- LetzChange

ANNUAL REPORT 2013-14
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Contents
Page
About SRUTI
Fellows at a Glance
SRUTI Fellowships in 2013-14: Focus Areas
Networking and Advocacy
Disaster Relief | Outreach
Resource Mobilisation | Sathi Milan | SWSF
People
Fundraising Overview
Annexure 1 - Fellowship Disbursal Sheet
Annexure 2 – Scrap Donors
Annexure 3 - Auditor’s Report | Balance Sheet 2013-14
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NOTE FROM DIRECTOR
Friends,
In the year 1983 a journey was started with a vision of supporting individuals at the grassroots who had a
burning desire and passion to contribute to social change and work amidst the deprived and exploited
sections of society. The core principles were Samta, Samanta, Nyay and Samman (equity, equality, justice
and dignity).
Thirty years down the journey; we retrospect this voyage of engaging with more than 130 Fellows in 19
states across India as a crucial process of Sangharsh and Nirman (struggle and creation) to ensure justice,
peace, equity and dignity among vulnerable communities. A process that continues strives for expressions,
ideas and rights of the vulnerable communities and endeavours for a just and humane society as against
the present shrinking democratic space. The journey of last 30 years is been vast, thorough,
contemplative, educative, engaging, refreshing, inspiring and very nostalgic.
SRUTI is grown to be more relevant over the period of time. At a time when India tends to celebrate its
recognition as an emerging super power; majority being dispossessed, deprived and oppressed in the name
of ‘mainstream development’. With this divide continues getting severely and precariously wider;
supporting local social action to empower and strengthen these disadvantaged communities is crucial and
imperative.
At this crucial juncture of thirtieth year, we present you the Annual Report 2013-14. The year was
celebrated as a ‘Jashn of Sangharsh-Zindabad’ (Jashn-e-Zindabad) on the 14th of February to
commemorate the spirit of ‘Sangharsh and Nirman’. Participation of friends from Sangathans, networks,
media, solidarity groups made the commemoration huge successful. Warmth of wishes cherished from
those who couldn’t make it through the event. We would like to express our sincere and deepest gratitude
to all Fellows, Supporters, Friends and Communities for showing their faith and trust in SRUTI.
Thanks very much for standing with us through this journey. Look forward to consistent solidarity and
engagement.
Shibani Chaudhury
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ABOUT SRUTI
SOCIETY FOR RURAL, URBAN AND TRIBAL INITIATIVE
SRUTI – Society for Rural, Urban and Tribal Initiative was founded in 1983, on the belief that individuals are powerful
instruments of social change and transformation. Originally conceived by social sector leaders Tara Ali Baig, Lotika
Sarkar, Bunker Roy, Ela Bhatt, Samir Chaudhuri, Poonam Muttreja, among others, the SRUTI Fellowships support
individual and community action towards justice, rights, dignity and opportunity among some of India's most marginalised
groups. December 2013 marked the 30th year of SRUTI.
Through its vision to work towards a society that is based on the core
values of justice, equity, compassion, respect and dignity for all, SRUTI aims
to harness the power of individuals in doing so. The importance of
collective social action and local leadership at the grass root is the
crux of the SRUTI Fellowship. SRUTI and its Fellows believe that social
change and sustainable economic development can be achieved by
empowering oppressed & vulnerable communities to access justice,
equality and opportunity and be true stakeholders in an integrated
democracy.
SRUTI’s core mission, therefore, is to identify and invest in individuals
armed with zeal and a vision to work towards the ideals of a more
equitable democracy; individuals with idealism, staying power and the ability
to mobilize communities at the grassroots to seek solutions to address
their most pressing issues through the idea of the ‘sangathan’, a peoples’
group that facilitates community social action.
Some key issues dealt with by the SRUTI Fellows and the sangathans are:
Access to, and Ownership of Natural Resources - Jal, Jangal, Zameen; Land
and Forest Conservation; Small Holder and Sustainable Agriculture; Right
to Food; In situ Livelihood; Panchayati Raj Institution and Governance;
Rights to the City; Education; Right to Information; Caste and Gender,
among others.
SRUTI extends a mix of financial support and intermediary inputs to a
group of Fellows through a Fellowship Programme that has evolved
substantially over the decades. The Fellowship Programme is financed by
