PROJECT SWARAJYA from its inception has been carrying out various activities on a diversity of fronts every year. Apart from the continuance of its previous activities, the organisation carried out many other activities for the year 2004-05. The entire gamut of activities undertaken in course of the year is briefly presented under the following 15 broad-heads and 2 Appendices:

The following kinds of services were provided by the Organisation during 2004-05:

• Awareness of the public and sensitisation of the media, officials and NGOs.
• Maintenance of two Drug Deaddiction Centres, one at Cuttack and the other at Silipur- Kendrapara with the facilities for OPD and Indoor Treatment, Counselling and Referral
• Counselling of the Patients and their family members
• Practice of Yoga and Meditation
• Follow-up of the Patients treated in the Centre
• Training of the Staffs
• Networking with concerned organisations
  
  

The "Nishamukti Kendra" continuing from 1992 and presently located at Ganesh Ghat, Bakharabad, Cuttack-2 entered into the 13th year of its functioning. In the year 2004-05, the total number of addicts registered were 611 , out of which 367 were old patients and 244 nos. new. Of the total, the single drug Brown Sugar claimed as many as 142 nos. followed by 156 Alcoholics, 34 nos. of Bhanga and Ganja, 2 Opium addicts, 25 IDU and 252 other drug groups. Out of the total 611 patients, 17 nos. were detoxified under OPD while 189 under Indoor setup. As regards the source of referral of patients to the Centre, as many as 142 were motivated by the family, while 185 by the self and 71 by the friends, 23 by social worker, 4 by private hospitals, 12 by Govt hospitals, 24 from Counseling and Awareness Centers, 47 by ex-clients or their family members and 3 by law enforcement agencies. As regards the nos. of drop-outs of the year, the total nos. were 17, out of which 8 were Indoor patients and 9 OPD. As regards the reasons of dropout, 4 cases were due to poverty, 6 being unable to cope with the treatment, 3 due to personal reasons, 2 due to legal problems and 2 due to lack of family support.

To monitor the recovery status of the patients treated in the previous year, the follow-up programmes were undertaken routinely by the personnel of the Centre through various means such as home visit, inviting them for meeting and correspondence. A total of 45 nos. of patients of different drug groups were leading a sober life, while 114 nos. of cases were found to have relapsed to their previous drugs of abuse.

Also known as "Nishamukti Kendra", the Drug Deaddiction Centre as presently located at Silipur, Marshaghai, Kendrapara was set up in mid-1998 and entered into the 7th year of its functioning in 2004-2005 The total nos. of patients registered in the Centre were 792 out of which 517 were under OPD and 275 were under Indoor setup. Out of the total, 285 were new and 507 old. Out of the total, the highest 234 nos. were alcoholics followed by 156 Ganja and Bhanga, 244 Brown Sugar and 31 Opium addicts, 1 IVD user and 126 other drug users. As regards the source of referral, 502 nos. were self-motivated, while 139 motivated by the family, 81 by friends, 59 by social workers, 8 by counseling -cum-awareness centers, and 3 by ex-addicts.

During the year the follow-up programmes were undertaken to monitor the status of the patients treated in the previous year. It was noticed that 59 nos of patients were fully recovered and were leading a clean life. At the same time, a total of 90 patients of the previous year were found to have relapsed to the drugs of their abuse.

As in the previous 6 years, the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was observed at Saheed Bhawan, Cuttack on 26th of June 2004 under the joint aegis of Project Swarajya and Cuttack Police through a Seminar on the topic "The long-term Rehabilitation of Drug addicts and Alcoholics in and out side the prison ". The programme was inaugurated by Sri N.C.Padhi, Director General of Orissa Police.

The Secretary of Project Swarajya Mrs.Dolli Dash welcomed all the invited guests and the participants. The Chief Guest Mr. Nimain Charan Padhi IPS, D.G, Orissa Police inaugurated the Programme. Then the Project Director of Project Swarajya Ms. Rukshana Khan gave a vivid description of the work of Project Swarajya especially in relation to prevention of drug abuse and alcoholism in her report presented in the Seminar.

The Seminar was addressed by the Chief Guest Mr. Nimain Charan Padhi IPS, D.G, Orissa Police and Mr. Debasish Panigrahi IPS S.P. of Cuttack presided over the seminar. Mr Manmohan Praharaj Director (Intelligence) Orissa joined it in as chief speaker .Mr Himansu ku Mohanty Regional Director DAV Public School Cuttack. Dr Sisir Kanta Behera Secretary Orissa Bigyana Prachara Samiti, Mrs Rini Mohanty Secretary Aswasana, Ms Debasmita of Prajapita Brahma Kumari and Mrs.Dolli Dash Secretary of Project Swarajya were among others who spoke in the Seminar.

Several social workers, police officials of Cuttack, local Sahi leaders, members of Narcotic Anonymous groups, students and teachers of several schools, members of SHGs and representatives of Prajapita Brahmakumari , along with media persons participated in the Seminar.

In collaboration with Lutheran World Service, Project Swarajya organised three camps, each in a particular slum such as Das Sahi Pilgrim Road College Square, Laxminarayana Mahila Samiti Kumbhara Sahi Haripur Road and Bidyadharpur Nayak Sahi. That apart, in Kendrapada there were 2 awareness camps organised, one in Marshaghai College and the other at Silipur Chhak. The IEC materials were distributed at these events to different NGOs, CBOs and people's organisations for dissemination among wider public.

On behalf of State Police Academy a series of police training programme on drug trafficking in India and world were organised at the Academy at Buxibazar Cuttack, where Mr Chitta Behera Advisor to Project Swarajya delivered his talk and papers on the subject.

Project Swarajya organised several events for women to provide them a platform for sharing their feelings and experiences on various issues that interested them and also for building up solidarity among them. The events were such as seminars, workshops, get-togethers and competitions on various topics etc.

Project Swarajya in collaboration with Inner Wheel Club of Cuttack Central organised several programmes in slum areas of Cuttack city. Observation of Breast Feeding Week was one of the major programmes so organised. About 127 women took part in this programme. Again both the organisations jointly organised the Osteoporosis Check-up Camp for Women in Sarangi Nursing Home at Cuttack. The members of both organisations were meeting regularly on how to strategise the need for giving the common women constant exposure to different trades involving higher technology for their socio-economic and cultural development.

