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 2005-06. The entire gamut of activities undertaken in course of the year is briefly presented under the following 13 broad-heads and 2 Appendices:
The following kinds of services were provided by the Organisation during 2005-06:
Ø Awareness of the public and sensitisation of the media, officials and NGOs.
Ø Maintenance of two Drug De addiction Centres, one at Cuttack and the other at Silipur-Kendrapara with the facilities for OPD and Indoor Treatment, Counselling and Referral.
Ø Counselling of the Patients and their family members
Ø Practice of Yoga and Meditation
Ø Follow-up of the Patients treated in the Centre
Ø Training of the Staffs
Ø Networking with concerned agencies
The “Nishamukti Kendra” continuing from 1992 and presently located at Ganesh Ghat, Bakharabad, Cuttack-2 entered into the 14th year of its functioning. In the year 2005-06, the total number of addicts registered were 514. Of the total, the single drug Brown Sugar claimed as many as 185 nos. followed by 164 Alcoholics, 36 nos. of Cannabis 2 Opium addicts, 11 Buprenorphene( IDU), 19 Sedatives and 98 Multiple drug addicts. Out of the total 514 patients, 27 nos. were detoxified under OPD while 185 under Indoor setup. As regards the source of referral of patients to the Centre, as many as 198 were motivated by the family, while 186 by the self and 37 by the friends, 12 by social worker, 3 by private hospitals, 12 by Govt hospitals, 27 from Counselling/Awareness/Deaddiction Centres and 10 by law enforcement agencies. As regards the nos. of drop-outs of the year, the total nos. were 14, out of which 5 were Indoor patients and 9 OPD. As regards the reasons of dropout, 6 cases were due to poverty, 2 being unable to cope with the treatment, 2 due to personal reasons, and 4 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 54 nos. of patients of different drug groups were leading a sober life, while 107 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 8th year of its functioning in 2005-06 the total nos. of patients registered in the Centre were 419 out of which 244 were under OPD and 175 under Indoor setup. Out of the total, the highest 193 nos. were Brown Sugar followed by 119 Alcoholic, 72 Cannabis, 6 Opium addicts, 13 Buprenorphine users and 36 multiple drug users. As regards the source of referral, 154 nos. were self-motivated, while 131 motivated by the family, 49 by friends, 44 by social workers, 36 by ex-addicts and 2 by private Doctors.
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 27 nos of patients were leading a clean life. At the same time, a total of 51nos patients of the previous year were found to have relapsed to their previous drugs of abuse. 67 nos. couldn’t be traced out. As regards the reasons for the dropout, 3 nos. dropped out due to lack of family support and 1 due to some personal reason.
As in the previous 6 years, the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking for the year 2005 was observed under the joint aegis of Project Swarajya and Cuttack Police. This time it was observed through a Seminar at Saheed Bhawan, Cuttack on 26th of June 2005 on the topic “Participation of Women in Long-term Rehabilitation of Drug addicts and Alcoholics in and outside the Prisons”. The programme was inaugurated by Sri B.B.Rath a freedom fighter and senior advocate of Orissa High Court.
The Secretary of Project Swarajya Mrs.Dolli Dash welcomed all the invited guests and the participants. The Chief Guest Mr. B.B.Rath inaugurated the Programme. Then the Project Director of Project Swarajya Ms. Rukshana Khan gave a brief description of the works of Project Swarajya especially in relation to prevention of drug abuse and alcoholism in her report presented before the participants.
The Seminar was addressed by the Chief Guest Mr. B.B Rath. Mr. Satyajit Mohanty DIG Orissa Police presided over the seminar. Mr Deoranjan Ku. Singh Collector Cuttack joined in as Chief Speaker. Ms Rini Mohanty Secretary of Aswasana, Mr Nihar Ranjan Mohapatra Executive Officer of Cuttack Municipal Corporation, Mr Usha Ranjan Parida Director of Acharya Harihar Institute of Cancer Research at Cuttack, Ms Jayashree Kundu, Inspector Mahila Thana Buxibazar at Cuttack, Mr Subimol Panigrahi Chief Executive of CDMU, Mr Khirod Rout Joint Secretary of Orissa High Court Bar Association were among others who addressed the seminar
Several social workers, police personnel of Cuttack city and members of Narcotic Anonymous groups among others also participated in the programme
(d) Campaign for Prohibition of Alcohols and Drugs.
The decision of the State Govt. of Orissa to open two thousand liquor shops in the State rent the conscience of the people of the State. In its wake, a Prohibitionist Civil Society Group was formed to protest against the decision of the govt. Some conscious citizens along with the members of Project Swarajya got involved with the group and carried out several activities to raise voice of protest against the govt decision for opining the new liquor shops. To start with, a meeting on the day of Gandhi Jayanti 2nd Oct. 2005 was held at Gunanidhi Bhawan, Cuttack at 4 P.M for discussing how the anti-liquor movement could be carried out. Under the chairpersonship of Smt Annapurna Maharana a Committee was formed on that day under the title ‘Orissa Nisha Nibarana Committee’. On behalf of the Committee a memorandum was given to the Chief Minister and Governor of Orissa demanding prohibition of liquor. All the members decided Project Swarajya to serve as the office of this Committee. Several programmes like seminars, public meetings and press conferences were organised by the Committee in pursuit of their objective.
