AKSS
Anchalika Kunjeswari Sanskrutika Sansad

Health & Family Welfare

Health Development is an important element in the development process in general and is therefore influenced in practice by different perception of what constituted development and what causes under development. Community is given less importance. The real need of the people as solution to health problems remain out of consideration. As a result rural health suffers perpetual health problems in India. In the context of rural health system in Orissa, it is very precarious condition. In many places of the Orissa a large proportion of the population has no access to health care for which people are suffering a lot .  Realizing the fact that Health is basic Rights of the people AKSS has given   high importance on following activities.

WOMEN & HEALTH
A holistic approach to women’s health which includes both nutrition and health services will be adopted and special attention will be given to the needs of women and the girl at all stages of the life cycle. The reduction of infant mortality and maternal mortality, which are sensitive indicators of human development, is a priority concern. This policy reiterates the national demographic goals for Infant Mortality Rate (IMR), Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) set out in the National Population Policy 2000. Women should have access to comprehensive, affordable and quality health care. Measures will be adopted that take into account the reproductive rights of women to enable them to exercise informed choices, their vulnerability to sexual and health problems together with endemic, infectious and communicable diseases such as malaria, TB, and water borne diseases as well as hypertension and cardio-pulmonary diseases. The social, developmental and health consequences of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases will be tackled from a gender perspective. To effectively meet problems of infant and maternal mortality, and early marriage the availability of good and accurate data at micro level on deaths, birth and marriages is required. Strict implementation of registration of births and deaths would be ensured and registration of marriages would be made compulsory

REPRODUCTIVE CHILD HEALTH PROGRAMME (RCH)
In December 1998 the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Govt. of India lunched the MNGO/FNGO scheme for its implementation as an effort towards for going partnership and collaboration with Non-Governmental Organizations. Since then AKSS has involved with this scheme and implemented the same successfully in the state of Orissa..
AKSS has been  involved in RCH Programme-II to help and implement the activities at the grass root level through a group of committed and dedicated NGOs of Puri District with the objectives to reduce the incidence of maternal and child death, couple protection rate, coverage of children through immunization. The Organization is implementing RCH Phase-II programme in 03 Blocks of Puri District successfully with four FNGOs who have their good outreach at the specific unserved/underserved areas with an effective linkage with medical officers, PRIs and other community stake holders.

DETAILS OF IMPLEMENTING FIELD LEVEL PAETNERS OF PURI DISTRICT

The external evaluation Team members were evaluated both the activities of Mother NGO and Filed NGOs.
Reproductive Child Health Programme is a major component of the action of plan of Govt. of India. The main objective of the programme is to bring about a change in mainly three critical health indicators i. e. reducing total fertility rate, infant mortality rate and maternal mortality rate

• Immunization Programme
  
• Health Awareness and Education
• Mobile Health Camps
• T.B & Leprosy Control programme
• AIDS Programme
• Population Stabilization Programme
• Adolescent Health Programme
• Dental Health Care
• ASHA TRAINING
• JANANI EXPRESS PROGRAMME
• Malaria Control Programme

AYUSH PROGRAMME
Our Country is not as poor as most people assume. We may not be “cash rich” but we are fortunate to have vast resource richness. Enormous variety of knowledge means methods and skills exit among our people who have given rise to same of the longest unbroken medical systems in the world. Our forests, although depleting, still teem with herbal flora. There are over 7000 medicinal plants currently in use on the south Asian sub continent.

AKSS stress traditional medicine because it is close to women. It is accessible, understandable, affordable and effective and there is no side effect. Despite such benefits, economic changes and the oppressiveness of western medicine threaten to snuff out healing systems. AKSS felt that if proper awareness has been generated among the people and when the people are properly aware about the importance the practitioners and specialists in these systems can back up local health practices.

Generally traditional health knowledge is effective and promotes self reliance to keep better health standard of the human beings. Early humans and animals depended on preventative use of plants and other substances to avoid disease and maintain heath and vigor. Keeping this view AKSS is implementing different activities on AYUSH programme.

POVERTY ALLEVIATION & LIVELIHOOD
Orissa ranks very low among the Indian states in terms of per capita income, and it has become one of the poorest states of the country. Large proportion of people in the state has very poor .Poverty stricken people are mostly live in rural areas, where poverty rates are significantly higher than those in urban areas. All forms of poverty are relative and subjective because it is in relation to social contexts that they are judged unacceptable.

