Community Engagement through
"Socially Secured Villages" Initiative
Atmashakti Trust’s “Model Village” initiative is aligned with the seventh LSDG of social protection and inclusion. This program aims to uplift Below Poverty Line (BPL) households by enhancing the living standards of elderly citizens and individuals with disabilities through targeted social protection measures. The initiative has had a transformative impact, providing essential support and resources, improving quality of life, and strengthening community engagement and empowerment.
For many in these communities, Atmashakti Trust’s intervention was a lifeline. This program, designed to uplift the most vulnerable, focused on enhancing the living standards of elderly citizens and individuals with disabilities through targeted social protection measures.
Elderly individuals and those with disabilities, once struggling without support, were mobilized to access essential pensions and resources, providing them with much-needed security and dignity. The program’s impact was immediate and profound, offering a sense of stability that had been previously elusive.
A pension survey conducted in October 2022 across 13 districts in Odisha. The survey reached 11,003 individuals (62% female) from 69 blocks, 519 Gram Panchayats (GPs), and 1,224 villages. The data revealed: 85% of beneficiaries had to travel long distances, with more than 50% traveling between 7 to 20 km to collect their Rs. 500 pension. 92% of beneficiaries preferred receiving cash in hand rather than through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
Following the survey, Atmashakti Trust submitted a report to the authorities, leading to several significant decisions:Pension amounts were doubled from Rs. 500 to Rs. 1,000. The introduction of a cash transfer system for pensions, replacing the DBT mode. Elderly beneficiaries aged 80+ now receive Rs. 1,200, addressing previous issues with KYC and technicalities that had hindered their access.
Understanding the importance of community involvement, Atmashakti Trust mobilized formation of Youth Clubs through youth-oriented meetings. These clubs became dynamic platforms for addressing local issues. For instance, a group of young villagers, inspired by their new roles, tackled the challenge of clean drinking water, collaborating with residents and experts to find sustainable solutions.
In addition to engaging youth, the initiative included the Back-to-School campaign and Women Special Gramsabha. The Back-to-School campaign increased school enrollment, giving children from BPL households a chance at a brighter future. Meanwhile, the Women Special Gramsabha empowered women to participate in decision-making processes and address gender-specific issues, strengthening their role in the community.
Regular community meetings served as vital forums for discussing critical issues such as drinking water, health services, and infrastructure. These discussions led to practical improvements, driven by the collective efforts of the community who had become actively involved in seeking solutions.
By ensuring access to essential resources like pensions and community support services for elderly individuals and persons with disabilities, the program has significantly improved their quality of life. The formation of Youth Clubs and the facilitation of community meetings have further strengthened social cohesion, enabling residents to actively engage in decision-making and advocate for their rights. This holistic approach not only addresses immediate needs but also empowers communities to drive their own development.
For many in these communities, Atmashakti Trust’s intervention was a lifeline. This program, designed to uplift the most vulnerable, focused on enhancing the living standards of elderly citizens and individuals with disabilities through targeted social protection measures.
Elderly individuals and those with disabilities, once struggling without support, were mobilized to access essential pensions and resources, providing them with much-needed security and dignity. The program’s impact was immediate and profound, offering a sense of stability that had been previously elusive.
A pension survey conducted in October 2022 across 13 districts in Odisha. The survey reached 11,003 individuals (62% female) from 69 blocks, 519 Gram Panchayats (GPs), and 1,224 villages. The data revealed: 85% of beneficiaries had to travel long distances, with more than 50% traveling between 7 to 20 km to collect their Rs. 500 pension. 92% of beneficiaries preferred receiving cash in hand rather than through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
Following the survey, Atmashakti Trust submitted a report to the authorities, leading to several significant decisions:Pension amounts were doubled from Rs. 500 to Rs. 1,000. The introduction of a cash transfer system for pensions, replacing the DBT mode. Elderly beneficiaries aged 80+ now receive Rs. 1,200, addressing previous issues with KYC and technicalities that had hindered their access.
Understanding the importance of community involvement, Atmashakti Trust mobilized formation of Youth Clubs through youth-oriented meetings. These clubs became dynamic platforms for addressing local issues. For instance, a group of young villagers, inspired by their new roles, tackled the challenge of clean drinking water, collaborating with residents and experts to find sustainable solutions.
In addition to engaging youth, the initiative included the Back-to-School campaign and Women Special Gramsabha. The Back-to-School campaign increased school enrollment, giving children from BPL households a chance at a brighter future. Meanwhile, the Women Special Gramsabha empowered women to participate in decision-making processes and address gender-specific issues, strengthening their role in the community.
Regular community meetings served as vital forums for discussing critical issues such as drinking water, health services, and infrastructure. These discussions led to practical improvements, driven by the collective efforts of the community who had become actively involved in seeking solutions.
By ensuring access to essential resources like pensions and community support services for elderly individuals and persons with disabilities, the program has significantly improved their quality of life. The formation of Youth Clubs and the facilitation of community meetings have further strengthened social cohesion, enabling residents to actively engage in decision-making and advocate for their rights. This holistic approach not only addresses immediate needs but also empowers communities to drive their own development.