The Nisha Nibarana Committee also took active part in the protest against the liquor tragedy that occurred in Ganjam district in the month of April 06. The Committee members visited the area to talk with the persons and families, who were affected due to drinking the adulterated liquor. They demanded for holding an enquiry into the liquor tragedy of Ganjam, along with compensation for the affected families. The eminent persons like Justice P.K. Mishra Retd. Justice Orissa High Court, Mr Trilochan Kanungo ex-MP and Ms Chandrika Mohapatra took active part in the anti-liquor campaign.
(E) De addiction and Health Check Up Camp in Jajpur District.
Project Swarajaya, in collaboration with CDMO of Jajpur organised a District Level Health Camps in occasion of “Zilla Swasthya Mohosthav”, on Drug abuse and HIV/AIDS at Jajpur Town from 17th -19th Feb 2006. The M.P of Jajpur SJ. Mohan Jena inaugurated the Camp. The CDMO of Jajpur joined as a Chief guest of the camp Ms Dolli Dash,Secretary, Project Swarajaya Ms D.Mshajabin, Mr Pravat Singh, Mr Sahashya Pattanaik Mr Satya Mohanty, Mr Goutam Alli Besant monitored the camp on behalf of the Project Swarajya. About 58 nos of drug and alcohol users registered their name and they were advised by the Counsellors of Deaddiction Centre to get treatment at Nishamukti Kendra Cuttack. The IEC materials on HIV/AIDS and Drug Abuse Prevention were distributed among the various NGOS, CBOs and common people at large during the events.
2. Programme on Reducing High Risk Behavior among the Drug users and Prevention of HIV/AIDS.
A programe called ‘Reducing High Risk Behavior among the Drug Users- A Peer-Led Intervention’ was undertaken by Project Swarajya in Collaboration with RRTC, Zone II, SPYM, New Delhi with the support of DFID for Cuttack district. Under this project there were several workshops and group discussions organised by the Peers of this project. There were about 50 nos of IDU identified by peers and they were counseled about the high risk behavior regularly.
i) Observation of International day against HIV/AIDS on 1st December 2005 at Project Swarajya,
ii ) Workshop at Project Swarajya on the topic ‘Prevention of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse can resist violence’.
iii) Two-day Orientation course based on life skill education was held, as sponsored by RRTC East Zone-1 under the Drug abuse Prevention Programme.
(b) Observation of World AIDs day.
On the occasion of the International day against HIV/AIDS, a seminar on “Measures Taken for Prevention of HIV/AIDs” was organised by Project Swarajya on 1st. Dec 2005 in its campus. Justice Sri S.N. Naidu inaugurated the occasion. An exhibition was conducted on prevention of HIV/AIDS for the PLP (Post-Literacy Programme) students belonging to 30 slums in Cuttack city. Among others Mr. K.C.Pati Secretary Zilla Sakshyarata Samiti, Mr. S.N Samantaray Co-ordinator of Post-literacy Programme and Ms. Pramila Panda, Secretary WORD Deogarh deliberated on the topic of the day as resource persons. About 105 nos. of PLP students along with their teachers participated in the programme.
The Chandigarh Voluntary Health Association organized a Workshop on HIV/AIDS in July 05 at Chandigarh, where Ms Ruksana Khan of Project Swarajya attended as resource person and presented a paper on ‘Trafficking of Women, Trafficking of Drugs and Causes of HIV/AIDS’. Human Rights Law Network sponsored the participants in respect of their attendance in the programme.
(c ) Rapport building with Eunuchs.
To mobilize the eunuchs for the campaign against HIV/AIDS, a centre has been set up in the premises of Project Swarajya for their use. They have been provided legal and moral support by the organisation. A rally of eunuchs was organised in the month of October 2005, in which their professional demands along with message for prevention of HIV/AIDS was highlighted.
Project Swarajya organised several events to provide women with a platform for sharing their feelings and experiences on various issues that interested them and also for building up solidarity among them. The events included seminars, workshops, get-togethers, campaign, training, cultural programme and competitions on various topics etc.
(I) Campaign against Trafficking of Women and Children
In the post-super cyclone period commencing from 2001, Project Swarajya has been conducting a campaign against trafficking of women and children in undivided Cuttack district. The main activities of the campaign were carried out in places under Mahakalapada Block in Kendrapada district, through the support of a network called Jajnyaseni.
(a) Observation of an Anti-trafficking Week during Baliyatra Festival at Cuttack
Like the previous years, this year also a campaign week was observed by the organisation in collaboration with District Level NGO Coordination Committee during Baliyatra Festival at Cuttack during 15-22 Nov. 05. The following activities were done:
· A stall was opened for 7 days.
· Distribution of posters, leaflets, Display of Banner, Audio-visual presentation etc.
· Ceramic items produced by the domestic labour were also exhibited and marketed by them.
· Eminent persons like Mr Aurobinda Behera, Principal Secretary to Govt of Orissa, Mr Bibhuti Mishra, Addl Commissioner, Consolidation, Mr Madhusudan Das, Youth Activist visited the stall.
