHCs/ CHCs, anganwadis and FPS shops. But the community is not satisfies with regard to the quality and timely delivery of services by these institutions. At the same time there are a number of issues at the service provider level and at the community level. Both point of views need to be understood and reflected upon. Interface between the community as well as the service providers need to be facilitated for improving the quality and timely delivery of services. Issues faced at the service provider level need to be addressed at the administrative level and a dialogue needs to be initiated with bureaucrats at the state and district level to created mechanisms of better governance and accountability. Based on these discussion concrete plans of action to be undertaken by each stakeholder needs to be worked out followed up at regular intervals for smooth functioning.

17

List of Abbreviations

AABY – Aam Admi Bima YojanaBPL – Below Poverty LineCHC – Community Health CentreFHW – Female Health WorkerFPS – Fair Price ShopHH – HouseholdICDS - Integrated Child Development ServicesJSY – Janani Suraksha YojanaKPSY – Kasturba Poshan Sahay YojanaMGNREGA - Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act PHC – Public Health Centre PDS – Public Distribution SystemPTG – Primitive Tribe GroupRBSK - Rastriya Baal Swasthaya Karyakram RSBY – Rashtriya Swasthaya Bima YojanaSC – Scheduled CasteSJC - Social Justice CommitteeSMC - School Management CommitteeST – Scheduled TribeTSP – Tribal Sub PlanVCE – Village Computer EntrepreneurVVMC - Village Vigilance and Monitoring Committee

18