chapter 5 rural urban disparity in empowerment of women...

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Chapter 5

Rural Urban Disparity in Empowerment of Women and Role of

Government Policy

Women are not highly empowered in Barak Valley, especially in the rural areas

compared to the urban areas. Empowerment of women is discussed in the previous chapter

(Chapter 4). This chapter focuses on the rural urban disparity and role of government policy in

raising women empowerment in this area. This chapter consists of three sections viz; Section

5.1, Section 5.2 and Section 5.3. Section 5.1 deals with rural urban disparity which is followed

by two other sections on role of government policy and implementation of the government

policies in Barak Valley.

5.1 Rural Urban Disparity:

The section focuses on the comparative analysis on empowerment of women

belonging to both rural area and urban area. The socio-economic statuses of the women

belonging to rural and urban areas are different. Due to different socio-economic set up of

these areas, there are huge disparities in their empowerment. These disparities can be

explained in the following sub-sections 5.1.1, 5.1.2 and 5.1.3.

5.1.1: Disparities in the context of Social Empowerment:

Social empowerment is understood as the process of developing a sense of autonomy

and self-confidence, and acting individually and collectively to demolish all social barriers

through education and legal steps. As discussed in the previous chapter, women in rural areas

generally have less education than the women living in urban areas. Lack of basic education

indeed prevents the girls in rural areas in realizing what their basic civil liberties are. They

remain confined within the four walls of their homes, and there too they are a shadow of their

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own self and have to follow what their men folk say. On the other hand, the urban women are

more educated, sophisticated, demanding, and aware of their own rights and liberties and

generally more well equipped to take care of themselves. The disparities of rural and urban

women of Barak Valley in their social empowerment are discussed below in the following.

Disparities in education

The educational status of urban women is far better than that of the rural women. The

percentage of illiterate women is more in rural areas than in urban areas in these three districts

of Barak Valley. The percentage of women in primary level is also more in rural areas than in

urban areas while in case of higher studies like Graduation and Post-Graduation, the

percentage of urban women is more than the rural women. This shows that urban women are

more advanced than rural women in terms of educational aspect (Table 5.1).

Table 5.1: Educational Status of Rural and Urban Women

Districts

Educational

Status

Rural Urban

Cachar Karimganj Hailakandi Cachar Karimganj Hailakandi

Illiterate 16.5 26.90 24.32 9.88 7.55 6.06

Primary 24 22.07 21.62 18.52 33.96 15.15

V-VII 16 16.55 13.51 1.85 7.55 6.06

H.S.L.C 25 24.83 24.32 8.64 16.98 12.12

H.S 12.5 6.21 9.46 27.78 24.53 30.30

Graduation 5.5 3.45 5.41 20.99 18.87 21.21

Post Graduation 0.5 0 1.35 12.35 11.32 9.09

Source: Calculated from the data of Primary Survey, June, 2012.

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Disparities in degree of autonomy for taking decision in the family

Fig 5.1 shows the degree of autonomy of the rural and urban women for taking

decision in the family. The percentage of women having low degree of autonomy in decision

making is more in rural area while the percentage of women having high degree of autonomy

in decision making is more in urban area than in rural area in these three districts. Again,

among the urban women the percentage of women having high degree of autonomy is highest

in Cachar District.

Disparities in freedom of movement

Regarding freedom of movement of the women, it is also observed that the percentage

of urban women have more freedom than the rural women in case of both freedom of

movement within the locality as well as freedom of movement outside the locality alone (Fig.

5.2).

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5.1.2: Disparities in the context of Economic Empowerment:

Economic empowerment is understood as a process which allows people to think

beyond their immediate daily survival and to exercise greater control over both their resources

and life choices. This sub-section can be divided into following different sub-category-wise.

Disparities in occupational pattern

The occupation of rural and urban women has been divided into nine categories viz;

Daily Salaried, Govt Employee (office), Monthly Salaried (unorganised), Private Sector

Employees, Small Scale Self Business, Large Scale Self Business, Govt School / College,

women are engaged mostly school /

sector and only 2.13 per cent of them are employed in govt offices (Fig. 5.3).

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Disparities in accessing money

Urban women have far more access to money than the rural women in all these three

districts and in all the five aspects viz; access to money for small purchases, access to money

for large purchases, having own bank account, having ATM facilities and able to operate own

ATM (Fig. 5.4).

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Disparities in Savings Investment pattern

Regarding savings / investments, the percentage of urban women is much more than

the rural women. Rural women save / invest mostly in

other type of savings / investment. But, urban women save / invest more than that of rural

women in all types of savings / investment scheme except recurring deposit (Fig 5.5).

Disparities in Gender Development Index Value

Fig. 5.6 shows the Gender Development Index (GDI) in Barak Valley which is

computed from the data collected from 2001 census. Equally Distributed Literacy Index

(EDLI) of the urban areas is more than the rural areas in these three districts; while the

Equally Distributed Work Participation Index (EDWPI) in rural areas is more than the urban

areas. Though the EDWPI in urban areas is low but due to high EDLI, the Gender

Development Index (GDI) in urban areas is higher than that in rural areas. Figure 5.7 also

shows the GDI in Barak Valley computed from the primary field survey. The situation is same

here regarding EDLI and EDWPI. In case of Equally Distributed Income Index (EDII) it is

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observed that there is a vast difference in the value between the rural area and urban area in

these three districts.

5.1.3: Disparities in the context of Political Empowerment:

Involvement of urban women in political arena is more than that of the rural women

but the disparity is less than in other fields viz; social and economic. Though urban women

have greater freedom than rural women to think and vote according to their own choice but

the percentage of urban women is not so admirable.

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Table 5.2: Political Involvement of Rural and Urban Women

Districts Rural Urban

Cachar Karimganj Hailakandi Cachar Karimganj Hailakandi

Female Contestant 9.17 6.25 12.5 16 17.5 25

Female Winner in Election 6.67 5 7.5 14 7.5 10

Vote by own choice 44.17 38.75 42.5 56 67.5 45

Source: Calculated from the data of Primary Survey, June, 2012.

5.2: Role of Government Policy at National level

From the above section, it is observed that there is huge disparity in the status of

empowerment between urban and rural women in all these three districts of Barak Valley.

Rural women are lacking much behind the urban women in all these three dimension viz;

social, economic and political. Overall development is not possible by keeping the rural part

aside. So, in order to cope with this problem, the government needs to take up some steps to

empower the rural women. This section deals with the role of various government policies for

developing and empowering women at the national level. It is well accepted that right from

the commencement of the planned development process in India, development and

empowerment of women has been given much attention by the Government of India which

can be ascertained in the following:

Welfare Programmes for Women:

The First Five Year Plan (1951-56) envisaged welfare measures for women and this

Five Year Plan. To spearhead

welfare measures, the Central Social Welfare Board (CSWB) was established in 1953 for

promoting and developing welfare services for women and children. The CSWB was also

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reflected in the community development approach, which envisaged for the first time, the

need for organising Mahila

envisaged welfare of women and children under Central Social Welfare Board Schemes and

encompassed a comprehensive social welfare programme; family planning featured

prominently in health plans during the period. Started in 1969-70, was also

implemented by the CSWB. Voluntary Organizations are funded under this scheme for setting

up short stay homes for women and girls who are the victims of marital conflict, family

maladjustment, crime or any other reason for which they become homeless. The scheme

provides funds for suitable accommodation with basic amenities to the inmates, besides funds

for services like counselling, legal aid, medical facilities, vocational training and rehabilitation

of inmates.