(b) Workshop on Marriage Registration at Jamboo in Kendrapada
A one-day workshop was organized at the office of Jamboo Gram Panchayat on the topic ‘Marriage Registration can prevent women trafficking’ on 25th November 2005. Mrs Laxmi Das Sarapanch of the Jamboo Gram Panchayat displayed the posters and leaflets prepared by Jajnyaseni. Mr Ashish Senapati Advocate informed the participants about the laws related to violence on women. Ms Trupti Lata Guha President, Maa Sarala Self-Help Group shared her experince on how women were being exploited in the name of marriage. Secretary Ms Sabita Giri, and members Ms. Sasmita Basu and Ms. Saraswati Das also took part in the Workshop.
Posters and leaflets were distributed by the staffs of Project Swarajya in both Kendarapada and Silipur. Wall writing was done by the organization at various places in Kendrapada district also.
(c) Workshop on Marriage Registration at Ichhapur in Kendrapada.
A Workshop on ‘Marriage registration can prevent women trafficking’ followed by a cultural programme was organized by Project Swarajya at Icchapur in Kendrapada District in collaboration with Mahabir Sangeet Parisad on 30th Nov 05. The leaflets produced by Jajnyaseni were distributed. Sri Balaram Mishra and others of the collaborating NGO took active part in the programme. Advocate Sri Ashish Senapati presided over the cultural programme and addressed the people emphisising the need for registration of marriages for ensuring social security and prevention of trafficking of women. The Project Co-ordinator of Anti-trafficking Cell Ms. Basanti Behera co-ordinated the Workshop and cultural programme.
(d) Sensitization on Women Trafficking on the occasion of National Literacy Day
A one-day seminar was organized on the occasion of observation of National Literacy Day on 8th September 05 at Mundasahi slum, Bidanasi under Cuttack Municipal Corporation area. Its main focus was on prevention of trafficking of women, with special reference to the slum-dwelling adolescent girls who were vulnerable to trafficking. The Collector of Cuttack was the chief guest of the event.
10 nos. of cases of atrocity against women were registered in the office of Project Swarajya, out of which 6 nos. related to trafficking. Out of them 2 cases were referred to Orissa High Court Bar Association.
(II) Opening of Gender Cell
A Gender Cell comprising 8 nos. of grass root organizations working in service delivery sector in different parts of the State was opened with a view to inform various programmes undertaken by them with gender-sensitivity. Through this Cell, the organization was able to disseminate the information on trafficking, women’s health, HIV/AIDS and violence on women among the public across the State. The follow-up of the matters concerning marriage registration was done in various ways such as through correspondence, telephone and personal contact. Besides, the cases on trafficking were recorded and referred by the organization to the well-known shelter homes, advocates and law enforcement agencies. The cell was set up on 18th of June 2005 followed by a Consultation.
In pursuit of the objective of the Cell, Project Swarajya conducted various activities in different contexts in various districts.
On the occasion of observance of Anti-Drug Day on 26th June 2005 Competitions on Essay and Debate were organised by Project Swarajya in collaboration with ‘ABHIPSA’ among the students of Child Labour Schools run by various NGOs under NCLP Project as monitored by the district administration of Cuttack. About 40 students took part in the competitions and they were given prizes by the Collector, DIG and other eminent persons.
On the occasion of observance of AIDS Day on 1st December 05, a Poster Competition was held in the campus of Project Swarajya for the students of Post Literacy Programme of the district administration. 50 participants from 30 slums participated in the competition. At the end of the meeting, the winners were awarded prizes by the Chief Guest of the occasion Justice Mr A.S. Naidu, Judge Orissa High Court. A poster exhibition was also organised on the same day.
(a) On behalf of the Gender Cell, a survey was conducted on women’s health at Ramnagar, Anugul and Nimapada. It was found that the women from these areas didn’t prefer their delivery to be made in a Govt. hospital, even if the necessary facilities were available there. Another point that came to the fore through this survey was that the women had no access to health care institutions.
(b) One senior member of the organisation Ms Basanti Behera participated in TOT Programme on Women-centred Health in three phases, conducted by NAWO, Orissa. The 1st phase training which was held at CYSD, Bhubaneswar. She was given training on knowledge about fertility and sexuality and gender violence. In the second phase she gained knowledge on population control, gynaecological disorder and HIV/AIDS. She also gained the skill in respect of taking a case history, recording B.P., and reading of temperature and pulse rate etc along with the art of health counselling. In the third phase she gained the practical experience of applying the knowledge and skill derived in course of the first two phases.
After receiving the training Ms Basanti has initiated the move for setting up one Health Centre for Women at Project Swarajya and for conducting similar training camps at local levels.