We believe sustainable livelihood as well as livelihood stabilization ends poverty. Livelihoods consist of both generation of income as well as the ownership of assets that reduces the vulnerability of marginalized communities. AKSS is focusing on addressing – poverty reduction through livelihood stabilization in both farm and non-farm sector. To reduce poverty through sustainable livelihood the major components of the farm sector are sustainable Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry and Fish Farming. The organization is being involved with   Flowing activities

AGRICULTURE
Agriculture is the mainstay of State’s economy and substance of life for the people. The State Orissa is an agrarian state with Agriculture and Animal Husbandry. Agriculture plays a critical role in the economy of the state and the livelihood of majority of its populace. The lives and livelihoods of small & marginal farmers of Orissa are in jeopardy, while more than 80 percent of the total workforce is directly dependent on agriculture. This includes about 3.4 million cultivators and 2.1 million agricultural labourers. Agriculture is the backbone of the state economy, employing over 65% of the total workforce and 80% of the workforce in rural areas. 82% are small and marginal farmers. Hence AKSS has been involved with agriculture development programme since last two decades.

• Sustainable Agriculture
  
• Organic Farming & Bio Fertilizer
• Formation of farmers organization
• Restoring biodiversity
• Horticulture
• Pisciculture

WOMEN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME   
Within the framework of a democratic polity, our laws, development policies, Plans and programmes have aimed at women’s advancement in different spheres. From the Fifth Five Year Plan (1974-78) onwards has been a marked shift in the approach to women’s issues from welfare to development. The empowerment of women has been recognized as the central issue in determining the status of women. The National Commission for Women was set up by an Act of Parliament in 1990 to safeguard the rights and legal entitlements of women. The 73rd and 74th Amendments (1993) to the Constitution of India have provided for reservation of seats in the local bodies of Panchayats. Municipalities for women, laying a strong foundation for their participation in decision making at the local levels. But still the status of Women as it is. No equal access to their rights, health, nutrition, education, employment and social security etc.  Hence the organization has given high importance on Economic Empowerment and Social Empowerment of Women . To bring a revolution among them AKSS has started its activities since its inception.

• Economic Empowerment of women though poverty eradication
  
• Social Empowerment of Women
  
• Awareness Generation Programme 
  
• Women Leaders’ Training
  

MICROFINANCE
Micro Credit
In order to enhance women’s access to credit for consumption and production, the establishment of new, and strengthening of existing micro-credit mechanisms and micro-finance institution will be undertaken so that the outreach of credit is enhanced. Other supportive measures would be taken to ensure adequate flow of credit through extant financial institutions and banks, so that all women below poverty line have easy access to credit. Micro-credit & micro-finance is not only a panacea for mitigating poverty but also a vehicle for growth with equity and equality. It creates many useful products mailing social transformation through a social platform to use their collective vision and consciousness towards collective action that benefits the needy and poor. Access to sustainable financial services enables the poor to increase incomes, build assets and reduce vulnerability. Hence its brings  social change towards social justice and empowerment.

We believe that

• Microfinance is a tool to empower the poor.
  
• It is essential for promoting self-employment and boost up the economic standard of the poor.
  
• Micro finance increases the productivity of self-employment in the informal sector of the economy.
  
• It is not just a financing system, but a tool for social change, especially for women
  
• Micro-finance lending technology needs to mimic the informal lenders rather than the formal sector lending.
  

AKSS has been involved in micro-finance and micro-credit programme since its inception.
Promotion & Strengthening of Self-Help-Group (SHGs)
Social empowerment, self realization and self initiative is the base for the formation of self help groups. This is the logic motivated NGOs to form SHGs in rural areas to empower them through developing their inherent skills. Thus, SHG movement among the rural poor in different parts of the country is emerging as a very reliable and efficient mode for technology transfer.

Self-Help Groups (SHG) formation and promotion is a tool and way to achieve the twin objectives of poverty alleviation and social empowerment of women. Savings and credits habit of women really a ray of development. It robotizes women to create jointly managed the funds where every SHG member keeps a little money in reserve to meet with the emergencies in life. This makes it possible for the group members to borrow from such funds at this time of need. Creation of such funds also enables the SHG to help themselves.

Since a long AKSS has been involved in SHG moment in Orissa.  During the year 2009-2010 status of SHGs promoted by the organization as follows.

Details of Status of SHGs

Micro Enterprise
AKSS has given high importance on micro enterprise activities.  In this connection the organization has promoted small and marginal entrepreneurship development activities to make the beneficiaries earning worthy through different income generation activities to provide permanent sources of income to the poor families. As per the interest experience, expertise and availability of local resources the following profitable trades were undertaken by the SHGs.