Education and Health Programmes for Women:

ntral Social Welfare Board in

1985 to cater the needs of girls / women who could not join mainstream education system or

who were dropout from formal schools. During the Tenth Plan, the target was to organize

2536 courses, covering 25 beneficiaries each, against which about 2514 courses were

organized during the plan. The Third, Fourth and other interim Plans (1961-74) also

emphasised on -1966) focused female

education as a major welfare strategy. In social welfare, the largest share was provided for

expanding rural welfare services and condensed course of education. This Plan also

emphasised on health programmes which concentrated mainly on the provision of services of

maternal and child welfare, health education, nutrition and family planning. The basic policy

within the family as the base of operation. The outlay on Family Planning was stepped up to

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reduce the birth rate from 40 to 25 per thousand through mass education. High priority was

accorded to immunisation of pre-school children and supplementary feeding for children,

expectant and nursing mothers.

Social Awareness Programmes for Women:

Post 1970s period witnessed

In 1971, the Government of India appointed the Committee on the Status of Women in India

(CSWI) to undertake a comprehensive examination of all the questions relating to the rights

and status of women in the context of changing social and economic conditions in the country,

and new problems related to the advancement of women, and also to suggest further measures

which would enable women to play their full and proper role in the building of the nation. The

eye-opener for the government and concerned citizens. Moreover, the CSWB, through

voluntary organizations has been implementing the project of ensuring social empowerment

through awareness generation since 1986-87 for rural and poor women. Camps are organized

in the community for generating awareness amongst women on issues relating to status, legal

rights, problems of women and other social issues and also to create enabling environment for

effective participation of women in decision making processes and for asserting their social,

economic and political rights.

Encouragement of Women in Work:

The Second Five Year Plan (1956-1961) recognised the need for women-workers in

various organisations. The Plan stated that women should be protected against hazardous

work; receive maternity benefits and crèches for children. It also suggested speedy

implementation of the policy of equal pay for equal work and provision for training to enable

women to compete for higher jobs. The Fifth Five Year Plan (1974-1979) emphasised the

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need to train women in need of income and protection. It also recommended a programme of

functional literacy to equip women with skills and knowledge to perform the functions of a

housewife (including child care, nutrition, health care, economists etc). This Plan coincided

Development Programmes for Women:

For the first time, in the planning history of India, the Sixth Plan (1980-85) document

included a chapter on Women and Development. There was a shift from welfare approach.

The plan emphasised economic independence for women, along with access to health and

family planning services. It was only during the Seventh Five Year Plan (1985-90) when the

s was emphasized; and special

The

various development programmes are -

Integrated Rural Development Programme (IRDP):

IRDP was launched on 2nd Oct, 1980. This is the major poverty alleviation programme

focussing mainly on better participation on women in the development process. Under this

scheme, at least 40 per cent of those assisted should be women. For facilitating greater

coverage of women, group approach for women beneficiaries was extended to all districts

from 1st January 1990 under which approach, group of women for thrift and credit societies

would be provided matching grant for a revolving fund equal to the amount of savings

generated by the group subjected to ceiling of Rs. 15,000.00 per group.

Development of Women and Children in Rural Areas (DWCRA):

The DWCRA (1982-83) was launched in co-operation of UNICEF to strengthen

women in conducting income generating activities. The objective of DWCRA is to raise the

income levels of women of poor households so as to enable their organised participation in

social development towards economic self-reliance. The primary thrust of DWCRA is to form

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a group of 15-20 women from poor households at the village level for delivery of services like

credit and skill training, cash and infrastructure support for self-employment.

Other Initiatives towards the Development of Women:

In 1985, a separate department for women and children was set up in the Ministry of

Human Resource Development.

Women Development Corporations were set up since 1986-87 in several states to identify

and assist women entrepreneurs and in continuation to this Mahila Samakhya schemes

were initiated to empower women.

The National Perspective Plan for Women (1988) was drawn up to facilitate

mainstreaming of s and programmes.

omen started

during the Eight Five Year Plan (1992-1997). It stressed that the benefits of development

from different sectors should not bypass women.

To monitor the flow of benefits to women, and enable them to function as equal partners

and participants in the development process, human development was focussed during the

period of Eight Five Year Plan.

Government Policies for Women Empowerment:

became one of the important objectives of Ninth Five

Year Plan (1997-2002). An effort was made to create an environment where women could

exercise their rights.

observed in 2001. This was the time when National Policy for Empowerment of Women was

adopt discrimination against women and to ensure gender justice,

Agents of Social Change and Development was continued in the Tenth Plan (2002-2007).

Towards this a sector-specific three-Fold Strategy was adopted based on the National Policy

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for Empowerment of Women (2001) viz; social empowerment, economic empowerment and

gender justice.

as adopted to monitor flow of

all types of benefits to women and to ensure that the proposed strategy brings forth a

holistic approach towards empowering women. Gender Justice is the major strategy

followed in the implementation of the through which

efforts were made to ensure that not less than 30 per cent of funds / benefits under various

schemes of all Ministries / Departments were earmarked for women.14.

Swashakti:

One of the special initiatives taken during Ninth Plan included launching of an

externally aided scheme of Swashakti (1998) for socio-economic empowerment of women

through self reliant self help groups.

Empowerment Project (RWDEP) was an externally aided Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS),

funded by the World Bank and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).

It was also a Self-Help Group (SHG) based scheme for socio-economic empowerment of

women with a multi-dimensional and participatory approach for poverty alleviation in a

subsidy free manner. Though the project was effective for a period of five years from April

1999 up to June 2004 but subsequently it was extended up to June 2005. The Project was

under implementation in 57 districts (335 blocks) of 9 States viz; Bihar, Chhatisgarh, Gujarat,

Haryana, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh and Uttaranchal. A total

of 17,647 women SHGs were mobilized under the project covering about 2,44,000 women. A

large number of SHGs have been linked to the banks and are engaged in income generating

activities.

14Source: Report of the Steering Committee on Empowerment of Women and Development of Children for the Eleventh Plan, Planning Commission, Govt of India.

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Swayamsidha:

Swayamsidha, a centrally sponsored scheme was launched in 2001 for a period of 6

years. The scheme covered 650 Blocks in 32 States / Union Territories (UTs). The main

objective of Swayamsidha was an all-round empowerment of women, especially social and

economic empowerment by ensuring their direct access to and control over resources through

a process of mobilization and convergence of all the on-going sectoral programmes. It

promoted self- s Self-Help Groups (SHGs). A total of 68,575 SHGs have been

formed under the scheme against the target of 65,00015. The Scheme ended in March 2008.

The Govt. of India has desired that the State Governments should hand hold the Self Help

Groups formed under the Swayamsidha scheme till the launch of the second phase of the

programme.

Swadhar:

Swadhar or Scheme for Women in Difficult Circumstances was launched in 2001-02

with a flexible and innovative approach to extend rehabilitation services for women in

difficult circumstances etc. like shelter, food, clothing and care to marginalized women and

girls living in difficult circumstances. It includes women without any social and economic

support like destitute widows, women prisoners released from jail and without family support,

women survivors of natural calamities, trafficked women and women victims of violence who

do not have family support. A major objective of this scheme is to provide help line to women

in distress. Shelter homes in each district are need of the times.

Support for Training and Employment Programme (STEP):

The Support for Training and Employment Programme (STEP), a Central Sector

Scheme under implementation since 1987 is for providing skills and new knowledge to poor

15Source: Report of the Steering Committee on Empowerment of Women and Development of Children for the Eleventh Plan, Planning Commission, Govt. of India.

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and asset less women in trades in traditional sector. Under the scheme women beneficiaries

are organized into viable and cohesive groups or co-operatives. A comprehensive package of

services including health care, crèche facilities, market linkages etc. are provided besides

assess to credits. Skill development is provided in ten traditional activities to women. The

target during 10thPlan period was to provide skill development training to 2.50 lakh women

though about 2.35 lakh women were provided training during the plan period.

Swawlamban:

Swawlamban,

launched in 1982-83 with the assistance from the Norwegian Agency for Development

Corporation (NORAD). From 1996-97, however, the programme was funded by the

Government of India. The objective of the programme is to provide training and skills to poor

and needy women, women from weaker sections of the society such as SCs and STs etc., to

facilitate them to obtain employment and self-employment on a sustain basis. The

programme, however, has been transferred to the State Governments with effect from April

2006 in order to ensure more effective implementation and for better monitoring and

evaluation of the programme.

