NOVEMBER PROGRESS REPORT

DATE: DECEMBER 26, 2009

Greetings from Atmashakti Trust -- at the very outset we would like to wish you a very happy, healthy and prosperous 2010

UTTARAKHAND
On November 15th I attended a review meeting of the Himsainiks in Ranikhet. Of the 9 Himsainiks, 7 had achieved their targets regarding survey and identification of those who expressed a desire to work. With this process ending we have completed the first leg of our work in three blocks; Tarikhet, Hawalbagh and Dwarahat (all in Almora district). They were several problems encountered while surveying Bhikiasian block and a decision was taken to defer working here for the time being. Three Himsainiks, backed by Geeta and Girish our field coordinators, had attempted to mobilise work in Tarikhet block. However the result was extremely disappointing; although over 40 sarpanchs were contacted to organise village meetings and create mass awareness regarding NREGA only four actually did so. The team reported that in many cases the sarpanch actually discouraged them from trying to hold meetings. An alternate strategy was worked out during the team meeting and it was decided that: 1. The Sarpanch would be bypassed if he was not cooperative 2. Other local leaders would be activated (Ex- Sarpanchs , school teachers, and other active citizens) 3. A pamphlet highlighting the benefits and procedural details of NREGA would be distributed to all interested households.

Page 1 of 3

ORISSA
November was a time of consolidation as well as of continuing to fill the gaps in the process of obtaining job cards and bank/postal accounts for those families (around 145,000) who have expressed a desire to work under NREGA. Having ended our previous visit in the beginning of November there was no call for another field visit but reported results from the field were very good. In the new areas being taken up by us our strategy called for the formation of village committees and selection of volunteers. This first stage of community organisation was completed in 645 villages, which is around a third of the new areas being covered.

Tribal Dance in Gondh Using these committees and sustained interaction with Panchayati Raj functionaries as also government officials we were able to make substantial progress in getting job cards to the interested families. During the month around 33,000 job cards were made available to the people, bringing the coverage close to 90%. Regarding the opening of savings accounts the progress has also been quite good ---- 41,500 accounts were opened and this takes the cumulative figure up from a lowly 26% to over 60%. Although this still means a large chunk are theoretically ineligible for work, in several places government officials have promised to open accounts for all those who apply for work.

Jansathis in Kandhamal

OTHER ACTIVITIES
PLANS FOR DECEMBER
The strategy for December has three major components: a) Continuation of the community organisation process b) Work towards universal coverage of job cards and further filling of the gap in opening of savings accounts

Page 2 of 3

c) With the paddy harvesting expected to be completed by December end we will also be starting the all-important process of making job demands. We anticipate that our efforts will see around 25,000 families applying for work under NREGA for the first time in their lives!

HR UPDATE
During the past five months of this whole process that has involved sustained hard work, mostly under difficult conditions. However, only 4 out of our 60 Jansathis have left us as they could not cope with the tough working conditions.

FUND RAISING
During the month we have initiated a dialogue with NALCO and the Edel Give Foundation. However 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

APPEAL FOR DONATIONS

You are requested to support one or more such workers each of whom will cost only Rs.4,000/- 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

Page 3 of 3