A survey was conducted on the Street Women Vendors in Cuttack city. About 360 women were identified by the organisation. They were involved in various business enterprises like betel shops, sale of fruits, dry-fish and fish, plastic material, tiffin and tea

(i) 1st Phase Gender Training

A three-day Gender Sensitisation Training for NGO workers was organised by Project Swarajya during 30th July to 1st Aug 2004 at Project Swarajya premises. About 27 participants from various NGOs and SHGs of the undivided Cuttack district attended it. The training camp was conducted by Ms. Manisha Majumdar, Co-ordinator of Task Force and Ms. Sasmita Jena, Regional Campaigner of Task Force. A sample register for registering marriages was distributed to the trainees. It was also addressed by Mr. Mohan Jena, MP from Jajpur Lok Sabha seat and Dr.R.P Sharma DIG Central Range, Orissa Police.

(ii) 2nd Phase Gender Training

A three-day Gender Sensitisation Training for PRIs, NGOs and SHG leaders was organised by Project Swarajya during 13-15 Jan 2005 at Project Swarajya premises. This programme was conducted by Dr.N.P Gantayet ,Consultant, CRTC and Ms. Kalpana Mohanty, Secretary, Basudha along with Mr.Asim Amitav Das, Advocate and Ex-Secretary Orissa High Court Bar Association. 27 nos. of participants from various parts of undivided Cuttack district attended the training programme. The issues like focus on gender in all the developmental programme in both govt and non- govt sectors, prevention of trafficking and compulsory registration of marriages were discussed threadbare in this training programme.

(iii) Anti-Trafficking Youth Camp at Basundhara,

A State-level Youth Camp on Trafficking of Women & Children was organised by Project Swarajya in association with Inner-wheel Club, Cuttack Central on 13th Oct 2004 at Basundhara, Bidanasi, Cuttack. This programme was inaugurated by Ms. Manorama Mohapatra, Editor The Samaj. Presided over by Ms. Jogamaya Pattnaik, President Basundhara, the camp was addressed by eminent persons like Ms. Pramila Mallick Minister of State for Women and Child Development Orissa, Mr. Mohan Jena, Member of Parliament, Justice Sri B.P. Das, Justice Sri. L.K. Mohapatra, Ms. Namita Panda Chairperson of State Commission for Women, Ms.G.C. Senapati, Ex- DG Orissa Police and Dr.Gopal Ch. Kar, eminent psychiatrist. A galaxy of social thinkers attended the consultation from various walks of life including police officers, lawyers, academicians, pleaders, NGO functionaries, PRI representatives, administrators and media persons.

(iv) Anti-Trafficking Campaign Week Observation

A campaign week for prevention of trafficking of women and children was observed from 25th Nov to 2nd Dec by Project Swarajya in collaboration with NGOs like Anirbana of Mahanga, Biswabijayeeni Mahila Sangha of Mahakalpada and Lutheran World Service Cuttack. During this campaign, on 26 and 27th Nov. posters were displayed in various parts of the district headquaters and block headquaters and at the same time leaflets were distributed among the general public. Three street plays were organised in collaboration with LWS, namely in Kharinasi Gram Panchayat, Deulapara Gram Panchayat and at Baladev Jew Temple in Kendrapada district on 29th and 30th Nov 2004. More than 2500 people from various parts of the district watched these plays on trafficking related issues. A public meeting was held on 30th Nov 2004 in collaboration with Anirbana and Biswabijayeeni Mahila Sangha near Deulapada Gram Panchayat office under Mahakalpada Block. The Panchayat Samiti member Sri Pravat Ranjan Jena attended the meeting as its chief guest. About 400 people from various cross-sections such as PRIs, SHGs, CBOs, NGOs and School Children were present in the meeting. During the meeting leaflets were distributed among the people.

A campaign against trafficking of women and children was organised in course of a famous festival of Cuttack City called Baliyatra. The festival was held during 25th Nov to 2nd Dec 2004. There posters on trafficking prepared by Jagnyaseni were displayed in various landmark areas and leaflets distributed among the floating public. Anti-trafficking mike propaganda was also organised in collaboration with DLNCC of Cuttack District. The massage of this campaign could reach to about around 10,000 people visiting the festival.

Advertisement of anti-trafficking issues was published in two important publications, one a souvenir of Kendrapada Sahitya Sansada inaugurated by Mr. Hemanta Sharma, Collector Kendrapada and the other one Sharamistha.

(v) Awareness Camp on Trafficking at Bari, Jajpur

An awareness camp on trafficking of women and children was organised by Rastriya Nari Jagaran Parisad in collaboration with Project Swarajya at Aurangabad Nodal School Bari in Jajpur District on 5.3.2005. The object of the camp was to create awareness among women and men to prevent trafficking and ensure their security. Mr. Mohan Jena, MP Jajpur inaugurated the meeting. It was presided over by Ms.Snehalata Mohanty, President Rastiya Nari Jagaran Parisad. Among others Ms. Narmata Chaddha, Member Orissa State Commission for Women, Mr. Kulamani Sukla, eminent freedom fighter and Ms. Dolli Dash , Secretary Project Swarajya spoke in the meeting .

(vi) Awareness Camp on Trafficking at Baulakani

Project Swarajya on 5.3.05 at Premchanda Bidyapitha, Baulakani under Mahakalapada Block of Kendrapada District. The aim of this camp was to create awareness among the students, parents, teachers and PRIs in coastal villages on how to resist the trafficking of women and children. Mr. Susil Ku. Nathsharma, Head Master of the High School inaugurated the programme as its chief guest. Mr. Pravat ku. Singh, Secretary Anirbana presided over the meeting. This programme was held in two phases. In the first phase, presentation was made by the resource persons. In the second phase a debate competition was held among the school children. The topic for debate was "child marriage and role of the citizens". Among others Mr.Byasadev Bebarta, Mr. Abhaya Ku. Swain, Ms. Gita Sahoo and Ms. Mamata Mangari Mishra all teachers, spoke in the meeting. More than 200 persons including students, their parents and teachers attended the meeting.