The organisation has taken a major role for the protection of Human Rights of Dalits during the year in collaboration with INSAF and Amebedkar-Lohia Bichar Manch. In this regard, several programmes like Public Hearing, Seminars, Workshops, Rallies and Press Meets were organised by the Lohia-Ambedkar Vichramanch, where the members of Project Swarajya took an active part. The Secretary of Project Swarajya serves as the Cuttack District President of ALVM. They collected the information on incidence of atrocity against Dalits during the year through organising of fact-finding missions. Press meets were orginsed to brief the media persons about the facts so gathered. A few selected cases are mentioned below :-
(a) Fact finding on atrocity on a Dalit girl at Anugol
A team comprising four members visited Kishornagar College in Anugol district on 6th September 05 on an allegation given by Ms Malaya Behera studying +2 Arts. They found that Malaya who belonged to Pana caste was staying in women’s hostel of that College. The cook of the hostel Ms Lalita belonged to the caste of Khandayat. The usual practice of that hostel was that the students regularly boiled the vegetables on the country oven and prepared a food items for themselves. One day Malaya wanted to prepare such items by herself. At that moment the cook Lalita came and shouted by saying that ‘today all including myself will remain hungry, since you belong a Paluni have touched my oven’. Malaya felt insulted and immediately returned to her room. Her roommate advised her to put an allegation before the Principal in this matter. Then she went to the Principal. The Principal was absent during that time. Then she went to the Superintendent of that hostel and alleged about the behaviour of the cook. The Superintendent told ‘Do you know other girls would not take food because you touched the Chuli? After hearing such harassing words from the Superintendent, she came back. After the Principal joined the college Malaya went to him and reported this matter. The Principal told the same thing like the Superintendent. She became further harassed and gave an application to Ambedkar Lohia Vicharmanch to intervene in this matter.
(b) Fact finding on atrocity on Dalit woman in Balasore
A team comprising 4 members visited a village namely Panch Pada under Basta PS in Balashore district on 8th October 2005 for finding the facts on the unnatural death of a dalit woman which was published in daily news papers. They found the following facts.
Manjari Das, 19 years old dalit woman had been absconded on 26th January 05 from her village. After a few days, father of Manjari came to know that his daughter got married with Sunil Jana of an upper caste family from the same village and they were staying in Bhubaneswar. They got had got married also against the will of the parents of Sunil. After staying 4 months in Bhubaneswar Manjari came back to her father’s house and informed that her husband left her and she did not know where he went. The family members accepted her and allowed her to stay there. After a couple of months, people found the dead body of Manjari inside her husband’s house. The in-laws family said that they were not agreeable to the marriage since Manjari was from the schedule caste. They further told that they did not accept her as their daughter-in-laws and were just allowing her to stay with them. Why and how she committed suicide in their house they do not know.
(c) Case study of a Dalit boy (Child Labour, Bholeswar) who absconded
The child labourer Bholeswar lived in the village Natur of Baghia Sahi in Sukinda. He was working as a Child Labourer in mines but found absconding from 22nd Aug. 2005. A fact-finding team from INSAF visited Sukinda to know about the real story. The team members were Mr. Ramesh Ali Besant, Mr. Kedar Ray, Mr. Rabi Behera, Mr. Khirod Rout, Ms. Dolli Dash, Ms. Rukshana Khan and Ms. Gita Mahanta . They reached at the village after traversing the deep-dark pathways of the hills and forests and collected data from the opposite parties and the police administration and thereby ascertained the facts of the case. The main accused person the Finance Minister of the State Sri Prafulla Ghadei and the other accused persons Ms. Sanju Mahanta and Ms.Lilimani Mahanta along with the leader of the mine labourers Sri Samrat Gupta offered to meet the fact-finding team but the team didn’t meet them. The fact finding team suspected that Bholeswar was already killed. Afterwards the team recommended to the State Committee of ALBM to file a writ of Habeas Corpus in Orissa High Court. At the same time the team also have demanded before the State govt. for the investigation of the case by the C.B.I.
(d) Compromise of a Backwards-Dalit Conflict at Ramchandi, Banki, Cuttack
A serious conflict between two families, one belonging to Backward community and the other to the SC community took place at Ramchandi village under Banki Police Station on 24th Sept. 05 centring round the love affair between a young boy and a young girl who belonged to these two families respectively. Two persons were arrested from Dalit family, and the situation still continued to remain tense.
A fact-finding team from Amedkar-Lohia Bichar Manch and Amedker Mahila Maha Sangha undertook a visit to Ramchandi to unscreen the real episode. The team members were Mr. Ramesha Ali Besanta, Mr. Biranchee Nayak, Ms. Basanti Behera and Ms. Nayana Nayak. They met the victims as well as OIC of Banki Police Station and thereby ascertained the facts of the case. Then they highlighted this incident in the media asking for appropriate police action to calm down the explosive situation.
(e) PIL Against the Inaction of Govt. to Prevent Cruelty to Animals.
In October 2005, a PIL was filed in Orissa High Court by Mr.Mohan Jena, MP Jajpur and Ms. Dolli Dash, Social Activist to prevent cruelty to Animals. It was admitted under W.P.C No 13341 of 2005 and the High Court ordered the issue of notices to the State Govt. to file a reply within 15 days. The petitioners alleged that the govt. had failed to curb the barbaric practice of slaughtering animals in the name of pleasing the Gods during various festivals. They also stated that the act not only amounted to cruelty to animals but also could lead to serious ecological imbalance. A division bench of the High Court comprising Justice L.Mohapatra and Justice R. N Biswal while hearing the petition observed that the concerned District Collectors should take steps to educate people for prevention of such obnoxious practices.