Hostels for Working Women:

In order to provide support services to women scheme

is implemented by the Ministry of women and Child Development. Under this scheme

financial assistance is provided to NGOs, Co-operatives bodies and other agencies for

construction of hostels or renting of buildings to use as hostels for working women with day

care facilities for children. A major objective of the scheme is to encourage mobility of

women in the employment market by facilitating them with safe and affordable

accommodation at the place of their employment. The utilization of funds under the scheme

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had been unsatisfactory during 10th Plan as NGOs were not able to avail funds as per norms of

funding. There was also lack of suitable proposals from the eligible organizations.

Gender Budgeting:

has also been adopted in the country as an important measure to

ensure Gender Justice. The importance of Gender Budgeting arises from recognition of the

fact that national budgets impact various sections of the society differently through the pattern

of resource allocation and priority accorded to combating sectors. The budgetary policy of the

Government has a major role to play in achieving objectives of gender equality and growth

through content and direction of fiscal and monetary policies, measures for resource

mobilization and positive action for under-privileged sections. Gender budgeting looks at the

government budget from a gender perspective to assess how it addresses the needs of women

in the areas like health, education, employment etc. Gender budgeting obviously, does not

seek to create a separate budget but looks for affirmative action to address specific needs of

women. For the first time in the Union Budget, 2005-06, it is included in the Budget

document as a separate statement highlighting the gender sensitivities of the budgetary

allocation under ten demands for grants. Following advice from the Ministry of Finance and

Planning Commission, Gender Budgeting Cells have also been set up in most of the Central

Ministries / Departments. The Ministry of Women and Child Development being the nodal

agency for women empowerment in the country, has been entrusted with the task of

coordinating with the Ministries / Departments to materialize gender budgeting. Accordingly,

the Ministry has also been organizing the workshops at regular intervals to sensitize all central

Ministries / Departments in the matter of Gender Budgeting. The gender budgeting exercise

has to be adopted in all states and UTs as ultimately they are the implementing agencies of all

developmental programmes at the field level.

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The National Commission for Women:

The National Commission for a national level statutory body was set up in

1992 to work towards safeguarding the rights and interest of women. This has been working

towards gender justice for women in the country. The major activities of the Commission

include investigation, examination and review of all matters relating to safeguards provided to

women under the Indian Constitution; review of implementation of women specific and

women related legislation and to suggest suitable amendments wherever needed; keeping

surveillance and facilitating redress of grievances of women etc. The Commission thus has

been in the fore front of the national endeavour to improve the status of women in society and

work for their overall empowerment. The important activities that the Commission has been

undertaking besides review of laws and legislations, enquiries related to violence against

women, organizing seminars, workshops, public hearing etc., organizing Bal Vivah Virodh

Abhiyan, interacting with members of parliament and others regarding pending women

related bills, organizing Parivarik Mahila Lok Adalats and legal awareness programmes,

sponsoring studies on women related issues etc. A common point raised regarding the

Commission is that the Commission has been functioning more as an advisory body. Since

this is the nodal agency for protection of rights of women, it needs to be empowered further to

function as a statutory body.

Mahila Samridhi Yojana:

In October 1993, the Government of India launched a scheme called Mahila Samridhi

Yojana (MSY). This is a central sector plan scheme implemented through the network of post

offices in rural areas. The Department of Women and Child Development is the nodal

institution for implementing this scheme. Mahila Samridhi Yojana encourages every rural

adult woman to open an MSY account in her village post office in which she may deposit her

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savings. For an amount upto Rs. 300.00 per year, with a one year lock-in period, government

contributes 25 per cent.

Rajiv Gandhi Scheme for Empowerment of Adolescent Girls (RGSEAG)

Rajiv Gandhi Scheme for Empowerment of Adolescent Girls (RGSEAG) , a

centrally sponsored scheme has been approved by the Government on 16th August, 2010. The

scheme is being implemented in 200 districts across the country on a pilot basis. In the

remaining districts, Kishori Shakti Yojana (KSY) continues to be operational as before.

However, Sa has completely replaced Nutrition Programme for Adolescent Girls

(NPAG) as all districts of NPAG are now part of the Sabla. The scheme aims at vocational

training for girls above 16 years of age for their economic empowerment.

Sabla is being implemented through the State Governments / UTs with 100 per cent

financial assistance from the Central Government for all inputs other than nutrition provision

for which 50 per cent Central assistance to States is provided. Anganwadi Centre is the focal

point for the delivery of the services. The basic objectives of Sabla are to provide life skill

education and accessing public services to women, Vocational training for girls aged 16 and

above under National Skill Development Program (NSDP). The successful implementation

of Sabla requires convergence with development activities/schemes of other Departments

such as Health, Education, Youth Affairs, Labour, PRIs etc. Nearly, 100 lakh adolescent

girls per annum are expected to be benefitted under the scheme. Against the allocation of Rs.

350 crore for the year 2010-11, a sum of Rs. 330 crore (approximately) has been released to

States / UTs.

Rashtriya Mahila Kosh - (National Credit Fund for Women):

The Rashtriya Mahila Kosh (National Credit Fund for Women) was set up in 1993

with a corpus of Rs. 31 crore, against the backdrop of socio-economic constraints faced by

poor women to access micro credit from the formal financial system in the country,

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especially those in the rural and in unorganized sectors. The principal corpus was increased

to Rs.100.00 crore during 2009-10. The main objective of setting up of Rashtriya Mahila

Kosh (RMK) under the Department of Women and Child Development (now Ministry) is to

provide micro-credit to poor women for various livelihood support and income generating

activities at concessional terms in a client-friendly procedure to bring about their socio-

economic development. The RMK is now being restructured as a NBFC with a corpus of

Rs.500.00 crore. There would be a quantum jump in the business volume of the

organization through this restructuring. Further, RMK extends loan up to maximum of 18

per cent interest per annum to SHGs / beneficiaries.

Rajiv Gandhi National Creche Scheme:

With a view to encourage women to join / continue with gainful employment, Rajiv

Gandhi National Creche Scheme for children of working mothers (RGNCS) has been

introduced in 2006. The scheme seeks to provide day care facilities to children in the age

group 0-6 years from families with a monthly income of less than Rs. 12,000.00. In addition

to being a safe space for the children, the crèche provide services like supplementary

nutrition, preschool education, emergency health care etc. This central sector scheme is

implemented through Central Social Welfare Board (CSWB) and two national level mother

NGOs i.e. Indian Council for Child Welfare (ICCW) and Bharatiya Adimjati Sevak Sangh

(BAJSS).

Ujjawala Scheme:

The Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India during the year

2007-2008 introduced a Comprehensive Scheme for Prevention of Trafficking and Rescue,

Rehabilitation and Re-integration of Victims of Trafficking for Commercial Sexual

Exploitation UJJAWALA . The basic objectives of the schemes are to prevent trafficking

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of Women and Children, to facilitate Rescue of victims, to provide Rehabilitation, to facilitate

Re-integration and to facilitate Repatriation of cross border victims.

The Commissioner of Social Defence is designated as Nodal Officer for scrutinizing,

inspecting, recommending and forwarding the proposals received from NGOs to Government

of India.

Indira Gandhi Matritva SahyogYojana (IGMSY) Conditional Maternity Benefit (CMB)

Scheme:

Indira Gandhi Matritva Sahyog Yojana (IGMSY) Conditional Maternity Benefit

(CMB) scheme is a Conditional Cash Transfer scheme for pregnant and lactating women to

contribute to better enabling environment by providing cash incentives for improved health

and nutrition to pregnant and nursing mothers. It is being implemented initially on pilot basis

in 52 selected districts using the platform of ICDS. IGMSY is a centrally sponsored scheme

introduced in the FY 2010-11, under which the grant-in-aid is released to States / UTs. The

scheme envisages providing cash directly to BPL women during pregnancy and lactation in

response to individual fulfilling with specific conditions. The scheme attempts to partly

compensate for wage loss to pregnant & lactating women both prior to and after delivery of the

child.