(vii) Awareness Camp on Trafficking at Silipur

An awareness camp on trafficking of women and children was organised by Social Awareness Institution and Kalinga Yuba Parisad in association with Project Swarajya on 28.3.05 at Silipur UP School, Marshaghai in Kendrapada District. The main objective of the meeting was to create awareness among the downtrodden women and children who fall prey to trafficking and associated harassment by the unscrupulous elements. The chief guest Ms. Bharati Kanungo, Asst. Head-mistress of the School inaugurated the meeting. Among others Ms.S.K. Pradhan, an artist All India Radio Cutack and conscious citizens like Mr. Pravat Keshri Beura and Ms. Sulochana Das gave their views in the meeting.

(viii) Visit to Red Light Area for a study purposes.

A team consisted of 2 female sex workers from red light area of Mali Sahi Bhubaneswar under the care of Orissa Patita Udhar Samiti, 1 Social Worker from Basundhara (Service Provider Organisation) Cuttack and 1 from Project Swarajya visited a red light area on GB Road in Delhi on 2nd week of February 05. They also visited and interacted with Bharatiya Patita Udhar Samiti working since long for the sex workers of the country. From the side of Project Swarajya they were given exposure to participate in a Consultation on Beijing + 10 organised by India Women Watch on 6th & 7th February 2005 at Delhi. On another occasion a person from Project Swarajya took part in an exposure cum TOT programme during last week of April 04 organised by Sanlap at Kolkatta working for commercial sex workers in red light areas in Kolkatta

The organisation is committed to promote the cause of ensuring children's accessibility to all necessary kinds of human resource for their all-round development. Towards this end various activities involving and for the children were organised. Quite many competitions on different topics were organised jointly by Project Swarajya and Abhipsa on several occasions.

A survey on street children was conducted by Mr Pravat Ku Singh in Kendrapada Muncipality area during the month of December 04. About 104 nos of street children moving in and around the Muncipality area and Baladevjiew temple were identified.

Keeping in view the need for eradicating the child labour, a national meet was held among the members of TOT-Alumni on 23.1.05 in the premises of Project Swarajya Cuttack. Mr. G.C. Pattanaik and Shri Kumar presented the report on the activities held in previous years. A plan of action for the period till the next meeting was prepared and presented before the members.

On the request of Ms Amarabati a Consultant of UNICEF a campaign for pulse polio was organised in Ranihat Malisahi, Cuttack during July 04. Every house owner was requested to lighten a lamp in the evening to help the parents remember the notified dates for immunising their children. It was seen that each house-holder followed up the appeal.

A talk on 'Mainstreaming the women from a gender prospective' was given by the Secretary Project Swarajya on All India Radio Cuttack on 9.11.04

A talk on 'Promotion of small family norm' was given by Secretary Project Swarajya in the meeting jointly organised by Janamangal and Jan Sikshyan Sanstha at Mahanga on 19.1.05.

The organisation in continuation of its past activities on the front of governance reform, undertook several measures in the year under review. The salient ones among them are worth mentioning below.

After keeping the FOI Act 2002 under a cold storage, the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension, GOI made a notification of the draft rules under the Act on the Ministry's website on 14th August 2004 asking for public views and suggestions thereon within a fortnight of its publication. Project Swarajya soon thereafter organised a Consultation of the social activists and informed citizens for discussing the said draft rules. Based on the consensus of the discussion, the Organisation submitted its well-thought views on the draft rules with a view to plug the loopholes in the original act and draft rules as well. The same submission called for the appropriate resolution of the inner contradictions in the Act and draft rules so as to make the whole law citizen-friendly, and also for greater time-span to be allowed for the public to debate it across the country, before the law along with its rules is finalised.

Coincidentally around this time the National Advisory Council of UPA Government brought out an alternative draft-law entitled Right to Information Act 2004, supposedly with a view to make the transparency law more progressive, meaningful and participatory. Project Swarajya sought to promote an across-the-board debate over this alternative draft among the civil society groups so as to render it as citizen-friendly as possible. It was found that the alternative draft despite some outstanding merits in it did suffer from some critical lacunae, which if not sorted out in time could render it worse than its predecessor FOI Act 2002. With such a corrective perspective in mind, the organisation took part in various fora organised for the purpose, such as by Regional Resource Centre on 28.10.2004 at Bhubaneswar, All Orissa Young Lawyers Forum on 13.11.2004 at Bhubaneswar, Agamee Orissa on 15 November 2004 at Bhubaneswar, CLAP on 8 December 2004 at Cuttack and Rotary Bhubaneswar Cosmopolitan on 15.12.2004 at Bhubaneswar. The discourses made in these for a along with some media publicity in the regional dailies and websites and email exchanges, some impact could be created among the circles of RTI activists on the flaws of the alternative draft-law and the need for amending them before it is placed on the floors of Parliament.

The Ministry of Personnel, GOI placed an amended draft-law on RTI 2004 in the Parliament on 23rd December 2004 and thereafter the Parliamentary Standing Committee notified the same on their website for public comments. On a critical perusal, it was found that the latest draft law was the worst of its kind, especially for the reason that its purview was limited to Central public authorities only with the States left out. The organisation sent its critique of the amended draft-law suggesting its overall overhaul from a federal and citizen-friendly perspective.

The President of India constituted a Committee on Administrative Reforms to recommend necessary reforms in the administrative laws and procedures of the country with a view to render them more citizen-friendly. The said Committee under the chairmanship of Sri P.K.Hota convened a meeting of civil society groups on 9th May 2004 at Bhubaneswar inviting their views and suggestions. On behalf of the organisation Mrs.Dolli Dash attended the meeting and submitted a 14 point memorandum containing the suggestions for reform. The memorandum inter alia called for the amendment of the All India Service Rules and Manual of Office Procedure to remove secrecy provisions from these instrumentalities, enactment of a Whistle Blower Act, amendment of service rules for holding the officials at every level accountable, amendment of Articles 311 and 312 of the Constitution to make for the abolition of permanent civil service and formation of an autonomous Civil Service Board on the lines recommended by National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution-2002, framing of Rules under Benami Transactions Prohibition Act 1988 and proper functioning of e-governance by all public authorities of the country.