resources mobilized, to the extent possible, from within the country,
through support partnerships and a range of fundraising efforts. The
Fellowship Programme, its related Advocacy and Outreach, and the
Resource Mobilization efforts, form the key pillars of SRUTI.
For more information, please visit www.sruti.org.in.
Jashn-e-Zindabad, India International Centre,
Delhi, 2014.
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SRUTI FELLOWSHIP 2013-14
FELLOWS AT A GLANCE
Since its inception, SRUTI has supported the work of more than 128 fellows at the grass roots in 18 states across India.
SRUTI currently supports 30 Fellows, 117 karyakartas (volunteers/activists) and their groups in 13 states:
Uttarakhand, Delhi, Rajasthan, Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh,
Tamil Nadu, Karnataka (in exit phase) and Himachal Pradesh. The current outreach of SRUTI Fellows is over 7361
villages and 250 urban clusters covering around 6.8 lakh families and 34 lakh people.
ANDHRA PRADESH
1.
2.
14. Amit and Jayashree – Adharshila Learning Centre,
Badwani dt.
15. Lakhan Singh – Bundelkhand Mazdoor Kisan Shakti
Sangathan, Damoh dt.
16. Yousuf Beg - Patthar Khadan Mazdoor Sangh, Panna
dt.
B. Sunanda - Mitra Association for Social Service,
Chittoor dt.
K. Sehadevaiah – Navjeevan, Nellore dt.
BIHAR
3.
4.
Kailash Bharati – Mazdoor Kisan Samiti, Gaya dt.
Sanjeev Dom – Bahishkrit Hitkari Sangathan,
Khagaria dt.
MAHARASHTRA
17. Dashrath Jadhav – Shramjeevi Sangathana, Latur dt.
18. Pandurang Biradar – Shoshit Kamgar Sangathana,
Latur dt.
19. Ulka Mahajan – Sarvahara Jan Andolan, Raigad dt.
20. Vilas Bhongade – Kashkari Jan Andolan, Nagpur dt.
CHHATTISGARH
5.
6.
7.
8.
Alok Shukla – Jan Abhi Vyakti, Korba and Sarguja dt.
Jang Sai – Gaon Ganrajya Sangathan, Sarguja and
Ambikapur dt.
Mamta Kujur - Adivasi Mahila Mahasangh, Jashpur dt.
Rajim Ketwas - Dalit Adivasi Manch, Raipur and
Mahasamund dt.
ODISHA
21. A K Pany – Adivasi Kranti Sangathan, Dhenkanal dt.
22. Amulya Nayak - Adivasi Chetna Sangathan,
Dhenkanal and Angul dt.
23. Pradeep Dash – Lok Chetna Sangathan, Rayagada dt.
24. Prafulla Mishra – Adima Adivasi Mukti Manch,
Nayagarh dt.
25. Rashmi Ranjan - Mati Maa Mahila Morcha, Nayagarh
dt.
26. Trilochan Punji – Zindabad Sangathan, Bolangir dt.
DELHI
9.
Anjali Bhardwaj – Satark Nagrik Sangathan, South
Delhi dt.
10. Sadre Alam – People’s Foundation, North-west,
South-west & South Delhi districts
HIMACHAL PRADESH
RAJASTHAN
27. Devendra and Sudhi - Manthan Shikshan Kendra,
Jhalawar dt.
28. Khemraj - Khetihar Khan Mazdoor Sangathan,
Chittorgarh dt.
11. Puran Chand – Sirmaur Bachao Sangharsh Samiti,
Sirmaur dt.
JHARKHAND
12. Arvind Anjum – Visthapit Mukti Vahini, Singhbum dt.
TAMIL NADU
29. MS Selvaraj - Vyavasayigal Tozhilalargal Munnetra
Sangham, Nilgiris dt.
KARNATAKA
13. Sister Celia – Karnataka Domestic Workers Union,
Bangalore
UTTARAKHAND
-
MADHYA PRADESH
Basanti and Rekha - Maati Sangathan, Pithoragarh dt.
New Fellows 2013-14:
-
Sadre Alam – People’s Foundation, Delhi
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Trilochan Punji – Zindabad Sangathan, Odisha
Yousuf Beg - Patthar Khadan Mazdoor Sangh, MP
Puran Chand – Himalaya Niti Abhiyan, HP
SRUTI FELLOWSHIP 2013-14
FOCUS AREAS
In keeping withTaking forward the Fellowship thrust, under the vision of ‘Right to life with dignity’ to improve the quality
of life of the vulnerable groups, the focus in 2013-14 was to ensure control over natural resources; explore sustainable
in-situ opportunities; re-establish socio-cultural forms & expressions; and enhance agricultural productivity. Campaigns
on issues of land and forest rights, panchayati raj institutions and agriculture were initiated and advocacy
of related legislations was undertaken to empower affected & vulnerable communities.
Efforts were made to inform, share and disseminate information on relevant issues, concerns and applicable policies
towards capacitating & enabling Fellow groups in their right-based struggles. This also included follow-up with
administrative processes to make them more accountable through appropriate checks and balances. Thus the overall
process of preventing alienation of resources through various advocacy efforts and initiatives, forming pressure groups
and enhancing of agricultural productivity through sustainable mechanisms and regular supply of inputs ultimately led to
improved quality of life and control over resources for exploited groups.
Key issues focused on for advocacy:
-
Rights over natural resources (jal, jangal,
zameen)
Panchayati Raj Institutions
Agriculture
Energy and mining
-
Governance
SRUTI team member, Shweta, with sangathan members at Bolangir, Odisha
Events organised:





