MGNREGA - more than just food security
Bappuru is a village of 500 families. It is located about 26 kms from Sindhanur. 45 members from the village formed the Laskhmi Narasimha Kooli Karmikara Sangha. later, a second group was formed. The group was oriented on the MGNREGA Act and on what works could be taken up. After the orientation, the group submitted applications to their local panchayat. They successfully completed construction of trench cum bunds, farm ponds, nala bunds and new lake formation in their and neighboring villages.Under this program , during 2017-18, two labour groups from this village were able to complete
- TCB – 46
- Farm Pond – 05
- Nala Bund – 04
- Desilting – 1
A total of 12163 Mandays have spent and Rs.2,87,0468 worth work has been completed.
For the last one year the labour groups during their free time have applied to their panchayat demanding work and were able to develop land and conserve natural resources of the village emphasizing the importance of water and soil conservation.
Chandramma who is also a part of the Labour group for the last one year, says, “During summer, we approach the panchayat and submit our applications for all kinds of work, from desilting to digging trench-cum-bunds. This has halted migration to Bangalore and Pune in search of work. Our children are able to attend school and we are able to get equal pay. Otherwise, we used to get only Rs100 per day.”
Sannadevappa, another member of the labour group says.
“We are digging a new lake in the neighbouring village. We have got our guaranteed 100 days of work. Today, we are able to interact with the local officials, apply for work and face the officials as a group if payments are delayed. This has not only given us guaranteed work; it has also built our self confidence.”