Pratapgarh district is one of the country's 250 most backward districts. I was there to document the project: “Increasing access to information on the Government Schemes and Entitlements in Backward Districts in Northern India”.
Supported by the European Commission and anchored by ActionAid India in six districts across five states in India,. Asserting Rights, Accessing Entitlements for the Dalit and Muslim community in Pratapgarh and Barabanki districts, this project aims in better outreach of all Government schemes.
Samvad Samajhik Sansthan (SSS) and ActionAid India (AAI) encouraged the formation of Grameen Mazdoor Sangathan (GMS), a community-based organisation Asserting Rights, Accessing Entitlements for the Dalit and Muslim community in Pratapgarh and Barabanki districts.
The project has facilitated Social Audit and Public Hearing among communities and ensured the implementation of Mahatma Gandhi Rural Employment Guarantee Act, thereby increasing awareness as well as giving an economic thrust to this district.
Pig farmers and owners of local ponds have availed schemes and are able to sustain themselves and their families better. Many women have come forward and are able to run small fisheries to help support their families.