National Consultation on Agrarian Reform and Land
Rights, Delhi
Four day PRI training and capacity building
workshop, Delhi
FRA 2006 and GPS training workshops in AP, Bihar,
Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Maharastra, MP, Odisha and
Tamil Nadu
Sathi Milan (Annual Fellows’ meet), Delhi
Jashn-e-Zindabad celebration to commemorate 30
years of SRUTI, Delhi
Advocacy:



Lobbying: Parliamentarians (focus on land rights and
agrarian reform) and Ministries such MoTA, MoRD,
MoEF, NCST, NCSC, etc.
Networking with people’s organizations and
movements such as SANGHARSH, NFFPFW,
NAPM, INSAF, Chhattisgarh Bachao Andolan,
Samajwadi Jan Parishad, CSD, Delhi Solidarity Group,
etc. in various states of India
Campaign to protect right to expression and
association in FCRA as part of Jan Adhikar Sangharsh
Samiti
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SRUTI FELLOWSHIP 2013-14
FOREST RIGHTS AND CONSERVATION
Fellows and karyakartas worked towards an enhanced understanding of rights and entitlements guaranteed by the
The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006.
Capacities of grassroot volunteers, activists and the community as a whole were strengthened to exercise social control
over natural resources. The sangathans have been focusing on resubmission of community claims over forests as per the
September 2012 amendments to the Forest Rights Act 2006 as well as GPS training for proper applications. Collection
of NTFP products (mahua, herada, behada, amla, etc.), trainings/shivirs on Forest Rights Act and forest conservation
processes were followed in Jharkhand, Odisha, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, AP, Bihar, Tamil Nadu and MP.
Facts & Figures:

More than 3600 individual forest pattas
and 70 community forest rights (CFR)
claims successfully received in Odisha,
Chhattisgarh, AP and MP

2743 individual claims applied and
facilitation of 2502 individual claims and 70
CFR claims in Odisha, Chhattisgarh, AP
and MP

3000 hectares of forest land with extensive
rights over forests and over 315 hectares
of land for common land-use facilitated in
Chhattisgarh, providing livelihood security
for 600 families

10,000 bamboo plants processed for
plantation in Odisha

More than 404 Forest Rights Committees
following up with verification process of
over 24,513 individual and community
forest claims in 8 states
Meeting on land and resource rights of communities living in Mudumalai in Tamil Nadu
FIELD GLIMPSE: Convention on Denial of Livelihood Rights of Forest
Dwellers in Tamil Nadu
A symposium on the issue of Tiger Reserves, Forest Rights Act and alienation of
natural resources in hill areas was organized by Vivasayigal Thozalilargal
Munnetra Sangham (VTMS) in Chennai on 6 June 2013. This was done as a
follow-up to state-level lobbying by the sangathan with elected representatives,
political parties, officials and media. The event was jointly organized by AntiIllegal Tiger Reserve Coalition (a coalition of 19 mass organisations in Tamil
Nadu form the hill ranges and the plains) and Campaign for Survival and
Dignity – Tamil Nadu. Over 300 people participated in this symposium
including representatives from Kerala and Karnataka from various movements,
political parties, academics and journalists representing 32 media houses.
Tiger Reserves have been notified in the state without fulfilling the relevant
provisions of the Wildlife Amendment Act of 2006 and the Forest Rights Act of
2006, threatening the livelihood of thousands of people residing in these areas.
Many Gram Sabhas in these areas have passed resolutions against the illegal
Tiger Reserves demanding its withdrawal. Therefore it was collectively
demanded that these illegal notifications be withdrawn.
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Adivasi families living in makeshift homes near their
cultivated forest land in Tendukheda block, Damoh, MP
SRUTI FELLOWSHIP 2013-14
RIGHT TO WORK
Proper distribution of wages for the mandated number of days under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural
Employment Gurantee Act was facilitated by sangathans in AP, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and
Odisha. Bank accounts were opened for labourers to receive wages since most of them live in remote areas with no
access to banks. Micro plans prioritising land development, plantations, farm ponds, walls and other agricultural projects
were sanctioned by the Gram Sabhas through sangathan initiatives. Pending wages were also monitored by Fellows in 9
states and arrears recovered. Fellows in Odisha also kept a watch over the facilities such as crèche, drinking water,
shade, etc. mandated to be provided to workers under MGNREGA.
Facts & Figures:

Over Rs.39.7 crores distributed as wages
for 26, 67,382 man days of work among
52,038 (including 16,963 new) job card
holders (58-60 % women) in AP, Bihar,
Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra,
Madhya Pradesh and Odisha.

More than 1194 micro plans sanctioned by
the Gram Sabhas

1.40 crore rupees sanctioned in Odisha for
land development, water and irrigation
facilities in 20 villages
Village meeting on MGNREGA in Rajasthan
FIELD GLIMPSE: Exposing corruption in MGNREGA in Madhya Pradesh
In the process of road construction in Damoh (MP) under MGNREGA, the
construction agency was found to be using substandard materials and paying
lesser wages to workers. The Bundelkhand Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan
registered their opposition and halted work after which administrative officials
reached the site and heard people’s grievances. The construction agency was
ordered to use quality materials and increase workers’ wages from Rs.120/- to Rs.
140/- per day. Similarly, in the construction of Kapil Dhara well, the sangathan
facilitated an enquiry committee to look at the pending work after exposing the
involvement of corrupt builders. Action was taken against the panchayat
secretary following interactions with 700 construction workers.
Workshop on MGNREGA in Andhra Pradesh
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SRUTI FELLOWSHIP 2013-14
RIGHT TO EDUCATION
Sangathans have helped enroll children in government schools in AP, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Rajasthan, MP, Maharashtra
and Bihar during this period. Follow-ups on the quality of education, the condition of school infrastructure and the
school services was done through Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs) as well. Other initiatives such as scholarships for
under-privileged children, re-enrollment of school drop-outs and monitoring of Mid-day Meal Scheme were taken up in
Maharashtra, MP, Bihar, Rajasthan, Odisha and AP. Establishment of more Kasturba Kanya Ashrams for girl students of
primitive tribal communities was sought with the help of PRI members in Odisha. Child Protection Committees
(community based groups at village-level linked to Child Welfare Committee and Juvenile Justice Board at the districtlevel) comprising SHG members, PRI members, youth, adolescent girls, parents, Anganwadi worker/teachers and
mothers are functioning effectively in AP. Monitoring of functioning of government hostels for adivasi children and
ensuring availability of basic facilities are being done.
Facts & Figures:





Over 3,151 children enrolled in schools in
Odisha, Rajasthan, MP, Maharashtra and
Bihar
550 children enrolled in 3 alternative
education schools run by Fellows in
Rajasthan and MP; pass rate been 100%
400 students availed of scholarships worth
almost Rs.14.40 lakhs in Chhattisgarh, AP,
Odisha and Maharashtra
Follow-up with 1,140 drop-out children
from schools in Odisha continues
Awareness on RTE raised amongst
migrant workers in 77 brick kilns in
Rajasthan with labors from UP, Jharkhand
and Bihar
School run by Fellow Khemraj for orphan girls in Bhadesar village, Chittorgarh district,
Rajasthan
FIELD GLIMPSE: Resolving poor conditions for primary education in Bihar
Bahishkrit Hitkari Sangathan in Bihar is working for improving the condition of
primary education which is particularly dismal in many parts of the state. The
sangathan is actively working in Khagaria, Sheikhpura, Aurangabad, Bhagalpur
and Katihar to improve school facilities and the quality of education imparted.
Surveys conducted by the sangathan found irregular timetables and lack of
blackboards. Most schools do not follow a proper curriculum or follow a designed
lesson plan. Evaluation methodologies in education are not followed strictly with
grossly inadequate number of teachers in schools. There is no provision for toilets,
while many are in disuse or dirty or without any facility. Drinking water is also
scarce. The survey also found the lack of facilities in the villages of the dalit and
mahadalit communities to be common. Many schools also operate under trees or
in panchayat bhawans.
A campaign to implement the Right to Education is being planned by the
sangathan. It has taken initiatives to get the administration to construct new
buildings, ensure strict attendance of teachers and improve the condition of midday meal schemes.
Children of Adharshila School in MP
undertaking computer training
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SRUTI FELLOWSHIP 2013-14
LAND RIGHTS
Land has been one of the focus issues during the period. Sangathans actively participated in drafting of rules for newly
passed Land Bill - Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement
Act, 2013. Discussions and perspective sharing meetings were organised once the bill was passed. Sangathans in Bihar
and Tamil Nadu have been working on distribution of land that has been specifically earmarked for members of the dalit
community. Identification of waste/govt. land in Maharashtra, Odisha and Bihar was also done during the period. Land
conservation processes are being adopted in AP, Odisha and Jharkhand through mobilisation and land development
initiatives.
Facts & Figures:

More than 1133 acres of land enabled,
benefiting over 662 landless families with
pattas and homestead land in Odisha,
AP, Maharashtra and Rajasthan

Over 2300 acres of grazing and
homestead land regularised benefiting
more than 2000 landless families in AP,
Maharashtra, Odisha and MP

Sangathan in Maharashtra working to
achieve usage of 86,407 hectares of shrub
land in Vidarbha area (recently
recognised as non-forest land by the
government) for marginalized
communities

Follow-up of land regularization for 1000
families in Odisha and MP under land
reform programs
Jal Satyagraha organised at Dimna Dam by Visthapit Mukti Vahini, Jharkhand
EVENT UPDATE: Mass Procession against Land Mafia in Chhattisgarh
A day long mass procession was organized by Dalit Adivasi Manch in
Chhattisgarh on 12th September 2013 under the larger banner of Chhattisgarh
Mahila Manch where activists from women’s groups and civil society networks
joined hands to secure justice for Poornima in her struggle against land mafia in
the area. Poornima, an adivasi woman, was facing severe forms of mental
harassment, and was facing eviction from her marital house after the death of
her father-in-law. On her way to meet the Chief Minister to demanding justice,
tragedy struck a cruel blow and her 27-day infant died at the railway station.
Over 200 people assembled at the Pithaura Tehsil office in Mahasamund district
of Chhattisgarh to demand justice for her.
Land cleared for cultivation by yanadi adivasi community
under Common Land Development Program in AP
People demanded restoration of civic connections to the house, punishment for
the guilty local officers who were in collusion with family members involved in her
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continuous harassment and appropriate compensation for the death of her
infant. It also received tremendous support from local elected representatives.
SRUTI FELLOWSHIP 2013-14
RIGHT TO FOOD AND WELFARE SCHEMES
Sangathans in Rajasthan, Odisha, Delhi, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra have been continuously involved in state and
nation-level campaigns to demand universal food security. Public meetings and village shivirs were organized to discuss
and understand the provisions of proposed Food Bill in Parliament. It was found that the proposed Bill is dilution of the
demands made by the marginalized and vulnerable sections. Facilitation of BPL cards, old age pensions, widow pensions,
anganwadi, Aam Admi Bima Yojana was done and followed-up on a regular basis in these states. Sangathans in these
states also helped in the preparation and updation of beneficiary lists along with the Gram Sabhas.
Facts & Figures:




People assemble in Dhonkwadi village in Raigad district, Maharashtra, to demand
corruption-free PDS
319 Public Distribution System (PDS)
Monitoring Committees comprising over 1000
sangathan members ensuring better and
transparent functioning of ration shops in AP,
Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, MP and
Odisha
Over 4,268 new ration cards facilitated by
groups working in Chhattisgarh and Odisha
5000 missing Antyodaya cards re-sanctioned
by administration after sangathan’s
intervention in Maharashtra
Sangathans in Odisha strongly demanded
enactment of state Food Security Act in the
spirit of Chhattisgarh model for enhanced
amounts of rice, edible oils, cereals, dal etc.
FIELD GLIMPSE: Signature Campaign Opposing the Food Security
Ordinance in Odisha
Adivasi Kranti Sangathan has been an active forefront member of Odisha
Khadya Adhikar Aviyan (OKAA), a state-level network of people’s
organisations and NGOs working on the Right to Food issue. A peaceful
march was organised by the network at the State headquarters on the eve of
World Human Rights Day and a memorandum with signatures of atleast 1
lakh people was submitted.
The primary demand was to enact a State Food Security Act in the spirit of
the Chhattisgarh model which will ensure enhanced amount of raw food
material such as rice and wheat (10kg per head per month) along with edible
oil, cereals at subsidized rates and salt free of cost. Signatures were collected
from 103 villages along with village contribution to send atleast one person
from each village to the march in Bhubaneshwar. The memorandum was
received by the Minister of Food Supplies and Consumer Affairs on behalf of
the Chief Minister of Odisha.
Meeting organised by Adivasi Kranti Sangathan in Pittaldhwa
village, Dhenkanal district, Odisha
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SRUTI FELLOWSHIP 2013-14
PANCHAYATI RAJ INSTITUTIONS
Panchayati Raj elected members from sangathans monitored the effective functioning of Palli / Gram Sabhas and
municipal wards in urban areas with active participation of men and women in Odisha, Maharashtra, Jharkhand,
Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Uttarakhand, Tamil Nadu, AP and MP. Governance issues such as corruption and implementation of
FRA, PDS, land pattas, MGNREGA, etc. were taken up with the Gram Sabhas in the sangathans’ area. Various trainings
and workshops were organized to build the legal understanding and socio-political & economic perspectives of
Panchayati Raj representatives. Village Development Planning were organized with PRI representatives in Odisha and
Chhattisgarh with the participation of local community.
Facts & Figures:

Follow-up and meetings with more than
700 Panchayati Raj electeted members
from sangathans in 8 states

18 village development plan trainings
organized with PRI representatives in
Odisha and Chhattisgarh

Sangathans in Odisha played leading role
in Odisha to pressurize the government
for enactment of State Rules for a propeople Panchayats Extension to
Scheduled Areas Act 1996 (PESA)

Perspective building programs and
workshops done on PRI issues
Sarpanch Ram Murthy Sabar addressing people of Boduguda village alongside
sangathan members in Rayagada district, Odisha
FIELD GLIMPSE: Recognizing the symbiotic relationships between
Forests and Communities in Chhattisgarh
Jan Abhivyakti has worked closely with the community in villages of
Surguja district in Chhattisgarh for recognition of Community Forest
Rights (CFR) claims under the Forest Rights Act (FRA). The effort
included the participation of local youth and Panchayat representatives.
Through this, almost 3000 hectares of land was secured with extensive
rights over forests, and over 315 hectares of land for common land-use
or nistar.
Village mapping as part of village development plan in
Odisha
Several meetings with advocacy groups, bureaucrats, policy makers and
other stakeholders were also conducted in Surguja to rally support and
develop awareness and perspective on this issue. Jan Abhivyakti
members worked closely with the Gram Sabhas, forming decentralized
models and village committees that motivated and enabled these village
groups to democratically claim their rights over community land through
12
the relevant legal framework and constitutional principles. As a result,
7
Gram Sabhas in two panchayats in Udaipur tehsil of Surguja district
have received titles to CFR.
These CFR entitlements have also secured 60 percent of access to
SRUTI FELLOWSHIP 2013-14
AGRICULTURE and LIVELIHOOD
Various activities such as conducting meetings, trainings and meetings with farmer clubs, development of irrigation
facilities through MGNREGA, preservation of seeds and creation of seed banks, training sessions on climate change
adaptation, etc. took place in Tamil Nadu, AP, Bihar, Uttarakhand, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan and Odisha. Livelihood
opportunities were also provided through various agricultural initiatives in Odisha, AP, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, Bihar,
Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan. Grain banks were mobilized by Sangathans in Odisha and Uttarakhand while silk worm and
vegetable cultivation were done in Odisha, AP and Uttarakhand. Herbal medicinal plants continue to be grown in
Odisha. Organic farming and low-cost farming are being encouraged and followed-up across states as well.
Facts & Figures:

Member of Adarsh Hathkargha Cooperative Society, a handloom initiative by
Fellows Devendra and Sudhi in Jhalawar district, Rajasthan
FIELD GLIMPSE: Food Sovereignty and Livelihood Initiatives
by Women in Uttarakhand
21 farmer clubs with more than 400 members
formed in AP, ensuring better negotiations for
fertilizers, seeds and equipments
 10,000 plants including saplings of custard apple,
guava, sagwan and mahogany distributed in 30
villages in Jharkhand
 Sangathans in Maharashtra facilitated organic
farming in 170 acres of land
 1805 families from 125 villages benefitted from
NABARD-aided credit loan, horticulture and
livelihood schemes in AP
 Loans worth Rs.42 lakhs were availed by 98 SHG
members
 3 new womens’ cooperatives for processing
mahua, turmeric and tamarind formed in Odisha
with an investment of Rs. 12,000.
 Workshops and meetings conducted with
agricultural workers, landless workers and bonded
labour on sustainable & organic agricultural
processes
Maati Sangathan in Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand has been
working on issues of agriculture, animal husbandry and seed
sovereignty. Cauliflower, mustard, spinach and brinjal were
harvested and sold through farmers cooperatives. Harvest and
auction of grass to feed animals took place from mid-October to
mid-November. In the month of October the sangathan planted
seeds of peas, broccoli, onions, carrots and different varieties of
rajma while maduwa and masoor were harvested. In November, it
was jowar, mustard, wheat and potatoes. Members of the
sangathan were also trained in cultivating oyster mushrooms.
Woollen items such as pashmina shawls, angora caps and local
snacks were made and sold by sangathan members in the Mahila
Haat. Maati also initiated a marketing tie up with Grassroots
organisation in Ranikhet to sell rajma, jambu, thoya and oregano.
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Organic corn grown through efforts of Shoshit Kamgar
Sangathan in rain-fed area of Marathwada, Maharashtra
SRUTI FELLOWSHIP 2013-14
URBAN GOVERNANCE
Whistleblowers Protection Bill Campaign
Advocacy through involvement in drafting effective anti-corruption and
grievance redress legislations – the Lokpal Bill, Grievance Redress Bill,
Judicial Accountability Bill and the Whistleblower Protection Bill was
done. Public tribunals and meetings were organised with several
whistleblowers and relatives of murdered activists from more than 15
states to put pressure on the government to realise the importance of
the Bill.
Rigorous follow-up and collective coordination including preparation of
report cards of legislators by sangathans in Delhi was done. With the
National Campaign for People's Right to Information (NCPRI), the
constant threats and attacks to activists and whistleblowers were
brought to light with letters demanding action from the Prime Minister
and the Minister for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions. Public
pressure and advocacy with parliamentarians led to the successful
passage of Whistleblowers Protection Bill by the Rajya Sabha on the last
day of the Parliament session in February.
Public demonstration for passing of the Whistleblower
Protection Bill and Grievance Redressal Bill, New Delhi
DISPLACEMENT
Rs. 1200 crore relief package for Gosikhurd Project Affected,
Kahtkari Jan Andolan, Maharashtra
Marking a culmination of two decades of struggle by Gosikhurd
Prakalpgrast Sangharsh Samiti, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra
announced a relief package of Rs.1200 crore in May 2013, for those
affected by the Gosikhurd dam; Maharashtra’s largest irrigation project in
Bhandara district near Nagpur.
Meeting of displaced families in Bhandara district, organised by
Kashtkari Jan Andolan
The 25 year old incomplete project has been ridden with complaints of
large-scale contractor corruption, stalled environmental clearances,
financial mismanagement and utter negligence of the almost 1 lakh
population affected by construction of the dam. Initially approved at a cost
of Rs.372 crore in 1982, the estimated project cost has escalated to
Rs.13,000 crores over the years, with Rs.6000 crores having been spent so
far. Despite being accorded national project status in 2008, the dam has
managed to irrigate only 34,000 hectares of the projected 2.5 lakh hectares
of land in the three water-starved districts of Bhandara, Chandrapur and
Nagpur.
In the relief package, Rs.2 lakh per hectare would be given to 25,246 land
owners and 3,363 landless labourers. Those eligible for State Government
jobs would be given an additional Rs 2.90 lakh each. Project affected
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persons will also receive additional funds for building houses and cattle
sheds that were inundated by the dam reservoir.
SRUTI FELLOWSHIP 2013-14
IDENTITY, GENDER, CASTE AND COMMUNALISM
Creating awareness against Human Trafficking in Chhattisgarh
Many adivasi young girls and women are taken from villages of Jashpur
district to different cities by human traffickers. They lure women with
jobs, offering good remuneration and leave them in hands of placement
agencies and pimps. Trafficked women are treated by these agencies as
bonded labourers who place them in houses in cities like Delhi, Kolkata or
others as domestic workers. These women live in extremely poor
conditions, with some being forced into prostitution.
Adivasi Mahila Mahasangh conducted a survey in their work area and
found that a total of 18 women from 10 panchayats are missing. To curb
human trafficking in the area, sangathan has formed monitoring
committees to keep a lookout for traffickers and sensitize villagers about
the issue. Trainings on the topic of “How to save women and children and