(f) Press Conference on the Displacement of Dalits
A Press conference on the displacement of Dalits was organised by DPG (Deogarh Progress Group) on 23rd March 2006 in the premises of Project Swarajya. Persons from both print and electronic media attended this conference. The displaced persons from Deogarh District also joined and expressed their miserable experience about the various problems caused by displacement which they have been undergoing over years. Retired Justice of Orissa High Court Sj. Pratap Keshasi Mishra joined in as the Chief Guest of the Conference. He also inaugurated the occasion. Social activist Sri Chitta Ranjan
Mohanty and MP Sri Mohan Jena were the honourable guests of this conference. The meeting was presided over by Mr. Khirod Rout, Joint Secretary of Orissa High Court Bar Association. A welcome speech was delivered by Ms. Dolli Dash, Secretary of Project Swarajya. The Convener of DPG Ms. Pramila Panda told that the State level Media Conference was organised on behalf of DPG, because the problems of displacement which were lingering for years on end, needed to be highlighted by the media so as to attract the attention of the Government for an early settlement.
On the front of consumer protection movement, Project Swarajya undertook several activities during the year under review. A District Consumer Information Centre is running in the premises head office.
(a) Formation of District Resource Centre
The Regional Resource Centre under NIPIDIT formed a District Resource Centre on 29th Sept. 2005 in the premises of Project Swarajya at Ganesh Ghat, Bakharabad, Cuttack in collaboration with DLNCC. A review was held on previous activities organised by Project Swarajya. It was further told that the role of RRC was to disseminate laws, rules and regulations on various issues, under which the State was functioning. Such dissemination activities were primarily targeted at the common people including marginalised and Dalits. Mr. Lalit Ku. Mishra of DLNCC was selected as the Convener of Cuttack DRC.
(b) Observation of National Disaster day
On the occasion of observation of National Disaster Day on 29th October 05, a Seminar on the topic “Corruption is more ferocious than Tsunami” was organised jointly by District Consumer Information Centre and DLNCC at the office of Project Swarajya, Ganesha Ghat, Cuttack under the Chairmanship Mr. Lalit Ku. Mishra, Convener of the event. At the inception Mr Lalit Ku. Mishra Convenor, DLNCC reminded the people about the super cyclone and advised them to remain alert for next disaster, that may visit anytime all of a sudden.
District ADIG of Police (Human Rights) Mr. Asutosh Mishra and President of Nilasaila Mr. Raj Kishor Raj addressed the Seminar as the Chief Guest and Chief Speaker respectively.
(c) Citizens’ Information Centre in Baliyatra Festival, Cuttack
A Citizens’ Information Centre for Consumer Awareness was jointly organised by District Consumer Information Centre run by Project Swarajya and District NGO Co-ordination Committee during 15th Nov. to 22nd Nov. 05 at Baliyatra Ground, Cuttack. A stall was opened for 7 days and the staffs and volunteers distributed posters and leaflets. They displayed Banners in various places on Consumer Rights and presented Audio- Visual shows too. Ceramic items produced by the domestic labour were also exhibited and sold through the stall. The stall was inaugurated by Mr. Bibhuti Mishra, Additional Commissioner, Consolidation Orissa. Eminent persons like Mr. Aurobind Behera, Principal Secretary to Govt of Orissa in Rural Development and Mr. Madhusudan Das of Abhijan visited the stall.
(d) Observance of National Consumer’ Rights Day
District Consumer Information Centre and Nehru Yuba Kendra observed National Consumer Rights Day jointly on 24th Dec. 2005 at the premises of Project Swarajya, Cuttack. The Chief Guest of that event was Justice Sri Choudhury Pratap Kishore Mishra, Retd. Judge of Orissa High Court, who also inaugurated the Workshop. Sri Prasanta Dalabehera, Social Worker-cum-Counsellor of the De-addiction Centre at Cuttack welcomed the guests to the podium and briefly introduced the guests to the participants of the workshop. After that, Ms. Dolli Dash, the Secretary of Project Swarajya in her precise speech outlined the purpose of the workshop. Mr. Ashok Das of Neheru Yuba Kendra presided over the meeting. In his presidential address he not only elaborated on the role of NYK in spreading the various positive messages among the youths, but called upon them to be forward-looking and socially sensitive. Justice Mishra in his inaugural speech dealt with various aspects of the existing laws, that could be used against the menace of substance abuse. Among others who addressed the occasion were Mr. Lalit Ku. Mishra, a renowned social activist and Convener of DLNCC Cuttack, Mr. Prasant Ku. Mohaopatra, Associate Prof. of Psychiatry SCB Medical College Cuttack, Prof. Sk. Kalimulla a famous Social Activist and Mrs. V. Radhika DIG, State Vigilance Directorate. Mr. Ashok Kumar Dalai Advocate of Orissa High Court gave a vote of thanks to the guests and participants. More than 100 young men and women hailing from various Schools, Colleges and social organisations participated in the workshop.