• Dairy Farming
  
• Sheep rearing, Fish Farming and selling
  
• Dry Fish selling
  
• Handicrafts producing
  
• Vegetable cultivating
  
• Rice processing and selling
  
• Duck Farming
  
• Small Business
  
• Cottage Industries

Formation of SHG Co-operative Ltd.
There are five cooperatives are functioning in Kanas block of puri district by the organization. Among them one co-operative named Keshari Multipurpose Co-operative Ltd. is functioning well. Savings & credit activities are going on smoothly.

Micro-credit Loan support
A micro-credit service unit named Saving and Credit Unit for Rural & Village Industries (SURAVI) was established since long to provide micro-credit loan to the women entrepreneurs and SHGs for the economical empowerment. Last year fifteen SHGs, five fish farmers groups were provided loan support. Around five hundred well managed SHGs have debarred to get loan support from the organization.   During this financial year rupees twenty lakhs and eight seven thousand rupees was revered and twenty lakhs fifty thousands was given as loan to the SHGs with 18% interest per annum.
The NABARD has selected and sponsored AKSS to SBI and other Nationalized Bank as MFIs for loan linkage for the SHGs and other entrepreneurs. We have planned to invest five core rupees among the SHGs and co-operatives with collaboration with banks and other MFIs during coming financial year.

CHILD DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
Children are the precious citizens of a nation and future of the society. Hence stable relationship, love and affection, adequate nutrition, a safe and healthy physical environment, shelter and safetiness etc. are required for them.  During the reporting period the following activities have been undertaken by the organization.

1. Children’s Nutrition Education Programme
   
2. Child Labour School.

HUMAN RIGHTS PROGRAMME
The universal declaration of human rights prohibited all sorts of torture or punishment. To ensure adequate protection for all persons against abuses, the United Nations has sought for many years to develop universally applicable standards. Hence the protection & promotion of human rights is a major concern of the organization since long. AKSS is active in following programmes.

• Violence against women
  
• Women Rights
  
• Child Rights
  
• Widows Rights
  
• Dalit Rights & Adivasi Rights
  
• Governance and Legal Aid Service.
  
• Village Court ( Gramya Adalat)

WATER & SANITATION
AKSS believes that lack of access to safe water is the root cause of disease, hunger and poverty. Since its inception of the organization AKSS has been concentrated with water and sanitation activities as it is one of the core mandate. During last two decades AKSS has been able to work with collaboration of national and international agencies like CAPART, MEMISA, UNCIEF on the water and sanitation issues in Puri district of the state. 

NATURAL RESOURSE MANAGEMENT & ENVIRONMENT
The environment situation of the world is very emerging. Impact already being seen in unprecedented heat waves, cyclone, floods, disaster, salinisation of the coastline and effects on natural resources, agriculture, fisheries and health. The environmental problem creates devastated issues like ecological imbalance, climate change and global worming.  Hence the environmental issues are major global issue. Humans depend on a sustainable and healthy environment, and yet we have damaged the environment in numerous ways. The organization is active on following activities

• Climate Change & Global worming.
  
• Women and Environment
  
• Social Forestry
  
• School Environment
  

EDUCATION PROGRAMME
Education is the process of learning and knowing, which is not restricted to our school text-books. It is a holistic process and continues through our life. Even the regular happenings and events around us educate us, in one or the other way. It would not be an exaggeration to say that the existence of human beings is fruitless without education. An educated person has the ability to change the world, as he/she is brimming with confidence and assured of making the right moves. Hence Education is the backbone of every individual’s life and life of the nation. In this context education has become one of the major thrust areas of activities of the organization since its inception. Following institutions are running by the organization.

• AKSS Upper Primary School
  
• Kanas College and Kanas Degree College
  
• KCITC- Keshab Chandra Institute Technical Centre
  
• Management College- KIMT
  
• Millennium School of Nursing
  
• Residential Coaching Centre
  

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY PROGRAMME
Sincere attention has been paid by the organization on promotion and popularization of science and technology for rural development. In this connection considerable attention has been given to find out advancement of different technology for advancement of rural sector.

• Women in Science and Technology
  
• Science & Technology Award
  

RENEWAL AND RURAL ENERGY PROGRAMME
Energy savings technology has became very important to save the earth. In view of raising energy the renewable sources of energy are one of the major sources.  Now it is difficult for management of energy and its security due to rapid climate changes and environmental threats.   AKSS has been involved with  Renewable Energy Programme

• Promotion of Renewable Energy
  
• Solar Education Programme.