5.3: Implementation of the Government Schemes in Barak Valley

To improve the socio-economic status of women, some government schemes are

implemented in Barak Valley. These are discussed in the following:

i) Swadhar

This scheme is implemented in all three districts in Barak Valley through voluntary

organisations named Wodwichee and Roghurtook Club and Library. Wodwichee has worked

in Cachar and Hailakandi district whereas Roghurtook Club has worked in Karimganj district.

The details are discussed in the following.

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Swadhar Shelter Home and Helpline at Silchar, District Cachar:

Due to socio-economic and regional factors, women and girls at Cachar district are

exposed to exploitation, atrocity and destitution and are living in sub-human conditions. Over

the last few years, due to factors such as poverty, lack of employment, family mal-adjustment,

trafficking, eloping, migration from other states, natural calamities etc., there is a substantial

increase in the number of women in this district who need intervention and services. There are

many women who are victims of unfortunate circumstances and they are in need of

institutional support for rehabilitation so that they could lead their life with dignity. In the

backdrop of the prevailing scenario, the Swadhar Shelter Home and Helpline was

implemented at Cachar District by the Organisation Wodwichee on 1st March, 2005. Since its

establishment, the Swadhar Centre for 50 inmates at Silchar has been functioning and serving

the purpose of the SWADHAR Scheme in a holistic manner. The services which are being

provided includes (i) Medical Tests, (ii) Shelter, (iii) Nutrition, (iv) Food, (v) Clothing, (vi)

Medical Services, (vii) Counselling, Training & Education, (viii) Capacity Building, (ix)

Rehabilitation and (x) Sustained follow-up.

Since 1st March, 2005, 137 women have been successfully rehabilitated and

sustainably followed up. The Swadhar Shelter home is backed by a Helpline and 5387 number

of calls have been attended by the staffs and provided with satisfactory counselling and

guidance.

Swadhar Shelter Home and Helpline at Hailakandi District:

With the sponsorship from Ministry of Women and Child Development, Govt of India,

Wodwichee has also successfully established Swadhar Shelter Home and Women Helpline at

Hailakandi on 1st November 2005, with the same purpose of extending support for women

victims in difficult circumstances. The services of Wodwichee in Hailakandi district is a little

bit different from Cachar district. In Hailakandi district, these are mainly (i) Temporary

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residential accommodation, (ii) Food, (iii) Clothing, (iv) Medical Treatment facilities, (v)

Vocational and Skill up gradation trainings for economic rehabilitation of such women

Capacity building for Alternative Livelihood generations, (vi) Counselling awareness

generation and behavioural trainings, (vii) Legal aid and Guidance and (vii) Counselling

through telephone. During the year 2011-12, the details of the beneficiaries are given below

(Table 5.3).

Table 5.3:District-wise implementation of Swadhar Shelter Home Scheme for Women

Beneficiaries in Barak Valley During 2011 - 12

District Name of the Voluntary Organization Category Women No.

Cachar Wodwichee

No. of women as on 31.03.2012 54

No. of women Rehabilitated 13

No. of women admitted 17

Hailakandi

Wodwichee




Karimganj

Roghurtook Club and library


No. of women rehabilitated 15

Source: Compiled from Annual Report 2011-12, Wodwichee & Roghortuk Club & Library

Swadhar Shelter Home & Helpline at Karimganj District:

Due to socio-economic and regional factors, women and girls are exposed to different

sorts of exploitation in Karimganj district. In order to address the issue, the Organisation

and found that the district has a large number of women and girls in difficult circumstances

like widow, destitute, deserted women, sexually abused victims, trafficked, migrants who

have been rendered homeless due to natural calamities like flood, cyclone and other social

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maladjustment. In order to cater the requirements of these women, a Swadhar Shelter Home &

Helpline service was set up at Nilam Bazar in Karimganj on 1st March, 2005.

The Shelter home provides services to 50 women and their depended children living in

difficult circumstances who are without any social and economic support and to rehabilitate

them socially and economically through education, awareness, skill up gradation and

personality development through behavioural training etc. The detail of the beneficiaries

during the year 2011-12 is given in Table 5.3.

ii) Short Stay Home:

Short Stay Home at Cachar District:

In the backdrop of the prevailing circumstances and given the large magnitude of

problems of women and girls of Cachar District, the need for establishing a Short Stay Home

for women and girls in difficulties had increasingly being realised by the Organisation

Wodwichee th April,

2005. The home is meant primarily for those women and girls who are either exposed to

moral danger or are victims of family discord and the resulting strain of relationship or

emotional disturbances. The services that are provided include (i) Institutional services

compromising of counselling and guidance (ii) Medical and Psychiatric check-up and

treatment (iii) Facilities for development of skills and relationships (iv) Free boarding and

lodging and (v) Vocational training programme.

These services have linkage with the training facilities available in other organisations

outside the homes. Besides the above services, there are also facilities for organised recreation

and group activities for the inmates of the Home. The staffs of the home undertake proper

follow-up studies on discharged residents to ensure a smooth re-integration into the

community and the family. During the year 2011-12, the details of the beneficiaries are given

in Table 5.4.

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Table 5.4:District-wise implementation of Short Stay Home Scheme for Women

Beneficiaries in Barak Valley During 2011 - 12

District Name of the Voluntary

Organization

Category Women No.

Cachar Wodwichee




Hailakandi

Wodwichee




Karimganj

Roghurtook Club and library


No. of women rehabilitated 28

Barak Valley Nivedita Nari Sangstha No. of beneficiaries 05

Source: Compiled from Annual Report 2011-12, Wodwichee & Roghurtuk Club & Library &

Annual Report 2003-04-05, Nivedita Nari Sangstha.

Short Stay home at Hailakandi:

The organisation Wodwichee has observed that there is a tremendous increase in

number of women and girls having severe adjustment problems, marital conflict, emotional

disturbances which expose them to uncertainty, destitution, atrocities, prostitution and moral

danger etc. These women and girls require help, guidance and temporary shelter to acquire

skills to become self-reliant that could help in the re-establishment of their status in the

society. In addressing the much felt need of an integrated effort, a Short Stay Home has been

running by Wodwichee at Hailakandi since 1999-2000. The services that are provided include

(i) Free lodging and food (ii) Counselling (iii) Medical Treatment (iv) Education (v) Need

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based training on weaving, handicraft, tailoring, housekeeping etc. (vi) Primary education to

the children of inmates along with medical supports as and when necessary. The detail

numbers of women beneficiaries during 2011-12 are given in Table 5.4.

Short Stay Home at Karimganj:

To protect and rehabilitate the women and girls of Karimganj who are facing social

and economic problems due to family matters, mental stress, social ostracism, exploitation or

other causes or are being forced into prostitution and are in moral danger, the organisation

two places viz; at Nilambazar in 2001 and at Patherkandi in the year 2005. Both the centres

have been providing services as per the guidelines laid down by CSWB which include (i)

Needful residential support (ii) Nutrition (iii) Medical supports (iv) Training to inmates (v)

Educational supports to their children throughout the year (vi) Rehabilitation. During the year

2011-12, the details of the beneficiaries in both the centres are mentioned in the Table 5.4.