There were several advocacy measures taken by the organisation for the protection of human rights of Dalits during the year under review. Only a few selected cases are mentioned below:

The personnel of the organisation visited regularly the hostel for prisoners' children namely Madhurmayee Nilaya run by Orissa Patita Udhar Samiti at Bhubaneswar. One child inmate of the hostel was supported financially during her treatment in SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack.

An R.S.S Training Camp was held at Nimapada College, Puri during 16th May to 6th June, 2004. At this training camp a Dalit boy Dinabandhu Nayak aged 14 years who was taking the training was appointed for maintaining the shoes of the members. Then he was accused for stealing 2 pairs of shoes. When two persons from the camp asked him about the shoes, the boy told that he had not stolen it. Then those two persons hanged the boy from the roof with his head downwards. The boy was physically and sexually harassed by them too.

To ascertain the truth a Fact-finding team from INSAF and Lohia Ambedkar Bichar Mancha visited Nimapada on 10th July 2004.The team members were Mr.Rabi Behera, Mr.Ramesh Ali Besanta, Mrs. Dolli Dash, Mr. Chitta Nanda and Ms. Ruksana Khan. After meeting with the victim and the accused persons they found the incident to be true. The team highlighted the story through media asking the govt. to do justice to the victim.

A group conflict took place at Govindpur village under Tangi Police Station on 11th Aug 2004 around sale and purchase of land between the people of Backward Caste and Dalits. Eight people were arrested from both parties but despite this the situation continued to remain tense.

A Fact-finding Team from Ambedkar-Lohia Bichar Manch undertook a visit to Govindpur to unscreen the real episode. The team members were Mr Ramesh Alibesant, Mr Ramakrishna Mandal, Mr Chitta Ranjan Nanda, Ms Mamata Behera and Ms Ruksana Khan.They met the victims and the accused persons and thereby ascertained the facts of the case. Then they highlighted this incident in the media asking for appropriate Government action to calm down the explosive situation.

The victim Mr. Beda Nayak aged 45 years lived with his family at Badalo village under Motonga Police Station. There were 11/12 families living in the same village. All of them belonged to the Schedule Caste. Once Mr. Beda visited the village Temple and threw holy water on the Lord Brusava. For this reason Beda was severely beaten by the village Sarpanch and his accomplices. Their reason was that as a Hadi ( a particular sub-caste under SC), Mr.Beda had no rights to enter into the temple. A Fact-finding Team visited Badalo village to get to know the real story. The team members were Mr Kedar Rai, Mr Ashok Dalei, Ms Jayanti Pattnaik and Ms Aiswarya Utkalika. Afterwards the team highlighted the issue through the media thereby asking the Govt. to do justice to the victim Mr. Beda Nayak.

A public hearing was held at Kalinga Guest House, Choudhury Bazar, Cuttack on13th March 2005. The objective of this hearing was to collect the various cases of atrocities committed on Dalits and to press before the Government to meet them by appropriate action.

At Raikia in Phulbani district most of the families belong to Christian community. The Hindus constitute the minority group in that village. A violent conflict arose between these two groups of people. The Hindus ransacked the Church of the Christians. Then the Christians got infuriated by such action of the Hindus. Most of the arrests made by the police in the wake of this incident were from Hindu community, and they were not allowed bail from the police custody allegedly because of the pressure from the Christian lobby. A Fact-finding Team visited Raikia village to know about the real story. The team members were Mr Kedar Ray, Mr Rabi Behera, Mr Abhimanyu Sethi, Ms Jayanti Nayak, Mr Khirod Rout and Ms Dolli Dash. Afterwards they organised a press conference to publicise the real facts and ask the Govt to take necessary action for a permanent solution of the communal problem.

Some Dalit girls took admission in a Computer Instite at Banki in Cuttack district believing the Institute's advertisement as genuine. The Institute had agreed to provide them computer education free of cost. But after a few days of their admission, the institute demanded Rs500/- from each of these students. The girls however refused to pay such fees. As a result a conflict arose between the institute and the students. A Fact-finding Team visited Banki to investigate the case. The team members were Mr Ashok Dalei, Mr Ramesh Ali Besant, Ms Dolli Dash and Ms Ruksana Khan. The team after knowing the real background of the conflict tried to bring about a compromise between the two parties.

On the front of consumer protection movement, several activities were undertaken by Project Swarajya during the year under review.

On 29th May 2004 in the premises of Project Swarajya at Ganesh Ghat, Bakharabad, Cuttack the District consumer Information Centre was formally inaugurated through a meeting held under the joint aegis of District NGO Co-ordination Committee, Orissa High Court Bar Association and Project Swarajya. Mr. Chitta Ranjan Mohanty, A distinguished public figure of the State presided over the meeting. It was inaugurated by Hon'ble Justice Mr. A.S. Naidu, Judge Orissa High Court as the Chief Guest of the occasion. Mr. Mohan Jena the newly elected MP from Jajpur, Orissa was the special guest of honour, while other eminent personalities like Station Director AIR Cuttack Mr. Baraha Mohanty, Advocate Sri Subash Mohatab, Lecturer Sk. Kalim Ula, District Social Welfare Officer Mrs.Arannapurna Pradhan, Advocate Mr.Ashoka Dalai and Secretary of Suprativa Sri Bikash Mohapatra attended and addressed the function as guest speakers.

21st August Saturday at 1 PM, a meeting of the NGOs of Cuttack district was held at the office of Project Swarajya, Ganesh Ghat Cuttack under the chairmanship of Mr. Lalit Kumar Mishra, President of Cuttack District NGO Co-ordination Committee and the Convener of the meeting. The main objective was to discuss the need and strategy for setting up Block-level Consumer Information Centres and for organising consumer awareness programmes at Block level under the aegis of different NGOs of the concerned Blocks and also for putting pressure on the Govt. agencies to provide necessary information to the public regarding the citizens' rights and procedures vis-a-vis different schemes and programmes of the Govt. NGOs from all the 14 Blocks of Cuttack district participated in the said meeting. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Ashok Ku. Dalei, Advocate stressed the need for incorporating the issues related to adulteration of consumer goods by the traders in the proposed Block level consumer awareness programmes. Mr. Malay Ranjan another speaker on the occasion expressed the hope that with the opening of Block level Consumer Information Centres the consumer movement in the State would definitely receive a boost.

