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8/7/2019 Swayam Krishi Mandal

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Swayam Krishi Mandal Viklangula Sangam

Raghunatha Palle is one among the 54 Mandals of Warangal district. Few years back in 2 004 one exemplary step was taken by the people of thisMandal which is now recognized as a proud milestone for all efforts to support disabled persons.

Background-In last many years people of Warangal district are facing polluted drinking water problems. In

pockets of whole region water is contaminated with Fluoride. The affect of Fluoride toxicity isclearly visible on the health of local people. Raghunatha Palle is one of such areas where

sizeable number of people are affected with water related health problems. Bone tenderness,curved bones, mental illness, aging are common disorders among all age groups. Even many

times disabilities are found inborn among infants.

Formation of Viklangula Sangam-During 2004 IKP project was running successfully in the Raghunatha Palle Mandal. People were

getting benefits by organizing into SHGs and through thrift & credit. But such institutions were

also not much effective to bring change in the life of disabled people. So under the new guidlinesofIKP and DRDA separate SHGs were sanctioned for disabled people. First year around 600disabled persons joined SHGs. On Oct 10, 2004 Swayam Krishi Mandal Viklangula Sangam

came into existence. Till now this Sangam has 790 disabled members enrolled in 69 groups atMandal level. One important fact about these SHGs is that here men can also enroll themselves

as member.

Total members- 790

Male members-340

Female members-450

No. of VO-37

SHGs-69EC members-60

OB-5

Monthly saving-Rs.50

Activities -Sinceits inception it has been proved a revolutionary step in the life of all members. It not only

provided them a platform to discuss problems related to their life but also made them able to get

the benefits of to be part ofInstitution Building process. Such SHGs members can avail loans for

their family. Many members have received loans for their treatment and operations. Under

Arogyashree Scheme whole expenditure of treatment is borne by Government. Members are also

getting disability pension of Rs.500.

For the comfortable journey of disabled people Govt easily issues Bus and Train pass to SHG

members. Sangam also facilitate the process of receiving artificial limbs for needy. For the

operation of Polio affected person Sangam provides Rs.15000.


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Near to Mandal Sangam a Neighbourhood School is also running from June 2010 for mentally

challanged children under the age 14. A building is taken on rent near the roadside which has

sufficient facilities for indoor games. Vehicles are hired on Govt expenditure to bring students to

school. At present 25 children are enrolled in school. School timing is between 9.00am -4.00pm.

Support received by Sangam-

By lookingat the contribution of Sangam in creating social capital Government promotes such

organisation in both cash and kind. Sangam has got Rs.22 lac in first year of its operation.

DRDA every year provide Rs.4-5 lac as grant. To provide certificate of disability every year one

camp is conducted with the help of DRDA.

SHGs performing well are given matching grants of Rs.10000 by Govt. Interest rate charged

from SHG members is 1.5%. Sangam organized exposure visits to Banglore and Mahbobnagar in

recent years. A NGO AASARA is also helping in training for capacity building of Sangam

members.

One main activity of Sangam is organizing a Annual Games event on World Disability Day from

Dec 1 to 10, in which all disabled participants of Mandal show their talent. Prize distribution is

done by dignitaries invited in event.

Challenges ahead-

In 6 years of its operation Sangam has set several milestones to newly formed Vikalangu

Sangams. The all round support from community,staff and Government was crucial behind its

success. Despite of all the efforts yet many disabled people in Mandal have not joined Sangam. It

may be due to unawareness about its benefit, inhibition to go outside from home or any other

reason but one thing they need to understand that late is their own loss.

The main cause of problems like Fluoride toxicity and Polio needs attention from both

community and Government side. Drinkable water supply at minimum cost to all people,

vaccination against Polio and minor operation can save people to suffer from disability.

According to teacher in Neighbourhood school Sayyad Sabera, disabled children needs

confidence which can be inculcated by proper care and love.

So the big question is Are we ready to help these special children of God?


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Figure 1 Neighbourhood School teacher, and Mandal Saaamakhya members


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Figure 2 -Playing and creativity enhancing facilities at Neighbourhood school

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