Short Stay Home at Barak Valley:

This scheme has also been taken up by Nivedita Nari Sangstha in Barak Valley. The

main aim of this programme is to provide shelter and rehabilitation to women who are in

moral danger or having family discord. They are provided with guidance and counselling to

regain confidence in them, skills to become self- reliant, medical check-up facilities and

psychiatric treatment if necessary. The efforts are made to help the women along with their

children below ten years of age to rehabilitate them within a short period of time. Literacy is

also provided to the deserving inmate for both mother and children.

iii) Support to Training & Employment Project (STEP):

In the perspective of self-reliance and exploration of sustainable employment avenues

odwichee

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only in Hailakandi district since 1997-98 with project components comprising of

communication, sensitization and access to training and support.

Table 5.5: Implementation of Support to Training & Employment Project (STEP) for

Women Beneficiaries in Hailakandi District during 2011 - 12

Activities Achievement

Establishment of Development co-operatives 5 (10 SHGs in each Co-operative)

Skill up gradation training 475 Beneficiaries

Practical & field level training 45 SHGs and 450 Beneficiaries

Raw materials & equipment required for training (Qty) 475 units

Infrastructure 475 units

Raw materials & equipment for production. (Qty) 475 units

Marketing (Qty) 475

Others (Support services)

i) Goatery Health Camp

ii) Free health camp

iii) Free legal advice and awareness

iv) Referral services

9

9

4

10

Source: Compiled from Annual Report 2011-12, Wodwichee

During the period from 1997-2010, a total of 1087 number of rural women were

organised into groups and provided with training and credit support on various rural sectors.

But, this project is not still implemented in both Cachar and Karimganj district. The above

table (Table 5.5) shows the achievement in terms of numbers of beneficiaries covered and

physical activities undertaken during the period from 1st July 2010 to 31st March, 2012.

iv) Integrated Project for rural women artisan SHGs:

Towards empowering the rural poo odwichee

continuous stride to discover feasible resources and traditional skills among them. The

organisation has identified several types of traditional artisan activities based on rural area.

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Out of these conventional skills, the organisation has adopted some which are physically and

economically workable for the women like crop harvesting, processing and storage

equipments like tukri, koloi, kulajungi (locally named), fishing equipments like hufi, dori,

sefa, materials and in day to day household activities like sheetolpati, mat, shootli, motka, etc.

To make these artisan skills economically sustainable, the organisation has been

Various

steps that are undertaken in the project include

a) Identification of economically viable traditional artisan skill

b) Awareness generation among the target population

c) Selection of beneficiaries and formation of SHGs

d) Training of SHGs for skill development on improved products and marketing techniques

e) Need based financial and material support to the groups formed

Table 5.6: Implementation of Integrated Project for rural women artisan SHGs for

Women Beneficiaries in Cachar and Hailakandi Districts during 2009 - 12

Year Number of beneficiaries Number of groups

2009-10 57 5

2010-11 72 7

2011-12 89 9


During the year 2011-12, artisan women beneficiaries who have been provided with

the project support is given in Table 5.6. It is also observed that the number of women

beneficiaries as well as number of groups increases over the time period.

v) Readymade Garments Training Cum Production Centre:

In order to generate sustainable source of income for women and girls, Wodwichee

has been working for last few years in the field of ready-made garments training and

production process.

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Table 5.7: Readymade Garments Training given by Wodwichee for Women

Beneficiaries in Cachar District during 2009 - 12

Year No. of women trained No. of trainees placed No. of trainees self employed

2009-10 29 21 8

2010-11 31 27 4

2011-12 34 29 5


The organisation has established a ready-made garments training and production only

at Silchar in Cachar district. Along with training, winter wears like woollen sweater, muffler,

caps etc and different types of summer wear and casual wear for children and gamocha,

handkerchief, towel, pillow cover, bed cover, curtains, etc. had also produced and sold by the

beneficiaries. The centre supports for proper placement of the trainees and facilitates to those

who are able to start their own venture in small scale.

In the same field another organization named WACDO (Women and Child

Development Organisation) has also been working. The duration of the training course of

WACDO is one year and during 2011-12, 30 women have successfully completed their

training course. One time assistance of Rs. 4000.00 to each beneficiary has been given after

successful completion of training. The beneficiaries have been provided with guidance,

managerial and technical support to start their venture. The organisation has also undertaken a

sustained following-up for holistic rehabilitation and empowerment of the beneficiaries.

vi) Training Centre on Improved Weaving:

WACDO has been providing training on improved weaving and the course contains on

(i) Weaving mechanism, (ii) Design and Calculation, (iii) Bleaching and (iv) Spinning etc.

The duration of the training for each batch is six months. During 2011-12, two batches

of ten beneficiaries each has successfully completed their training course and has been

provided with stipend @ Rs. 250.00 per month and materials to the beneficiaries to start their

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individual production centre and it has been found from the annual report that most of them

set up their centre and running very smoothly.

vii) Training on Food Processing:

As food processing is an important income generating avenue, the Organisation

Wodwichee has found that it can be very helpful for women as a source of supplementary and

sustainable income. The organisation initiated the trainings on food processing and

preparation of food products like pickles, jam and several types of papad etc. that can be

prepared locally and other locally based fruit products. During 2010-11, a number of

31women were trained. During the year 2011-12, the organisation surveyed the small scale

ventures that were established by the persons trained from the organisation and found the step

was very fruitful. It is observed that some more unemployed women can get job as helper in

these units if they are trained properly.

Table 5.8: Training on Food Processing given by Wodwichee for Women Beneficiaries in

Cachar District during 2009 - 12

Year No. of women trained No. of trainees placed No. of trainees self-employed

2009-10 29 21 8

2010-11 31 22 4

2011-12 34 29 5


During the year 2011-12, the organisation initiated another training session for a new

batch. The organisation also made a communication with the food processing factories and

small scale units to accommodate the trained women.

viii) Coconut Coir Making Training Centre for Scheduled Caste Women:

The organisation Wodwichee after searching and exploring viable income

generating activities for the poor under privileged section found that Barak Valley region

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produces huge quantity of coconut but there was lack of organised training and processing

unit for utilising the huge coconut fibre. Wodwichee during 2008-09 started a coconut coir

making training cum production centre at Hailakandi. Below poverty line women belonging to

schedule caste are being trained to make coconut coir and their sale is also facilitated so that

these women make good profit out coir sale. This training is providing a good prospect to

illiterate or low educated schedule caste poor women and earning a sustained livelihood. The

number of trained women and their placement increase over the time period. This organisation

also assists in production of coconut coir related other products to diversify the skill. Product

worth Rs. 1.29 lakhs has been sold during the year 2011-12. It is significantly observed that

the number of women trainee increases over time period (Table 5.9).

Table 5.9: Training on Coconut Coir Making given by Wodwichee for Women

Beneficiaries in Hailakandi District during 2009 - 12

Year No. of women trained No. of trainees placed No. of trainees self-employed

2009-10 29 21 8

2010-11 31 27 4

2011-12 34 29 5


ix) Family Counselling Centre:

Family Counselling Centre has been functioning since 2002 at Hailakandi District for

solving various interpersonal and familial conflicts, particularly involving women. During the

year 2011-12, a total of 106 cases have been registered and relevant counselling has been

offered to them. The centre also maintains a follow-up against every case to ascertain

successful reconciliation of the relationship.

It is true that the marital maladjustment problem is increasing at an alarming rate due

to demand for dowry, economic crisis, personality difference, interference of parents-in-laws,

extra-marital relation etc. an immediate intervention with emotional & legal support in needed

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to save personal life & integration of family through the process of counselling. Realizing the

fact, WACDO has been running Family Counselling Centre at block head quarters under the

Lala Development Block of the District Hailakandi from the year of 2008-09. The centre

helps women in the distress condition, help to the clients, sort out their problems, restore their

self confidence and make them self reliant. Clients are made aware of the causative factors of

such problems and help to find out alternative solutions. In addition to this, the centre has

been active for developing the awareness among the local women and girls regarding their

constitutional rights, equality and social justice etc.