how to identify traffickers” were conducted by the sangathan along with
committee members. Sangathan also organized wall writings on the issue
which has proven to be a very useful tool in the fighting against
trafficking. Members of monitoring committees also perform street plays
to create awareness on the issue.
Women and children dance on the occasion of an awareness
meeting on trafficking in Jashpur district in Chhattisgarh
LABOUR AND MIGRATION
Release of Bonded Labourers and Union Formation of Brick kiln
Workers in Rajasthan
SRUTI Fellow group Khetihar Khan Mazdoor Sangathan has been
working closely to fight bonded labour and abysmal wages of brick kiln
workers in Rajasthan. Following workshops and village meetings at
Rupangarh in Ajmer district, 71 bonded labourers from Bhagalpur and
Banka districts of Bihar were released and sent to their homes with the
help of the police.
Brick kiln workers in Bhilwara district, Rajasthan
Following meetings with brick kiln owners, wages were revised by Rs. 50
(from 400 to Rs. 450 in Ajmer and Rs. 350 to Rs. 400 in Bhilwara) per
1000 bricks. The new wage rates positively affect a total of 8000 workers
in the two districts, raising the collective wages by Rs. 4 lakhs for every
1000 bricks. Women were also paid equal wages for the same work.
Brick carriers were also offered a hike of Rs. 10 to 15 per 1000 bricks.
The sangathan also got Rs. 16 lakh of pending payments released for
workers and are now working closely with 30 government schools to
bring education for the children of brick kiln workers.
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SRUTI FELLOWSHIP 2013-14
NETWORKING AND ADVOCACY
NATIONAL CONSULTATION ON AGRARIAN REFORM AND LAND RIGHTS
A National Consultation on Agrarian Reform and Land Rights was
organized by SRUTI together with National Alliance of People’s
Movements (NAPM), Indian Social Action Forum (INSAF), Delhi
Solidarity Group (DSG), and All India Union of Forest Working
People (AIUFWP). The 2-day consultation was held at the
Constitutional Club of India and the Indian Social Institute on the
16th and 17th of December, 2013 respectively.
The meeting witnessed participation from more than 130 people
working at the grassroots and activists based in Delhi. The
consultation engaged deeply with various ongoing struggles over
land and the access and right to natural resources. Divided into
four sessions with open discussions, the meeting discussed the
historical Indian and global context of land as the most important
natural resource and the core basis of livelihood.
National Consultation on Agrarian Reform and Land
Rights, 16th- 17th December, 2013, New Delhi
The 2-day consultation emphasised the need for groups involved
in issues of natural resources to work closely. It raised the need to address the issue of landlessness, develop
leadership amongst women, promote smaller working groups/camps to develop ideological and strategic strength and
develop pro-poor and pro-farmer knowledge in legal, social and political matters.
CELEBRATING HUMAN RIGHTS DAY
On the occasion of Human Rights Day on December 10th, Adim Adivasi Mukti Manch founded The Sidha Katha - an
independent local newspaper, to disseminate achievements of mass struggles and various community actions. An
editorial board was formed which would prioritise issues of human rights violations including land grab, farmer
suicide, corporate control over agriculture and capture of seed market, industrialization of agriculture, rural
livelihood threats, forest denudation, etc. Shoshit Kamgar Sangathan in Maharashtra celebrated Human Rights Day
with more than 400 people from 2 tehsils. People met their respective tehsildars on the day and asked the
administration to be more proactive in responding to their needs and initiate a more rigorous process of follow up of
people’s demands with the district and state administration. On the occasion of International Human Rights Day, a
press conference was organised by Bahishkrit Hitkari Sangathan in December, 2013 with representation from
different sangathans and citizens to establish a council for the development of the flood-hit Kosi region.
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY CELEBRATIONS
Sangathans across the country celebrated International Women’s Day on 8th March, 2014, with much enthusiasm.
Meetings, public processions or cultural festivals were organised at most places. Shoshit Kamgar Sangathan in
Maharashtra organised meetings with over 300 women from SHGs and PRIs. Bahishkrit Hitkari Sangathan in Bihar
celebrated International Women’s Day with hundreds of women from various panchayats who came together and
vowed to raise their voice against sexual abuse and assault and fight for education of girls. Adivasi Mahila
Mahasangh in Chhattisgarh organised a tribal festival where more than 800 adivasis assembled for a cultural
celebration. Men and women dances, sang and performed street plays to create awareness on the issue of violence
against women.
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SRUTI
DISASTER MANAGEMENT & RELIEF WORK
UTTARAKHAND DISASTER RELIEF WORK
In response to the devastating floods faced by Uttarakhand in June last
year, Maati sangathan provided immediate relief in the form of ration
(flour, rice, sugar, pulses) and raincoats to flood affected Gori Ghati
area in Pithoragarh district. Continuous rains had damaged the upper
parts of Gori ghati with whole villages destroyed, fields washed away
and livelihood wiped out. In the first phase of relief efforts, 133
affected families (741 people) received 20kgs rice, 10kg flour, 5kg
pulses and 5kg sugar each. 474 solar lights were distributed as well.
The sangathan, along with the disaster affected, also demanded quick