Having received frequent complaints from the common people regarding passenger transport service in the State, the District Consumer Information Centre run by Project Swarajya at Cuttack organised a Consultation with an expectation to know about the problems and hardships the passengers are facing in both Govt. and private sectors. In course of the discussion it was found that the people are suffering hardship due to the sudden bus strikes conducted by different unions. Moreover, continuous fare hike by both Govt. and private bus-owners is telling upon the limited purse of the people. The regular passengers who travel up and down between the twin cities of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar daily often find no sitting arrangement for them. The women passengers are also facing a lot of trouble while traveling by bus. Moreover the price of daily consumables goes higher and higher due to frequent strike by the buses and trucks. The meeting held in the premises of Project Swarajya was presided over by Mr.Chitta Ranjan Mohanty, a reputed social activist of the State. At the start Mrs. Dolli Dash, Secretary Projcet Swarajya briefly spoke on the kinds of complaints regularly received by the DCIC Cuttack from the people in regard to the haphazard transport service.

A Consumer Information and Awareness Camp was held at Choudwar Women's College on 10.9.2004. Sundara Sevak Samaj organised it in collaboration with Dstrict Consumer Information Centre run by Project Swarajya. The meeting was presided over by Mr. Mahendra Kr. Biswal, Secretary Sundara Sevak Samaj. Mr. Ashok Dalai, Secretary Maitree Samaj gave introduction to the Guests. Mr. Lalit Ku. Mishra Co-ordinator of DLNCC Cuttack presented a brief report on the aim and objectives of the District Information Centre functioning at Cuttack. Mr. Kedar Nath Jena Advocate Orissa High Court and Secretary Orissa Upabhokta Sangha spoke on various kinds of adulteration and how to identify and remedy them. Mr.Chitta Behera a social activist in his talk explained that the concept of consumer is no longer confined to the sphere private trade and business but has widened to cover every Government department as a service provider and every citizen as a service recipient. Mrs.Charulata Praharaj Member of Zill Parishad in course of her talk referred to the difference that she had observed in case of a consumer in USA vis-ŕ-vis that of India. Mr.Ashok Parija Principal Choudwar Women's College suggested that all citizens should be treated as consumers and therefore know their rights and obligations in clear terms. Retired Justice Sri Choudhury Pratap Ku. Mishra of Orissa Hogh Court who was the chief speaker on the occasion suggested that if every consumer were alert about the quantity and quality of the goods and services at the time of purchase, then much of the hardships and litigations that he might have to face in the aftermath could be easily avoided. Ms. Dolli Dash, Secretary Project Swarajya explained about the role and necessity of District Consumer Information Center running at Cuttack.

Project Swarajya organised a Workshop on Market Vs. Non Market Health Care Service Delivery on 22.11.2004 at Project Swarajya Conference Hall Cuttack. In this workshop four groups of participants such as Doctors, Medicine Companies, NGOs and General people participated. This workshop was inaugurated by Mr.Trilochan Kanungo, a former MP and former Chairman Cuttack Municipal Corporation. The Chief Speaker was Dr. Gopal Kar who spoke about various health services provided by the Government. Eminent persons like Dr. Nina Oronzof, Smt. Christle Albert, Mr. Prasanta Mohapatra, Dr. Minakhee Panda, Dr. Rabinarayan Mishra, Smt. Nalini Mohapatra, Mr. Lalit Mishra, Mr. Ashok Dalai and Mr. Subimal Panigrahi also addressed the occasion.

A Regional Workshop on Protection of Natural Resources and Rights of Management was organised by Regional Resource Centre, Bhubaneswar in collaboration with Project Swarajya on 27.11.2004 in the premises of Project Swarajya Cuttack. It was presided over by eminent social activist Mr. Chitta Ranjan Mohanty. In this workshop Ms. Dolli Das, Secretary Project Swarajya gave her introductory speech. Then the Director of RRC Mr.Ramaknanta Behera and the Programme Officer Mr. Amar ku. Goud discussed about some sectoral issue such as forest, water and land resources. Eminent social activists like Mr. Laxman Das and Mr. Lalit Ku. Mishra along with some SHG spokespersons and lawyers took part in the discussion .

A Citizen Information Centre was jointly organised by District Consumer Information Centre run by Project Swarajya and District NGO Coordination Committee during 25th Nov to 2nd Dec 2004 at Baliyatra ground Cuttack. The Centre took various awareness measures to let the people know how they can redress their grievances arising in course of the sale and purchase of goods/ services in the market place. A public meeting on 'prevention of corruption in different spheres' was also held. It was inaugurated by Mr.Gopal Ch. Nanda, DG Vigilance, Orissa. On the occasion he ceremonially opened a poster on Anti- corruption campaign developed jointly by DCIC and Vigilance Department.

A Block level Consumer Awareness workshop was held by Prerana, Balisahi, Cuttack in collaboration with the District Consumer Information Centre, Cuttack on 22nd Jan 2005 at Kandarpur College under the chairmanship of Dr. Chandrakanta Mallick. It aimed at bringing about awareness at the grass root level about different rights and duties of customer in general and to stop corrupt practices in business and offices. Delegates from different fields of the society and sectors participated in deliberations. Opening the workshop the President Dr. Mallick told about low level of awareness coupled with indifference of the consumers in Orissa. He expressed the hope that the NGOs would take the lead in awakening and educating the public about their rights and duties as consumers. We can hope to check widespread corrupt practices thereby at bureaucratic and traders' level. The Chief Guest Mr. Subash Mahatab Member, Consumer Rights Commission, Chief Speaker Mr. Akshaya Ku. Samal Social Activist, Mr. Raj Kishore Satpathy Retd. Officer of AG., Mr. Ghanashyam Nayak Senior Lecturer , Kendarpur College and Ms. Dolli Dash, Secretary Project Swarajya addressed the occasion too.

