Transforming lives of Primitive Tribe Chenchu through MGNREGS -Panchayat Raj & Rural Development Department, Government of Andhra Pradesh
With the guarantee of employment, the tribe witnessed a shift from the uncertainty of unemployment and food insecurity to a more stable livelihood.
Problem
- Isolated Settlements: Chenchu Tribe’s remote settlements in Nallamala forest prevented general developmental programs from reaching them
- Ineffective Reach of MGNREGS: Geographical challenges and non-availability of paying agencies rendered the benefits of MGNREGS inaccessible
- Socio-economic Challenges: Poor socio-economic conditions, food insecurity, and cultural barriers limited the Chenchu tribe’s interaction and benefits from mainstream programs
Solution
- Chenchu Special Project: Introduction of a targeted initiative under MGNREGS-AP exclusively for the Chenchu tribe
- Localized Infrastructure: Establishment of Chenchu Computer Centers (CCCs) and Chenchu Village Organizations to implement and monitor the project
- Focused Employment Approach: Guaranteed 15 days of employment monthly, considering Chenchu’s vulnerability and food insecurity
- Direct Payments: Wages paid in cash through Chenchu Village OrganiSations, bypassing traditional banking/postal challenges
Outcomes
- Enhanced Livelihood: Shift from unemployment to guaranteed employment, from food insecurity to food security
- Improved Health Metrics: Drastic reduction in malnutrition rates and anaemia, with almost 100% survival of children and mothers in recent years
- Societal Progress: Significant drop in child marriages, increased school enrolment, and enhanced social interactions
- Agricultural Advancements: Transformation of unused lands into cultivable assets, with Chenchus evolving from daily wage laborers to farmers
Project Details
Category: Livelihood Generation
Project: Transforming lives of Primitive Tribe Chenchu through MGNREGS
Organisation: Panchayat Raj & Rural Development Department, Government of Andhra Pradesh
Start Date: 01-May-2009
Problem
The Chenchu Tribe, recognised as one of the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal groups in Andhra Pradesh, found themselves at the nexus of geographical isolation and socio-economic challenges. Most of their settlements, spread over three districts, lie in the inaccessible hilly regions of the Nallamala forest. This geographical isolation prevented general developmental programs from effectively benefiting them. Additionally, the inherent structure and outreach of MGNREGA didn’t cater to such remote regions, mainly due to the absence of paying agencies like post offices and banks. The tribe’s indigenous and distinctive culture further exacerbated the problem, as they often felt alienated from external interventions.
Solution
To address these multifaceted challenges, the Department of Rural Development, Government of Andhra Pradesh, rolled out the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) Chenchu Special Project in May 2009. This project was an innovative response to the unique challenges faced by the Chenchu Tribe. Through the establishment of localized infrastructure like Chenchu Computer Centers (CCCs) and Chenchu Village Organisations, the project was able to implement the scheme effectively within the tribe’s settlements. One of the mainstays of this initiative was the provision of a guaranteed 15 days of employment every month to every Chenchu family. Recognising the limitations posed by the lack of banking and postal networks, wages were directly disbursed in cash through the village organisations, ensuring timely payments and reducing dependency on traditional payment methods.
Outcomes
The implementation of the MGNREGS Chenchu Special Project ushered in a new era of progress and development for the Chenchu Tribe. The outcomes were nothing short of transformative. With the guarantee of employment, the tribe witnessed a shift from the uncertainty of unemployment and food insecurity to a more stable livelihood and consistent food access. Health metrics improved dramatically, with malnutrition rates and anaemia plummeting. There was also a marked societal progress; child marriages became a rarity, school enrolment surged to 98%, and the community began to engage more with the outside world. Agriculturally, lands that were previously lying unused were transformed into productive assets, and the Chenchus found themselves evolving from mere daily wage laborers to self-sustaining farmers. The success of this project serves as a testament to the power of targeted and community-centric developmental initiatives.