(e) Observance of the safety week of the Consumer Rights
District Consumer Information Centre of Project Swarajya and Ramadevi Mahila Slipodyogi Sangathan jointly observed a Blocklevel Workshop on consumer awareness to mark the Safety Week of the Consumer Rights for the customers at Raghunathpur Block headquarters on 30th Dec 05. Mr. Sujit Ranjan Das, B.D.O of Raghunathpur Block inaugurated the occasion. The Secretary of Ramadevi Mahila Slipodyogi Sangathan Mrs. Dharitri Dash welcomed the guests and participants and briefly introduced the guests. The Chief Speaker of that event was Mr. Kedarnath Jena, Senior Advocate of Orissa High Court as well as the President of Orissa Consumer Association. He elaborated on various ways in which adulteration of goods takes place. About 110 nos. of PLP students and teachers participated in the workshop. The Chief Guest Sri Das in his inaugural speech stressed that for the first time this type of programme was going to be held at Raghunathpur Block. He also advised the participants to take the help of the experienced law experts to avail their consumer rights. The Secretary Project Swarajya Ms. Dolli Dash told about the aims and objectives of the workshop and also observed that if the service delivery system could become gender-sensitive then the more people could avail its benefits. Among others who addressed the occasion were Mr. Asim Ranjan Das Vice Chairman of Panchayat Samiti, Mrs. Madhumita Ganguli Advocate of Orissa High Court, Mr. Khirod Rout Advocate and Joint Secretary of Orissa High Court Bar Association, and eminent social worker Mr.Chitta Ranjan Mohanty. Mr. Rajiv Lochan Swain gave vote of thanks to the guests and participants for the success of theWorkshop.
(f) Observation of Consumer Awareness Week
An awareness meeting on consumer protection was held on 25th March 2006 in National Child Labour Project Special School, Kundi under Mahanga Block in Cuttack district, organised by Anirban, a local NGO of Mahanga supported by Project Swarajya, Cuttack It was held under the chairmanship of Mr. Pratap Ku. Prusty, a social activist of Jugajyoti Club of Mahanga.
At the opening of the meeting the Secretary ANIBARAN Mr. Pravat ku. Singh welcomed the guests. The Chief Guest of the meeting, the BDO of Mahanga Mr. Binod Bihari Nayak inaugurated the meeting by lighting the candle followed by a patriotic song. In his inaugural speech, he said that before going to consumer courts, a consumer should think about the scope, rights and objectives as mentioned under the Consumer Protection Act. He also told about the role of Panchayati Raj Dept. in the protection of consumer rights. Sri Bhakta Charan Sahoo, the senior Journalist of SAMBAD joined in as the Chief Speaker. He said that now-a-days Consumer Protection Act has become very much necessary for getting the justice for the victimised consumers. He also emphasised the role of media in consumer protection. Mr. Abu Amir Ahamed an ex-Sarapanch joined in the meeting and told that such awareness meetings were very much useful for each villager. Dr. Tufal Ahamad an eminent Homeopathy doctor joining in the meeting as a guest speaker expressed that every school should organise such type of meetings to raise the consciousness among the students, since they were the future of the country. At last Mr.Tapan Ku. Mohanty gave the vote of thanks to every body.
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, 2005 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 2004 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 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 looked out on other possible sources for getting the proposal of Trawl Guard experimentation implemented at the earliest. In course of time in 2003, Project Swarajya had suggested WWF Nature India to conduct a trial of Trawl Guard and applied for financial support for it. The representatives of WWF Nature India Delhi Office offered to conduct such trial test in the Orissa Coast in 2005. On 21st December 05 a consultation on the methodology for TG trial was presented by the team of Project Swarajya in the office of WWF regional office. Scientists, Environmentalists, Govt officials and Social activists had attended the consultation. The date for trial was fixed. The methodology was approved by the stakeholders who were present there. The trial was conducted on 11th January 2006 at Paradeep based on the consultation held on 21st December 05 at WWF Regional Office in Orissa. The trial was observed by the personnel of Forests and Fisheries Departments, Coast Guard, Scientists, Environmental groups, Trawl owners, Fishermen leaders, Social activists and Journalist etc.
(b) PIL Against Pollution by Oswal Chemicals and Fertilisers Company at Paradip
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. While the PIL was so pending at the Orissa High Court, the Oswal Chemical and Fertilisers Company Limited took an abrupt decision to sell and hand over the fertiliser plant to IFFCO ( Indian Farmers and Fertilisers Cooperative Limited), a Govt of India sponsored undertaking in 2005, and after the departure of the Oswal, no annoying case of pollution has ever come to public notice.
(C) Survey on Horseshoe Crab
The organisation conducted a survey on Horse Shoe Crab in Jamboo on 25th October 2005. The purpose of survey was to preserve Horseshoe Crab because of their medicinal value. This species was a primitive one having utility for satellite and space experiments. The organisation and scientific institutions feel that there was the need for the preservation of this species to maintain ecological balance of nature. Therefore a team visited the area and gathered information about the availability and how people use it. They came to know that the Horseshoe Crabs were available in the shore areas of Jamboo and Hukitola. It was further decided a sustainable project shall be developed for conservation of the species in collaboration with NIO, Goa involving the local fisher folk.
(a) Performance by Mahabir Sangeet Parisad.
Mahabir Sangeet Parisad is a 5 year-old Kendrapara-based socio-cultural organisation working for all round development of society as well as women and children. It focuses on organisation of extra-curricular and cultural activities like debate, essay, story writing, drawing, technical education like stitching and items of entertainment of people like Pala, Folk Song, Folk dance and street play on various social activities. Through such multifarious activities the organisation has been promoting a sense and awareness of history, heritage and civilization among the rural/urban people of Kendrapara district. The cultural activities of Mahabir Sangeet Parisad at Kendrapara are mostly organised in collaboration with Project Swarajya. .