A Workshop on citizen-friendly implementation of VAT was organised at Hotel Dwaraka on 29th Jan 2005 jointly by District level NGO Coordination Committee and Project Swarajya. In the Workshop eminent journalists, economists, businessman and NGOs from different parts of the State participated. Mr. Trilochan Kanungo Ex-MP and Ex-Chairman Finance Commission, Government of Orissa inaugurated the Workshop. This meeting was presided over by Ms. Dolli Dash, Secretary Project Swarajya. Mr.Lalit Ku. Mishra told about how the value-added tax should impact positively the consumers. Mr.Sahadev Sahoo Asst. Commissioner Department of Commercial Taxes, Orissa opined that the problem of cascading as experienced in the existing sales tax system can be simplified by implementing VAT. Mr. Tusar Mohanty, Social Worker opined that the existing taxation system would be rendered more users friendly by using VAT. Mr. Nageswar Pattnaik, Journalist Economic Times said that the State Government can get more tax revenues following the implementation of VAT. Mr.Sarat Mohapatra, Convenor said that the Government, businessmen and consumers, all would be benefited from the VAT system, provided it is implemented properly.

District Consumer Information Centre, Orissa Consumer Association and District NGO Co-ordination Committee at Badambadi Labour School observed world Consumer Rights Day jointly on 17th March 2005. The Hon'ble Chief Guest of that event was Mr. A.S. Naidu Justice Orissa High Court. Among others who addressed the occasion were Mr. Kedar Nath Jena Senior Advocate Orissa High Court, Mr. Subas Mohatab, Member State Consumer Redressal Forum, Mr. P.K. Ray, Secretary State Consumer Redressal Forum, Mr.Lalit Ku. Mishra, Convenor DLNCC Cuttack, Mr. Raj Kishor Raj, Secretary Nilasaila and Mr. Ashok Dalai, Advocate Orissa High Court. Justice A.S. Naidu inaugurated an exhibition-cum-demonstration on different types of consumers goods and also a book "Suchana" brought out by DCIC Cuttack running under the aegis of Project Swarajya.

A Seminar on the Conservation of Coastal Ecosystem and Protection of the Rights of the Traditional Fisherfolk was held on 7-8 November 2004 at Kharinasi under Mahakalapada Block in Kendrapada District, Orissa under the joint aegis of Project Swarajya and Inner Wheel Club Cuttack sponsored by Ministry of Environment and Forests, Govt. of India In active collaboration with the traditional fishers' association Jay Jagannath Primary Marine Fishermen Co-operative Society, the two-day Seminar was held at Fishing Jetty of Kharinasi village. It was partaken by representatives from various Government and non-government agencies concerned with the conservation of coastal ecosystem and human rights of traditional fishermen. Legislators, Govt officials, NGOs, media persons and local fishermen associations took part in the deliberations. The main issues around which the deliberations were made concerned the burning issues of the coastal region like pollution caused by Oswal Chemicals and Fertilizers Company, death of sea turtles and turtle-related restrictions on fishing. Former Minister and present MLA Mr.Nalini Kanta Mohanty, Chairman of Mahakalpada Panchayat Samiti Mr.Balaram Parida, Retd. Deputy Director of Fisheries Mr.Rakhal Shyam Mishra and the representatives of Coast Guard and Orissa Pollution Control Board were among the important speakers of the workshop.

In August 2002, a PIL was filed by Project Swarajya Cuttack to prevent environmental pollution caused by Oswal Chemical and Fertlisers Company Ltd Paradip. It was admitted to Orissa High Court ( vide WPC 161 0f 2002) and the High Court ordered the issue of notices to the concerned parties including the Government of India and Government of Orissa for their response. But strangely enough, after a lapse of about more than a year i.e in December 2003 it was found that the notices so ordered by the High Court were not dispatched at all to the concerned parties from the Office of the High Court. Under the circumstances, the Organisation soon thereafter submitted a Memorandum to the President of India with intimation to the Chief Justices of Supreme Court and Orissa High Court asking for a remedy to such unnecessary delay in issuing of notices. Then a fresh petition was filed before Orissa High Court during the year 2004-2005. Hearing in the case is awaited.

Since 2002 Project Swarajya has been campaigning for adoption of Trawl Guard as a substitute of TED as a better and indigenous device for protection of trawl nets from various hazards of sea fishing and as well for protection of sea turtles from their accidental entanglement in the trawl nets. Though various memoranda have been submitted to Government agencies pleading for acceptance of this new device and media publicity made for the purpose, no tangible action was taken by them. But despite this the Organisation continued its advocacy for Trawl Guard in different fora before various Government and non-Government agencies.

However, the High Power Committee of Government of Orissa on Conservation of Olive Ridley sea turtles in their meeting held on 25.09.04 decided to hold an experimental demonstration of Trawl Guard on sea at the earliest involving Project Swarajya and personnel of Forest and Fisheries Departments of Govt of Orissa. Accordingly, a two-day demonstration of Trawl Guard was held off Gahirmatha and Devi mouth in the middle of November, which was conducted by Mr.Aniruddha Dalei, the inventor of the device in the presence of the personnel of Project Swarajya, trawlers association and Departments of Forests and Fisheries. It was found that the Trawler that had no attachment of any kind got two live turtles entangled inside its net, while the trawler that used the Trawl Guard attached to the mouth of the net, didn't show any turtle entanglement. On comparison the fish catch of the two trawlers was found to be more or less same, indicating thereby the possibility that the attachment of Trawl Guard made little difference to the amount of fish catch normally hauled up by a trawler.

In the Workshop held by ATREE, Bangalore at Red Cross Bhavan, Bhubaneswar on 12th December mrs.Dolli Dash Secretary Project Swarajya and her team presented a paper on turtle related issues in Orissa coast, wherein she pleaded inter alia for experimentation of Trawl Guard as an alternative to TED with a view to study its feasibility for adoption in all the turtle sensitive zones of Indian waters. Mr.Aniruddha Dalei, the trawl driver who had invented the Trawl Guard in the wake of Super Cyclone of 1999 as a device to ward off any nuisances entering into the trawl net, and who was present in the Workshop as a member of Project Swarajya team showed the demonstration of a miniature Trawl Guard before the participants. The latter being moved by the presentation so made, felt the need for a full-scale experimentation of the device at the earliest.

