NEWS FROM THE FIELD

D A T E : D E CE M BE R 7 , 2 0 1 0

Greetings from Atmashakti Trust! At the outset, please accept apologies for the delay in sending you this update. The reason for this delay is that certain field activities got pushed back by 4-6 weeks and we awaited their completion so as to give you an almost complete picture on the job demand front this year. We are pleased to inform you that progress has been very good as is reflected in the figures given below: Total job demands made last year till March 10 Total job demands made this year till Nov 10 Percentage Change 95,000 households 165,000 households 74%

Whereas a part of this enhanced reach is due to an increase in number of Jan Sathis, ( from 55 to 73; an increase of 33%), what is of greater satisfaction is the sharp jump in the household coverage per Jan Sathi which has risen from 1725 families to 2250 families at present. We are expecting this number to rise a little more as the entire job demand process has not been completed in all the areas under coverage. Another significant achievement is that this year we have been able to get receipts for a significant number of the job demands made (this is mandatory under the Act but last year there was an extreme reluctance at the Panchayat level to provide this).

Villagers during a dialogue with the Sarpanch

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THE WAY AHEAD

a) With the harvesting season drawing to a close the focus will be on trying to ensure that work is given to those who have demanded it. The problem of delayed payments is possibly the biggest hindrance to people sustaining interest in working under MGNREGA. We have interacted with the State government and our Jan Sathis/coordinators/team leaders are in regular contact with the Panchayat/block and district level officials to An Interaction with members of the press try and speed up the process. We will be compiling our latest survey data and use this to determine other issues to be taken up, though a no brainer is initiating action on Food Security and the Public Distribution System (PDS). Training inputs will be provided to our Jan Sathis and the village volunteers on a regular basis.

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AS ALWAYS
Funds continue to be a problem and unfortunately, the situation doesnt seem to be getting any better. Once again thanks for your invaluable support and now that weve got some numbers to display please try and garner support from your friends and associates. We look forward to your continuing support, as also spreading the word and assisting us in garnering additional resources for this venture. Donation details are outlined at the end of the report. With best wishes, M.M. (Koko) Singh

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APPEAL FOR DONATIONS

You are requested to support one or more such workers each of whom will cost only Rs.6,000/- per month. We will provide regular updates that fully account for your donations and detail the work that has been executed through various means such as the website, emails, social networks etc. Cheques can be made out to Atmashakti Trust Please pass this on to friends who may be interested in supporting us. Donations enjoy exemption under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act

CONTACT DETAILS
Koko Singh The Atmashakti Trust 101A Friends Colony New Delhi 110065 Ph.: +91-11-41627576 Email: atmashaktitrust@gmail.com Web: www.atmashaktitrust.com

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