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
Youths are real power of the Nation. AKSS has been involved in Youth Development Programme and has taken step to involve the Youth in the community Development process. As our country is increasingly faced with globalization & in a situation rural youth population is more valuable. They should equip with skill, knowledge & information. In this connection the organization has taken some step to address the issues.

• Youth leaders Workshop
  
• Vocational Training for Rural Youths
  

ART & CULTURE PROGRAMME
Art and Culture is the symbol of development of a nation. Since its inception AKSS has been inclined in Art and Cultural activities. High importance has been given to preserve and promote the rural old culture.

Preservation of Culture
We believe that   contribution of old and traditional culture is one the way to empower and strengthen the  people.  AKSS has made constant efforts for revival of local culture in tribal and rural communities. The organization also makes efforts to document the tribal traditions & practices. Cultural teams formed with the initiatives of the projects plays crucial role in disseminating information and knowledge on issues relating to development and social change. Different cultural programmes like dance, drama, song, Martial Art. etc are being organized by the organization.

Tyagi Biswanath Pathagar (Library)
A Library in the name of Tyagi Biswanath Pathagar is running in AKSS campus since its inception. This Library is also well equipped having twenty five thousand of books, periodical, magazines, booklets and journals. Around sixty to seventy numbers of readers are usually coming regularly. Raja Ram Mohan Roy foundation under the aegis of Govt. of India is providing book grants to this library. This library is also well known here as “Learning Center” of this area. A children’s library also running inside the library.

Dharmapad Madhyaratri Kavita Pathotsav
Dharmapad Madhyaratri Kavita Pathotsav – the midnight poem recitation programme was organized like previous year on December thirty-first. The programme is dedicated to the late beloved brother Dharmapada Sethy who was  among us.

ANIMAL WELFARE PROGRAMME
AKSS has been involved in Animal Welfare programme and different activities are being implemented with participation and co-operation of community.  Awareness Camps, meetings on animal welfare has been organized during reporting period. Community attention has been gathered on animal welfare and rights. People’s forum & committees have been formulated to take care and shoulder responsibilities of the animals.

• Animal Mobile Hospital  & Animal Care Service
  
• Animal Shelter

ELDERLY CARE  PRORAMME
Elderly are vulnerable and they spending their lives with untold misery, mental agony, depression and finally they meet painful death. They need residential care, day care, geriatric care, medical and psychiatric care, recreation and counseling. Due to its limited resource only health and medical care activities of the elderly is  of the project area have been under taken .Mobile health camps were organized in different location of the project area. The physicians have provided health check-up, free medicine distribution, treatment.

DISABLE PROGRAMME
An estimated 10% of the world’s populations are disability. The number of people with disabilities is growing as a result of factors such as population growth, ageing and medical advances that preserve and prolong life. These factors are creating considerable demands for health and rehabilitation services. Furthermore, the lives of people with disabilities are made more difficult by the way society interprets and reacts to disability which requires environmental and attitudinal changes. Most of the developmental initiatives ignore the need of people with disabilities. The UN convention on the rights of persons with disabilities emphasizes the importance ofmainstreaming disability issues for sustainable development. Disability is both a cause and a consequence of poverty. About 80% of the World’s population of people with disabilities lives in low-income countries and experience social and economic disadvantages and denial of rights. Poverty limits access to health and rehabilitation services. Health policies, programmes and practices impact on the rights of people with disabilities. Attention to health and its social determinants are essential to promote and protect the health of people with disabilities and for greater fulfillment of human rights

HANDICRAFTS PROGRAMME
Applique Production Center
Two appliqué production centers are running by the organization in which about three hundred women artisans have been engaged. They are producing different kinds of market demanded handicrafts items. All the items are export oriented. The artisans are participating different kinds of Mela and crafts bazaar for popularization of the product. The women artisans of these two groups are became earning worthy and they became capable enough to feed their families.
Handicrafts Promotion Council
AKSS has formed a Handicrafts Promotion Council named “Craft Village India” for marketing of handicrafts items and lobbing and advocating  for the rights of rural artisans.  During this year ten numbers of  handicrafts  like Appliqués crafts, Wooden Crafts,  Coir Crafts,  Brass metal crafts, Straw Crafts, Golden grass crafts, date palm leaves Crafts, terracotta  and clay crafts sabai grass crafts etc have been included .