The organisation organised a workshop followed by a cultural programme in Ichhapur of Kendrapara district in collaboration with Project Swarajya on 30th Nov.05. The Pala based on the theme of the leaflet produced by Jajnyaseni was presented by the collaborating NGO Mahabir Sangeet Parishad. Sri Balaram Mishra and others spearheaded the cultural event. The welcome speech of this cultural programme was delivered by Mr. Jayadev Singh, the Secretary of Mahavir Sangeet Parisad. Advocate Sri Ashish Senapati presided over the cultural programme and addressed the people to register marriage for ensuring social security and prevent the trafficking of women. The Project Co-ordinator of Anti-trafficking Ms. Basanti Behera of Project Swarajya co-ordinated the workshop and cultural programme. At last Ms. Saraswati Dash, Joint Secretary of the organisation gave vote of thanks to every body.
(b) Opening of an Yoga Education and Treatment Centre
A new centre on Yoga education and treatment has been opened in the premises of Project Swarajya, managed by Mr. Lokanatha Panigrahi, Yoga Therapist of Project Swarajya. Regular classes and Competitions on Yoga have been conducted by him. About 50 nos of students have taken lessons from this centre.
A National level Youth Conference was organised by East Zone of INSAF on 6th to 18th Sept 2005 at Aurangabad district in the State of Bihar. Ms. Basanti Behera, Women Coordinator of Project Swarajya attended the Conference. There were 7 young men and women selected on behalf of INSAF, Orissa for taking part in the youth conference. The members of Orissa actively participated in all the programmes and highly rewarded by the East Zone of INSAF, Aurangabad, Bihar .
A National Level training on Role of Youth in “Disaster Management” for NYK Youth Club members and NSS volunteers was organised by RGNIYD (Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development) on 3rd to 5th Oct 05 at Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu as sponsored by NYK. Ms. Mousumi Ali Besanta of our organisation participated in this training. After completion of the training, she on her return organised a youth camp on the role of youth in disaster management, especially with reference to disasters like Tsunani in the premises of Project Swarajya.
The Organisation was declared as an R.T.D.T. (Rural Technology Demonstration and Training) Centre by NRDC ( National Research 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:
Ø 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,
Ø Racks for hygienic and scientific drying of fish,
Ø Fish Pickle making,
Ø Scientific method of prawn and fish culture,
Ø Integrated paddy-cum-fish culture in water-logged salinised areas, and
Ø Fish Aggregating Devices for Orissa coast
In addition to the above, the training on a new trade, that is, candle making has been organised for the recovered patients of Drug De-addiction Centre of Project Swarajya at Cuttack.
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 along with 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.
On behalf of District Consumer Information Centre a library is running in the premises of Project Swarajya for last 2 years. There are various schemes, guidelines and legal documents are available in this library.
12. PROGRAMME ORGANISED IN THE PREMISES OF PROJECT SWARAJYA
|
S. N. |
Date |
Topic |
Organiser |
|
1 |
24th April 2005 |
Human Rights of Dalits and Minorities |
INSAF |
|
2 |
1st June 2005 |
Women Rights and Law |
INSAF |
|
3 |
14th June 2005 |
Formation of Gender Cell |
CDMU & Project Swarajya |
|
4 |
30th July 2005 |
Progress Post Literacy Programme |
Dist. Administration & Project Swarajya |
|
5 |
10th Aug 2005 |
First-Aid-training |
St-Jones Ambulance |
|
6 |
15th Sept 2005 |
Yoga institute and healing centre Inaugurated |
Kalinga Yoga Centre |
|
7 |
29th Sept 2005 |
State Executive Committee Meeting |
INSAF |
|
8 |
19th Oct 2005 |
Review meeting of Gender Sensitization |
CDMU |
|
9 |
20th Oct 2005 |
Anti Liquor Campaign |
Orissa Nishanibaran Committee |
|
10 |
29th Sept 2005 |
Formation of District Resource Centre |
DLNCC |
|
11 |
29th Oct 2005 |
Corruption is more ferocious than Tsunami |
Project Swarajya & DLNCC |
|
12 |
3rd Nov 2005 |
State Executive Committee meeting |
INSAF |
|
13 |
22nd Nov 2005 |
Campaign against the Govt’s fatal decision to open 2000 new liquor shops in Orissa |