Family Counselling Centre is also operating at Nilambazar covering the entire Karimganj

district. The breaking down of joint family and emergence of nuclear family has created lots of

problem in family life to restore this and save the family from their break-down, the organization

has started FCC Programme. Since its inception in 2002, the Family Counselling Centre is

functioning efficiently solving various interpersonal and familial conflicts, particularly involving

women. In the year 2011-12, a total number of 90 cases have been registered, while out of the total

cases, 81 cases have been resolved amicably while nine cases are dropped-out and pending. The

cases solved have been followed up by the councillor.

x)

The Working Women Hostel at Old Hospital Road in Hailakandi district has capacity

of 40 numbers of inmates at a time. During 2011-12, 38 working women belonging low

income group (Rs. 3000/- to Rs. 16,000/- per month) came from distant locality of the district

and seven children of inmates stayed in the hostel. The hostel provides safe and secured

lodging accommodation to the residents along with free recreational facilities.

Developmental scenario of Karimganj district is not very bright. In fact, it is one of the

most backward districts in India in terms of socio-economic development. The women migrate

from the rural areas to district headquarter looking for job the meagre amount they get is not

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sufficient to stay in a rented room with the growing demand the organization has started Working

Women Hostel for 50 working women of low income group coming from distant places, At the

time of reporting, there are 48 working women and seven children in the hostel. Hostel provides

safe, secured and lodging accommodation to the residents along with free recreational supports.

xi) Programme on Domestic Violence:

Different kinds of industrial sectors like tea garden, brick industry, cement industry,

ice factory, candle and agarbati factory, food processing factory, construction sites, paper mill,

flour mill, interstate bus terminus etc. has come up in the Barak valley region. In these

working areas, women are facing many kinds of physical and mental assaults. Moreover, there

are instances of domestic violence as well. To avoid domestic violence and harassment

against women labour in industrial places, factories, etc., awareness and sensitization

programmes have been organizing by Wodwichee in various places of Hailakandi district.

During the year 2011-2012, 11 sensitization programs hold on various issues viz., women

rights, wage package, sanitation, health issues like HIV / AIDS, etc. and Domestic Violence

Act have been organized in places like Lalamukh-Gaglacherra, Ainakhal, Kalacherra,

Panhgram, Hailakandi II, Algapur, Katakal Salchapra and Nitainagar.

In 2011-12, three sensitization programmes on women labour and Domestic Violence

Act was organized at different corner of the Karimganj district viz; at south Karimganj

development block, Patharkandi Development Block and at Karimganj district headquarter.

The participants were coming mainly from nearby industrial places, Putni tea estate and brick

industry from nearby Karimganj district. Altogether 500 participants have been registered in

these sensitization programs. Resource persons from district Labour office have been invited

as experts in these sensitization programmes. The resource persons discussed on different

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topics viz; on Women rights, Economic empowerment of women, Health and sanitation

programme.

xii) Continuing Education Centres:

Roghurtook Club and Library started the Continuing Education Centres to enhance a

sustained follow up and to provide value based education, Continue Education centre has

came to be as one of the successful programme of the organization since its inception.

Continuing Education Centre has been established at different population pockets of

Karimganj district. The value based education has been imparted to the neo literates and it has

also providing employment to the educated youth especially from rural areas. One Project

Coordinator is associated with each Centre. During the year 2011-12 a total number of 380

neo literates attended in these centres.

xiii) Training & Support project for rural women:

Almost half of the population in India are women. Rural women are working domestic

activities especially at home which are not counted as economic activity in reality. Women are

working in the home and in informal sector with no legislative protection and with worst

condition of working. The condition of women is very deplorable as because they are not

economically empowered and hence they are not decision maker in their family as well as in

the community. To empower women especially for economic empowerment the programme

for Training and Support for rural women was initiated during the year 2003-04. This

programme is gaining popularity in the entire district especially among women. Basically, the

programme advocates the objectives of extending training for up gradation of skill and

sustainable employment for women through a variety of action oriented programme viz;

animal husbandry, dairying, fishery etc. for economic development. The rural women in the

identified area are motivated to engage themselves in the economic activity. In the first phase,

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BPL beneficiaries are being identified. In the second phase, motivation and mobilization of

women to form groups (SHGs) has been undertaken. In the third phase, training on the

identified sectors such as dairy and animal husbandry has been imparted to the beneficiaries.

In the fourth phase, orientation and credit linkages have been provided. The fourth phase also

includes building up a marketing link to sell livestock and provide related supports on

marketing. At the time of reporting, there were 375 women (in 37 SHGs) at 15 villages of

different development Blocks in Karimganj district.

xiv) Leadership Development of Women in the Minority Areas:

A total number of 30 minority concentrated backward and deprived villages located in

three districts of Barak Valley regions viz; Cachar, Hailakandi and Karimganj have been

selected for the project. Ten villages have been selected from each of these three districts.

These areas are the most under served and deprived area in the country. The overall socio-

economic, educational and health and hygienic condition of all the 30 selected villages are

almost identical. The objective of this project in the minority areas is to empower and instil

confidence in women, by providing knowledge, tools and techniques for interacting with

government systems, banks, and intermediaries at all levels. The project envisaged women

empowerment through leadership development training so that women are emboldened to

move out of the confines of home and community and assume leadership roles and assert their

rights, collectively and individually, in accessing services, facilities, skills and opportunities

besides claiming their due share of development benefits for improving their lives and living

conditions. The personnel of the organization implemented the project by visiting the villages

periodically for providing nurturing and handholding service to the group of women. The

organization already has identifiable presence in the proposed villages through women action

networks, gender budgeting programmes and followed up cases under Domestic Violence

Act. The organization has also linkage with village level Community Based Organization

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(CBOs) in the project area. These linkages will be intensified and enhanced for effective and

sustained implementation of the Project.

xv) Craft Training Centre for Minorities:

The craft-training centre has been started in 2008-09 at Nilambazar in Karimganj

district to provide training to Schedule Caste girls from the rural areas of Karimganj district

for employment generation. The programme is still continuing and it is gaining popularity.

Table 5.10: Craft Training for Minorities given by Wodwichee for Women Beneficiaries in Hailakandi District during 2009 - 12

Year No. of women trained No. of trainees placed No. of trainees self employed

2009-10 50 27 19

2010-11 50 21 17

2011-12 50 19 15 Source: Compiled from Annual Report 2011-12, Wodwichee

Tailoring, embroidery and other relevant cloth and bamboo based crafts have found to

be very useful and practical source of income generation for the rural and unemployed girls.

Wodwichee has been offering training in Hailakandi district for last few years and developed

skill and helped find works for the OBC trainees. The craft-training centre has been

functioning with grant-in-aid from the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment since

2001 at Hailakandi. Table 5.10 gives the picture of women beneficiaries and their placement

opportunities.

Since 2007-08 WACDO has also been running a vocational training centre on Craft

for OBCs to enhance the employment opportunities among the SC and OBCs women and

girls. During the year a total of 57 girls have been admitted in this centre and they have

completed their course successfully. Moreover like the year 2007-2008 during the year

WACDO provided the financial assistance to the trainees @ Rs. 500.00 to the candidates who

belong to BPL families to start their business individually.

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xvi) Rajib Gandhi National Crèche:

Roghurtook club and library has been running five crèche programmes in different

location of Karimganj district viz; Uttar Keuty, Tikorpara, Roghurtook, Nayagram, and Dubri

respectively. Karimganj district has a large number of tea garden and working women are

mostly the tea leave puckers in the tea garden. The working women need support in terms of

safe and quality care for their young children while they are at work; so Roghurtook Club and

Library is providing the services to these sorts of women who are in need of these services. At

the time of reporting the organization is providing services to 125 children of working

women; among the children 72 are boys and 53 are girls. These children are provided with

nutritional supplements, health aids, pre-school education support etc.