Thereafter on the request of the Government in the Fisheries Department Orissa, a project proposal was submitted by Project Swarajya for a 6 month project for field level experiment of Trawl Guard involving the scientists and officials concerned with turtle protection, to be conducted under the joint aegis of Project Swarajya and Trawlers' Associations. But the Government of Orissa despite its commitment to the cause couldn't sanction the proposal due to the alleged 'constraint of funds'.

Under the circumstances, Project Swarajya is look-out on other possible sources for getting the proposal of Trawl Guard experimentation implemented at the earliest, possibly in the next season of turtle breeding.

The documentation programme on various social welfare issues continued this year as before in the form of publications, collection of materials from websites, government and non-government agencies, other development agencies and CD ROMS alongwith the maintenance of a Library. The interested journalists, NGOs, lawyers, and scholars were provided with information on various topics as and when they wanted. The representatives of government were also provided information on various issues including drug abuse and trafficking of women and children. Besides the like-minded NGOs were provided with assistance in the matter of accessing information on different schemes, formulation of project proposals and reports, preparation of background materials and facilitation in holding of meetings and workshops etc.

Abhipsa is a 6 year-old Cuttack-based socio-cultural organisation working for all round development of children covering several districts of Orissa. Its target groups are mainly the school children. It focuses on organisation of extra-curricular and cultural activities like debate, essay, story writing, article writing, drawing and painting etc among the students at school level. Through such multifarious activities the organisation has been promoting a sense and awareness of history, heritage and civilization among the children, the future of the nation. The cultural activities of Abhipsa at Cuttack are mostly organised in collaboration with Project Swarajya.

The organisation is committed to promote the cause of ensuring children's accessibility to all the necessary kinds of human resources for their all round development. Towards this end various activities involving and for their children were organised. Project Swarajya and Abhipsa organised quite many competitions on different topics jointly on the occasion of different holidays.

AIMS Inter School competition was jointly organised by Abhipsa and Project Swarajya on 4th July 2004 in the conference hall of Project Swarajya, Bakhrabad, CTC. Various competitions like rhymes, fancy dress, dot joint, story telling, acting, debate and water drinking were organised from Std-2 to Std-10, 35 students participated in these events from different school of Cuttack. The invited judges were Mr. Dulal Krusna Pati, Ms. Sandhyarani Singh, Mr.Bijoy Krushna Pradhan and Mr. Udyanath Mishra.

On 10th July 2004, another competitions were held at conference hall of Project Swarajya, jointly organised by Abhipsa and Project Swarajya. Various events like song, tabla, yoga, newspaper reading, joke telling clay modeling were organised from class-1 to class-10. 30 students participated in these events from different school of Cuttack. The invited judges were Mr. Krushna Chandra Nath and Ms.Mamata Rani Senapati.

AIMS Inter School Competition was jointly organised by Abhipsa and Project Swarajya on 11th July 2004 in conference hall of Project Swarajya, CTC. Various events like little miss/master, fashion show, modern dance, duet, odissi dance, and group dance were organised fromclass-1 to 10.102 students participated in these events from different school of Cuttack. The invited judges were Mr. Sanjya Sahoo and Ms. Shobha Rani Deo.

Another competition was held in the conference hall of Project Swarajya Cuttack, jointly organised by Abhipsa and Project Swarajya on 17th July 2004. Various competitions like Cuttack G.K, Orissa G.K, India G.K, World G.K, drawing, handwriting were organised from class-1 to 10. 20 students were participated in these events from different school of Cuttack.

Another quiz competition was jointly organised by Abhipsa and Project Swarajya 18th July 2004 in the conference hall of Project Swarajya. Different quiz like environment quiz, sports quiz, polio quiz, AIDS quiz, drugs quiz, consumer quiz and science quiz were organised from class-3 to 10. Only 4students were participated in these events from different school.

AIMS Inter School Competition was organised by Abhipsa and Project Swarajya on 24th July 2004, at Project Swarajya conference hall, CTC. Various competitions like essay letter writing, translation, grammar, rainbow colouring, greetings making, spelling and filling the blanks were organised from class-1 to 10. 10 students participated in these events from different school of Cuttack.

Another competition was organised jointly by Abhipsa and Project Swarajya on 25th July 2004 at Project Swarajya, Cuttack. Various competitions like mathematics, preposition, story writing, history quiz, geography quiz, music chair, puchi, shipping were organised from class1 to 10. 25 students participated In these events from different school.

On 31st July 2004, scholarship exam was organised jointly by Abhipsa and Project Swarajya in conference hall of Project Swarajya, CTC. Scholarship exam was organised from class-1 to 10. 9 students appeared the exam, they were from different school of Cuttack.

A day-long programme was organised on 12th January 2004 on the occasion of Vivekanand Birth Day, which is celebrated all over India as the National Youth Day. A painting competition among the High School Students was organised jointly by Abhipsa and Project Swarajya in the conference hall of Project Swarajya. Besides a meeting was organised in the evening for the youth staffs of both organisations, in which the message of Vivekanand for the youth of modern India was highlighted by various speakers.

A State level Youth Camp on trafficking of women and children was organised by Project Swarajya in association with Inner wheel club, Cuttack Central on 13th Oct 2004 at Basundhara, Bidanasi, Cuttack. This programme was inaugurated by Ms. Manorama Mohapatra, Editor 'The Samaj', Presided over by Ms. Jogamaya Pattnaik, President Basundhara, it was addressed by eminent persons like Ms. Pramila Swain Minister of State for Women and Child Development Orissa, Mr. Mohan Jena, Member of Parliament, Justice Sri B.P. Das, Justice Sri. L.K. Mohapatra, Ms. Namita Panda, Chair person of State Commission for Women, Mr. G.C. Senapati, Ex- DG Orissa Police and Dr. Gopal Ch. Kar eminent Psychiatrist. The consultation was attended by a galaxy of social thinkers from various walks of life including police officers, lawyers, eminent academicians, chief functionaries of NGOs, PRI representatives, administrators and media persons.