administrative rehabilitation by organising a mass procession at the
Sub-Divisional Magistrate’s office. As part of the second phase of
relief, training on construction of low-cost temporary shelters using
naturally available materials such as bamboo and mud was organised.
The sangathan facilitated construction of 30 shelters till March 31st.
Relief work by Maati sangathan members in
Uttarakhand
OUTREACH
(top to bottom) Screening of films by Pankaj Rishi Kumar and Paromita Vohra as part of ‘Now
Showing at Chor Minar’ initiative in the SRUTI office. Started in January this year, the program
includes monthly screenings of independent films and discussions with the filmmakers.
Adharshila Sikshan Kendra conceptualised, designed and
printed 3000 calendars on the theme of tribal heritage
and raised Rs. 50,000/- through the sale of these
calendars.
Network meeting with members of Delhi Solidarity
Group (DSG) on land issues
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SRUTI
SCRAP COLLECTION PROGRAM
Resource mobilisation through Scrap Collection is one of the major fundraising activities of SRUTI. Old newspapers,
magazines, old books, junk, useless machines/furniture/old wires or any other items that can be recycled or reused are
collected on a monthly, fortnightly or weekly basis. The money generated from this scrap goes directly to support
SRUTI Fellows in carrying out their grassroots work. This year a total of Rs.12,81,080/- was raised through this effort.
SRUTI interns also helped organise the annual funsraising event, Summer Cheer, in July where clothes, handloom
products from Rajasthan and homemade toffees were available.
(L-R) Handloom products from Rajasthan Fellows’ group, SRUTI Interns organising the
Summer Cheer Fundraising event
A new Maruti Eeco purchased to replace one of the two
Scrap Collection vehicles that was facing multiple repair
problems
SATHI MILAN
The 2014 Sathi Milan (Fellows Meet) was unique as it focused on the
individual journeys and struggles of the Fellows and karyakartas. The
experiences shared were hard hitting, poignant and telling of the
circumstances and strength with which the Sathis have lived their lives,
contributed to society and held together their families.
Sathi Milan. USO House 16-17 Feb 2014, in Delhi
SRUTI WELFARE AND SOLIDARITY FUND
A total of 16 individuals and grassroots groups benefitted from SWSF
which was constituted with the idea of providing financial assistance to
SRUTI Fellows; staff members; associates in SRUTI’s solidarity network,
and communities supported through SRUTI’s Fellowship programme in
case of urgent need such as medical/community/circumstantial
emergencies and higher education costs.
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Relief material being distributed amongst Muzaffarnagar
riots affected families in Bhura camp
PEOPLE
SRUTI Executive Board
SRUTI Team
An Annual General Body Meeting was held on 25
November 2011 where the Executive Board for the
period 2011-14 was constituted.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Enakshi Ganguly Thukral, President
Prabhu Mohapatra, Vice President
Amita Joseph, Treasurer
Abha Singhal Joshi, Member
Kanika Satyanand, Member
Ravi Rebbapragada, Member
Shubhalaxmi Pande Iyer, Member
Amita Baviskar, Member
Shibani Chaudhury, Ex-officio member
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
SRUTI General Body Members
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Ela Bhatt (Founder Member)
Bunker Roy (Founder Member)
Poonam Muttreja (Founder Member)
Samir Chaudhuri (Founder Member)
Uma Chakravarti
Vijay Sardana
Apoorvanand
Anju Talukdar
L.R. Sarin
12.
13.
Shibani Chaudhury, Executive Director
L.R. Sarin, Financial Advisor
Baldew Thakur, Finance Officer
Jojy Mathew, Assistant Officer – Finance and
Admin
Rakesh Sharma, Assistant Manager – Resource
Mobilisation
Sanjay Verma, Assistant Manager – Resource
Mobilisation
Mahipal Singh, Admin Assistant
Satyam Srivastava, Senior Programme Executive
Shweta Tripathi, Senior Programme Executive
Manisha Lath, Programme Executive **
Sukruta Alluri, Programme Executive –
Communications and Advocacy
Nadim Ali Ansari, Assistant Programme
Executive*
Saurabh Sinha, Assistant Programme Executive*
* From July 2013
** Till July 2013
Salary Structure of the SRUTI Team (2013-14)
Slabs of gross
monthly salary
(Rs) plus
benefits paid to
staff
Year
<5,000
5,001-10,000
10,001-25,000
25,001-50,000
50,001100,000
>100,000
Total
No. of male staff
No. of female
staff
2012-13
0
0
5
2
2013-14
0
0
4
5
2012-13
0
0
0
4
2013-14
0
0
0
3
0
0
1
1
0
7
0
9
0
5
4
Total staff
2012-13
2013-14
12
13
Team Capacity Building
Sukruta Alluri is pursuing her M.A. in Sociology from Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
Rakesh Sharma & Sanjay Kumar Verma participated in a one day training workshop on fundraising organised by Gyan
iVolunteer.
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FUNDRAISING OVERVIEW
Total Income
SRUTI Income for the financial year 2013-2014
S.no.
Details
Amount (Rs.)
1
Interest (Investment and
other funds)
Donations
Scrap Donation
Grants from Donors (inc.
previous year's)
SWSF including revolving
contribution
Other Income
34,51,279
Total Income
2,10,25,687
2
3
4
5
6
69,26,310
12,81,080
85,35,696
8,20,413
27,383
Total Expenditure
SRUTI Expenditure for the financial year
2013-14
Amount (Rs.)
94,82,655
2
Details
Fellowship
Programme
Advocacy
3
Resource Mobilisation
7,46,740
4
5
6
Core Cost (Admin)
Depreciation
Other expenditure
35,81,881
3,76,614
18,79,969
Total expenditure
1,87,71,281
1
27,03,422
CONTRIBUTORS
We thank our institutional, individual and
scrap donors for their continued support
and trust in SRUTI.
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