In 2006, Nivedita Nari Sangstha also started four numbers of creche centre for BPL

children at rural and urban areas at Silchar town. They have got sanctioned from CSWB under

Rajib Gandhi crèche scheme. Total 540 children are benefited from the programme. The

organisation provides pre-school education, nutrition, health, immunisation, mid-day meal,

etc. It also gives education and healthcare to the working mother of the children.

xvii) Multi facility Care centre for aged widowed women:

Roghurtook Club and Library started the Multi Facility Care Centre at Settlement Road in

Karimganj district on 1st April, 2008 to improve the quality of life of destitute elderly widow

women. Initially the home was started with 40 destitute elderly widowed women but, the number

has increased and now it has accommodated 50 elderly widowed women. The organization is

providing the basic needs of elderly widowed women like food, shelter and health care. During the

year 2011-12 the organization restored seven elderly widowed women to their individual family

and also it has admitted seven elderly widowed women who are neglected by their families these

elderly widowed women are provided with basic services like shelter, food, entertainment and

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healthcare. In addition to providing shelter and care to the inmates, training in income generating

activities has been undertaken by the organization to encourage active and productive ageing.

xviii) Health Sub Centre:

To create awareness among the women for their reproductive health, Nivedita Nari

Sangstha organised many health check up camps throughout the year. The objective of this health

programme is to create awareness and motivation amongst the women especially in the

reproductive age group to know, decide and plan their families so as to have a healthy and

reproductive life. The organisation arranged regular group discussion among the community

people to complete full courses of immunization for their children. Children were taken for five

times for immunization in the first year.

Table 5.11: Health Sub Centre given by Nivedita Nari Sangstha during 2001 04

Year Area of operation Total no. of beneficiaries Treatment

2001-2002 Rural & Urban 1500 Maternity and child health

2002-2003 1680 Iron, Digene

2003-2004 1800 Paracetamol, Betonin etc.

Source: Compiled from Annual Report 2002-03-04, Nivedita Nari Sangstha

xix) Mother and Child Health Programme (MCH):

In 2002, Nivedita Nari Sangstha started MCH programme in different slum areas of

Silchar town to educate and aware women for their health and nutrition status. Regular

meeting and discussions are being held on health for pregnant women and nursing mother. In

the year 2001, three days orientation training programme for field staffs was organized in

collaboration with voluntary health Association of Assam. To implement the programme, 25

members of the NGO were trained. The training included lecture sessions, interactive

sessions, role play, poster making etc.

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Table 5.12: Mother and Child Health Programme given by Nivedita Nari Sangstha during 2001 04 Year Area of operation Total Number of beneficiaries

2001-2002 Rural & Urban 105

2002-2003 120

2003-2004 130


xx) Self Employment Programme:

Nivedita Nari Sangstha along with the help of Block development authority and

DRDA are organising awareness camp to change the economical status of women through self

help group. They organised orientation training with the help of DRDA by providing technical

support to form self help groups. With the help of jute diversification of India the organisation

arranged orientation training among 30 women by providing financial assistance in both cash

and kinds to help the women.

Table 5.13: Self Employment Programme of Nivedita Nari Sangstha during 2001-2004

Year Name of Programme Area Total no. of beneficiaries

2001-2002 Tailoring Urban (28 Municipal Ward) 11

2002-2003 Jute Urban & Slum 30

2003-2004 Tailor & Utley 15


xxi) Anganwadi Workers Training Centre

Anganwadi Workers Training has been a long pending demand at Barak Valley. It is a

women and child development programme under the Ministry of Human Resource

Development. In the year 1975, Govt. of India has started Integrated Child Development

Scheme (ICDS) programme in different blocks and GP level. The main objective of this

programme is to implement all round development programmes of women and child through

ICDS projects. Previously the Anganwadi Workers were facing various problems to go for

training at different places of Assam. Nivedita Nari Sangstha, a women organisation has taken

164

the initiative to start a Anganwadi workers training centre at Cachar. From 2003 to 2013 the

organisation has completed 52 job training course and 1944 workers coming from different

ICDS projects of Cachar like Silchar ICDS project, Narsingpur ICDS project, Sonai ICDS

project, Palonghat ICDS project, Udharbond ICDS project, Barjalenga ICDS project were

trained. The duration of this job course is 30 days. From 2005 to 2013, the organisation has

completed 25 batches of seven days refresher training course of helpers. They have trained

total 1141 Anganwadi helpers from different ICDS of Cachar district. From 2006 to 2013,

they have completed seven days Refresher training course of Anganwadi workers. Total 15

batches have completed during this time and total 736 Anganwadi workers have attended the

refresher training course from different ICDS projects of Cachar district. During 2012-2013,

they have completed nine batches for job training course. Total 280 new recruited Anganwadi

workers of Silchar ICDS are trained by this NGO till now. During this 30 days training

programme they are trained about supplementary nutrition, health and hygiene, non formal

preschool education, (heath check up, immunization, physical and motor development)

community growth chart, growth monitoring, community participation, early childhood care

and protection management of records, non formal education etc. They also trained them how

to organize preschool activities by charts, papers and pens, picture cards, singing, dancing,

story telling etc. all according to their syllabus.

xxii) Safe Custody of Victim Girls

Nivedita Nari Sangstha has come forward voluntarily to help the administration and

court by keeping the victim women and girls at their NGO campus with all logistic supports

provided by the organisation. Since 2011, total 29 victim girls rescued by the police are

provided temporary shelter at their NGO campus with order from court.

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Three real life stories as case studies have been considered in the following to show

the implementation of different government schemes in Barak Valley. These beneficiaries

were interviewed where they described how their lives have changed.

Case Study: A Beneficiary of Swadhar Home in Hailakandi District

Ayarun Nessa, a 25 years old woman belongs to Dholcherra village in Hailakandi. She was

married to Samsul Haque Ali and stayed together for about five years. Samsul was a daily wage

labourer but he did not go to work regularly. This led his family to take meal only once a day.

Her life became more miserable when her husband started to drink every day and after that beat

her. With all the difficulties she was able to deliver her second child two years back. But the

nightmare of her life appeared one year back when she w

children and after returning back she heard that her husband left the place after selling their

house. At that time she felt in trauma. Seeing the difficulties of her life some well-wishers

brought her to Swadhar shelter home at Hailakandi and she along with her two children started

to recover from the trauma. She had never been to any school, but now she has learned to write

her name at the shelter home. She is now getting trained for livelihood generation with a

purpose to live an independent life. She has got a new direction of her life now.

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Case Study: A Beneficiary of Short Stay Home in Hailakandi District

Case Study: A Beneficiary of Short Stay Home in Hailakandi District

Short Stay Home at Hailakandi District: Case Study

Jalftun Nessa Barbhuiya, age 35, mother of

three children belongs to Ujankhupa part II,

Hailakandi. She is a victim of family mal-

adjustment. She was brought to Wodwichee in

2004 and stayed there till 2007. During her

short stay she had learned tailoring from

Wodwichee and also got a tailoring machine

after the training. In 2007 she was rehabilitated

to her family by Wodwichee. Now she has

become a tailor instructor for Wodwichee with

fixed monthly salary of Rs. 3500/- and trains the

victims of society.

Old Age Home at Hailakandi District: Case Study

Basanti Roy, age 77, a widow who has one son and four

daughters used to live in urban area of Hailakandi with

her family. Her husband sold all their properties and died.

All her daughters got married. She does not have any idea

of her son. She has been brought to this old age home two

years back. At this age even if her family is not with her,

she is now happy that she has more people to take care of

her.

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xxiii) Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme in Barak Valley:

The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) was notified

on September 7, 2005. The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act

(hereafter MGNREGA) is a law whereby any adult who applies for employment in rural areas has to

be given work on local public works within 15 days. If employment is not given, an unemployment

allowance has to be paid. The employment guarantee is subjected to a limit of 100 days per

household per year. The main objective of MNREGA is to protect rural households from poverty

and hunger. It can also serve other objectives viz; generating productive assets, protecting the

environment, empowering women, reducing rural urban migration and fostering social equity

among others. Thus MGNREGA is not just an employment scheme but it is also a tool of

economic and social change in rural areas.