The Organisation has been taking part in the Post Literacy Programme conducted by district Administration for last 5 months. About 20 areas in various slums under Cuttack Municipal Corporation identified for introducing PLP. A survey was conducted among the 1500 population by the organisation. 20 centers comprising 50 beneficiaries were set up in 20 areas of the slums for PLP. 22 nos of Prerak took part in a training conducted by district administration to carry out the post literacy programme.

The Organisation was declared as an R.T.D.T. (Rural Technology Demonstration and Training) Centre by NRDC ( National Resaerch and Development Council ), New Delhi since 1992 and as such has been provided with certain low-cost technologies for the purpose of demonstration and training to the people at grass root level.

Moreover, it has been the endeavour of the Organisation to design and develop appropriate technologies for use by the common people in the face of environmental pollution, biodiversity loss and challenge of competition in an era of liberalisation.

Based upon the experience of project implementation in the past, the Organisation is now equipped with the following appropriate technologies for the purpose of dissemination among the common people:

• Trawl Guard, an indigenously prepared device to work as a substitute of Turtle Excluder Device for the trawl owners who don't want catch loss caused by TED attachment,
• Racks for hygienic and scientific drying of fish,
• Fish Pickle making,
• TARA Loom,
• Balaram Mud Block Press machine,
• Papad making machine,
• Leaf cup-plate making machine.
• Scientific method of prawn and fish culture,
• Integrated paddy-cum-fish culture in water-logged salinised areas, and
• Fish Aggregating Devices for Orissa coast
  
  

In addition to the above, the training on a new trade, that is, candle making was organised for the recovered patients of Drug Deaddiction Centre of Project Swarajya at Cuttack during last week of March 04

• Report on the Observation of Anti-Drug Day at Cuttack on 26th June 2004
• Report on the Gender Sensitisation Training to Prevent Trafficking
• Report on the Campaign against Trafficking of Women and Children in Orissa.
• Report on the Consultation on Trafficking of Women and Children
• Report on Consumer Rights
• Publication of a book namely 'SUCHANA'
• Print of Posters on Consumer protection and anti-trafficking campaign
  
  

The following programme were organised in the premises of Project Swarajya in different occasion.

A meeting on Resistance to Relapse was organised by Narcotics Anonymous Society on 7.4.04 in the premises of Project Swarajya. The recovered brothers, NA members and inmates of Drug Deaddiction Center of Project Swarajya totaling around 23 nos of participants attended the meeting.

The governing body meeting of INSAF was held on13.4.04 The aim of the meeting was to prepare the plan of action for human rights of dalits and minorities. Member organisations of INSAF attended the meeting.

The general body meeting of Ambedkar-Lohia Vichar Manch was held in the premises of Project Swarajya on 11.5.04. The members of ALVM attended the meeting and participated in the planning process of organisation for the next 3 months from the date of meeting.

The state committee meeting of INSAF Orissa Chapter was held on 22.6.04.

The general body meeting of Ramadevi Gopabandhu Choudhury Nidhi was held on 1.8.04 in the meeting hall of Project Swarajya. Its members attended the meeting and participated in the discussion for chalking out the plan of action for future. Ms Dolli Dash Secretary Project Swarajya attended the meeting too.

A training programme on Protection of Human Rights of Dalits was organised by Ambedkar-Lohia Vichar Manch during 7-9 August 04 in the premises of Project Swarajya. About 27 participants from various parts of Orissa attended the training. Ms Ruksana Khan from Project Swarajya took part in the training.

A Seminar on 'Impact of Globalisation on Indian Economy' on the day of Quit India movement was organised by INSAF Orissa Chapter on 9.8.04. The eminent persons, social activists and members of INSAF attended it as resource persons. About 48 persons took part in the Seminar.

'The World Organisation' organised a cultural programme in the occasion of Rakshya Bandhan on 29.8.04. Tying Rakshi on the hands of the inmates of Drug Deaddiction Centre the sisters of Prajapita Bramha Kumari blessed them. Praying God they wanted brother inmates to be kept away from drugs, alcohol and such other toxic substance. The eminent persons, educationists and women devotees delivered their talks against substance abuse. At the end of the programme the children performed the Odissi Dance. Ms Dolli Dash and Ms Ruksana Khan from Project Swarajya attended the meeting. About 42 participants attended the occasion.

A Seminar on 'Common Minimum Programme of UPA Government and current state of affairs and the future of India' was organised by INSAF Orissa Chapter on 4.9.04. Eminent citizens, social activists and Dalit leaders took part in its deliberations as resource persons. About 45 nos of participants attended the seminar.

A press conference on the Fact-finding Report on atrocity against Dalits was held on 16.9.04 on behalf of INSAF, ALVM and Project Swarajya. Ms Dolli Dash and Ms Ruksana Khan participated in the press conference.

A sensitisation workshop of ‘NGOs under RNTCP ( Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme)’ was organised by the CDMO Cuttack on 4.10.2004 in the premises of Project Swarajya. The staffs and members of various NGOs working in different rural areas of Cuttack district along with the staffs of CDMO office took part in the workshop. CDMO, ACDMO, eminent doctors and NGO heads were the resource persons for this sensitisation programme. About 60 persons attended the pogramme.

The state committee meeting of INSAF Orissa Chapter was held on 9.10.04.

A symposium on ‘Jana Andolan O’ Rachanatmaka Karmi Sammilani’ was organised by Utkal Gandhi Smarak Nidhi on 26.12.04. The Sarvodaya leaders and Gandhian thinkers along with several social activists took part in the session. About 40 participants attended the programme.

The state committee meetings of INSAF Orissa Chapter were held on 16.2.05 and 1.3.05 respectively.

The municipality area of Cuttack city is filled with dirt everywhere. To make the common people, business men and residents aware about the cleanliness of roads and the area where they live in, a road-cleaning programme was jointly organised by DLCC, Inner Wheel Club Cuttack Central and Project Swarajya in Badambadi area on 2nd October 04 on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti. The members of all three organisations along with the Mayor of Cuttack Municipal Corporation took part in the programme.

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