Orissa Nishanibarana Committee |
|
14 |
1st Dec 2005 |
Measures taken for Prevention of HIV/AIDS |
Project Swarajya |
|
15 |
24th Dec 20005 |
Prevention of Drug Abuse and Alcoholism resist violence |
Project Swarajya & N.Y.K |
|
16 |
31st Dec 2005 |
State Committee Meeting |
INSAF |
|
17 |
8th Feb 2006 |
Plan of action for a campaign on prohibition |
Orissa Nisha Nibaran Committee |
|
18 |
21st Feb 2006 |
Two day orientation courses based on life skill education |
RRTC, East Zone-I |
|
19 |
23rdMarch 2006 |
A press conference on problems of displacementer in Deogarh dist. |
Deogarh Progress Group |
|
20 |
26thMarch 2006 |
Liquor tragedy in Ganjam district |
Orissa Nisha Nibaran Committee |
|
21 |
27thMarch 2005 |
State Committee meeting |
INSAF |
13. NETWORKING WITH NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATION
Drug Abuse Prevention
1. Nishamukti Kendra, Project Swarajya – A Status Report – 1993.
2. Narahanta Nisha ( Killer Drug- Brown Sugar )- (Oriya)
3. Project Swarajya Nishamukti Kendra 1992-93 in Newspapers ( Oriya )
4. Brown Sugar – The Killer Drug.
5. A Practical Guide on Alcoholism – Its Prevention & Treatment.
6. Drug De-Addiction – Medical Management.
7. Addiction in Adolescence
8. Addiction in Adolescence ( Oriya )
9. “Drugs” Children ( Oriya )
10. “Medical Management of Drug Dependence ( Oriya )
11. Importance of the WHO DAY – its message ( Oriya )
12. Report on the Observation of Anti-Drug Day at Cuttack on 26th June 2002
13. Report on the Observation of Anti-Drug Day at Cuttack on 26th June 2003
14. Report on the Observation of Anti-Drug Day at Cuttack on 26th June 2004 & June 2005
Women and Child Development
15. “Childhood Epilepsy” ( Oriya )
16. Management of Childhood Mental Disorders ( Oriya )
17. Mental Retardation and Early Intervention An Introduction ( Oriya )
18. State Level Seminar on In-country Child Adoption, Legal Dimension & Rehabilitation Problems, 5th April - 1992 at Project Swarajya.
19. State Level Seminar on Atrocities on Women & Girl Child 15th Sept 1990, at Sailabala Women’s College, Cuttack.
20. Report on the Gender Sensitisation Training to Prevent Trafficking
21. Report on the Campaign against Trafficking of Women and Children in Orissa.
22. Report on the Consultation on Trafficking of Women and Children
24. Report on the Gender Cell
Environment
25. State Level Seminar on Problem of Increasing Salinity in Coastal Orissa held on 19th July 1991, at Pantha Nivas, Cuttack.
26. Towards Green Villages (Oriya) – a joint Publication of CSE, New Delhi & Project Swarajya, Cuttack.
27. Shifting Cultivation – A search for Alternative Dr.S.K.Jena.
28. Problem of drinking water shortage in salinity affected Costal Orissa with special reference to Mahakalapada Block in Cuttack – Mr.Chitta Behera.
29. Health Educations & Service Camps, orgd.by Project Swarajya among slum dwellers & villagers during 1993 – A Brief Report.
30. Citizen’s Workshop on Water Pollution in Taladanda Canal, Mahanadi & Kathajori River orgd.by Project Swarajya at Cuttack on 6th June, 1993 ( World Environment Day )
31. Scientific Papers : National Workshop on Conservation & Sustainable Utilisation of Indian Horseshoe Crabs along Orissa Coast 10 & 11 November, 1992 Cuttack & Chandipur Beach, Orissa- Vol –I
32. Field Surveys on the occurrence, Nesting & Co-existence of Indian Horseshoe crabs along Orissa Coast : An Interim Report ( Sep 1993 to Feb 1994 )
33. Workshop on Indian Horseshoe Crabs along Orissa Coast on 14th December, 1993 Ravenshaw College, Cuttack.
34. Workshop on Indian Horseshoe Crab : It’s Significance & Conservation, 28th January 1994 Dept. of Marine Science, Berhampur University.
35. Horseshoe Crab – An Amazing Creature of Orissa Coast – Dr. J.K.Mishra.
36. Ramlekhani ( Oriya ) – Mr. R.N.Majhee.
37. News Clippings – Vol- II
38. Horseshoe Crab – A Living fossil – Dr.Anil Chatterji.
39. Project Report on Horseshoe Crab.
40. Report of the Project on Conservation of Mangrove Ecosystem in Coastal Orissa.
41. Mangrove Forest and Wild Life or Orissa Coast ( Oriya ) – Mr.N.C.Mohanty.
42. Workshop on Mangrove Forest of BhittarKanika Orgd.by Project Swarajya, Cuttack at Crew Training Institute, Chandbali, Balasore on 27th September 1992.
43. Seminar on Mangrove Forest Ecosystem of Coastal Orissa orgd.under the joint auspices of Paradeep Port Trust Authority & Project Swarajya, Cuttack on 5th April 1993 National Maritime Day.
44. Seminar on Conservation of Mangroves of Orissa on 3rd May 1993 in Department of Botany, Utkal University, Vani Vihar, Bhubaneswar.
45. Report on the Marine Resource Conservation and Trawl Guard Trial
Consumer Rights and Governance reform
46. Report on the Seminar on Judicial Reforms conducive for Common Citizens held at Cuttack on 14 August 2003
47. Report on Citizen’s Right to Information
48. Compilation of Oriya Newspaper articles on the Report of the National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution-2002
49. Compilation of Oriya Translation of the selected portions of the Report of the National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution-2002
50. Compilation of Oriya articles on Constitutional and Governance Reforms
51. Report on Consumer Rights
52. Publication of a book namely ‘SUCHANA’
53. Print of Posters on Consumer protection and anti-trafficking campaign
Others
54. Proceedings of the Seminar on “Saving Juang Alternative modes of survival” held on 30th May, 1993, at Pantha Nivas, Cuttack.