MNREGA has also been implemented in all these three districts of Barak Valley. The

district-wise status of this MNREGA scheme for women is discussed in the following. Table

5.14 shows the status of MNREGA scheme in Cachar district. It is observed that women are

engaged mostly in rural connectivity compared to other types of work. Apart from this they

are also employed in irrigation cannels, water conservation and harvesting, renovation of

traditional water bodies, drought proofing, flood control and land development. But in all

-13 is lower than the previous two years. Women

employed in rural connectivity as well as in other categories of work are also surprisingly

decreasing in 2012-13. The average working day per woman is different for different types of

work. The average working day is higher in flood control than that of rural connectivity (Fig.

5.8). The average salary per woman has increased over the time period. Though, it is

significantly observed that women are getting 100 days work in none of work categories.

168

Table 5.14: Status of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme

in Cachar District

Work Category Year

Women

Employed

Person

days (in

lakh)

Amount earned

during current

financial year

(in Lakhs)

Avg

Working

Days /

Women

Avg Daily

Salary /

Women

Rural

Connectivity

2012-13 1650 0.25888 35.19982 15.69 135.97

2011-12 5416 0.92833 120.5533 17.14 129.86

2010-11 4446 0.74196 75.5199 16.69 101.78

Water

Conservation

And Water

Harvesting

2012-13 359 0.05787 7.87032 16.12 136

2011-12 577 0.08236 10.663 14.27 129.47

2010-11 593 0.10078 10.5517 16.99 104.7

Renovation of

Traditional

Water Bodies

2012-13 207 0.03657 4.9734 17.67 136

2011-12 332 0.02626 3.4138 7.91 130

2010-11 723 0.10526 10.8919 14.56 103.48

Flood Control

2012-13 226 0.03483 4.73688 15.41 136

2011-12 582 0.11571 15.0042 19.88 129.67

2010-11 510 0.10561 10.6857 20.71 101.18

Drought

Proofing

2012-13 196 0.02959 4.0234 15.1 135.97

2011-12 430 0.07101 9.1905 16.51 129.43

2010-11 361 0.05602 5.471 15.52 97.66

Irrigation

Canals

2012-13 857 0.12837 17.45832 14.98 136

2011-12 1393 0.18992 24.6686 13.63 129.89

2010-11 1791 0.24325 25.056 13.58 103.01

Irrigation

Facilities To

SC/ST/IAY/LR

2012-13 0 0 0 0 0

2011-12 22 0.00254 0.3302 11.55 130

2010-11 12 0.00153 0.153 12.75 100

Land

Development

2012-13 140 0.02645 3.5972 18.89 136

2011-12 384 0.06183 8.0295 16.1 129.86

2010-11 270 0.038 3.9718 14.07 104.52

Grand Total

2012-13 3635 0.57256 77.85934 15.75 135.98

2011-12 9136 1.47796 191.8531 16.18 129.81

2010-11 8706 1.39241 142.301 15.99 102.2

Source: Compiled from data collected from www.nrega.nic.in

http://www.nrega.nic.in

169

In case of Karimganj district, the situation is different compared to Cachar district.

Due to non-availability of data Table 5.15 shows the status only from 2011-13. From this

Table it is observed that women are mostly employed in rural connectivity. In other type of

work, employed women and person days are almost negligible.

170

It is also noticed that number of employed women in rural connectivity as well as for

total categories has significantly decreased in 2012 13 compared to previous year. Though

the number of employed women in flood control is very small but the average working day

per women in this category of work is very high in 2011 12 compared to other category of

work (Fig. 5.9). But, still the picture is same as like Cachar district in terms of getting 100

days employment.


in Karimganj District

Work Category Year Women

Employed

Person days (in

lakh)

Amount earned during current

financial year(in Lakhs)

Avg Working Days / Women

Avg Daily

Salary/ Women

Rural Connectivity

2012-13 1010 0.13579 18.2191 13.44 134.17

2011-12 3174 0.46288 60.0772 14.58 129.79

Water Conservation And Water Harvesting

2012-13 0 0 0 0 0 2011-12 20 0.00541 0.7033 27.05 130

Renovation of Traditional Water

Bodies 2012-13 4 0.0006 0.0816 15 136 2011-12 53 0.00846 1.0998 15.96 130

Flood Control

2012-13 13 0.00069 0.09114 5.31 132.09

2011-12 60 0.01475 1.9175 24.58 130

Drought Proofing

2012-13 0 0 0 0 0

2011-12 53 0.00535 0.6955 10.09 130

Irrigation Canals

2012-13 34 0.00346 0.46804 10.18 135.27

2011-12 146 0.0131 1.703 8.97 130

Land Development

2012-13 21 0.0021 0.282 10 134.29

2011-12 60 0.00884 1.1492 14.73 130

Bharat Nirman Rajeev Gandhi Sewa Kendra

2012-13 3 0.0003 0.03936 10 131.2 2011-12 1 0.00006 0.0078 6 130

Other Works

2012-13 0 0 0 0 0

2011-12 91 0.01016 1.3208 11.16 130

Grand Total

2012-13 1085 0.14294 19.18124 13.17 134.19

2011-12 3567 0.51885 67.3533 14.55 129.81



171

The status of MNREGA scheme for women is observed from the following Table 5.16.


in Hailakandi District

Work Category Year

Women Employed

Person days (in

lakh)

Amount earned during current financial year

(in Lakhs)

Avg Working Days /

Women

Avg Daily Salary/ Women

Rural Connectivity

2012-13 1650 0.25888 35.19982 15.69 135.97 2011-12 10368 1.72401 224.0862 16.63 129.98 2010-11 11973 2.1894 225.9702 18.29 103.21

Water Conservation And Water Harvesting

2012-13 359 0.05787 7.87032 16.12 136 2011-12 1310 0.14919 19.3947 11.39 130

2010-11 1443 0.18787 19.0636 13.02 101.47 Renovation of

Traditional Water Bodies

2012-13 207 0.03657 4.9734 17.67 136 2011-12 35 0.00415 0.5395 11.86 130 2010-11 82 0.00738 0.738 11.9 100

Flood Control

2012-13 226 0.03483 4.73688 15.41 136 2011-12 449 0.0522 6.786 11.63 130 2010-11 327 0.03748 3.8662 11.46 103.15

Drought Proofing

2012-13 196 0.02959 4.0234 15.1 135.97 2011-12 69 0.00775 1.0075 11.23 130

2010-11 0 0 0 0 0

Irrigation Canals

2012-13 857 0.12837 17.45832 14.98 136 2011-12 6 0.00042 0.0546 7 130 2010-11 26 0.0023 0.266 8.85 115.65

Land Development

2012-13 140 0.02645 3.5972 18.89 136 2011-12 189 0.02568 3.3384 13.59 130 2010-11 35 0.00457 0.484 13.06 105.91

Bharat Nirman Rajeev Gandhi Sewa Kendra

2012-13 0 0 0 0 0 2011-12 0 0 0 0 0

2010-11 11 0.00165 0.165 15 100

Other Works 2012-13 0 0 0 0 0

2011-12 0 0 0 0 0 2010-11 4 0.00048 0.048 12 100

Grand Total

2012-13 3635 0.57256 77.85934 15.75 135.98 2011-12 12426 1.9634 255.2069 15.8 129.98 2010-11 13866 2.429 250.388 17.52 103.08



172

In case of Hailakandi district, the women are employed mainly in rural connectivity,

water conservation and harvesting and flood control. Women employed in rural connectivity

as well as in other categories of work except irrigation work are also surprisingly decreasing

in 2012-13. It is significantly observed that women are getting 100 days work in none of work

categories like two other districts of Barak Valley (Fig. 5.10).

chapter 5 rural urban disparity in empowerment of women...

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