Representatives from leprosy colonies in western Odisha, including Nuapada, Sambalpur and Balangir, submitted memorandums to their respective MPs, MlAs and district officials for basic amenities such as housing, electricity, land, water and toilets in their habitations.
The submission of petitions was part of a three phase residential workshop organized by Sasakawa India leprosy Foundation with the support of Manav Adhikar Seva Samiti at Sambhalpur.
The objective of the comprehensive workshop was to empower persons suffering from leprosy and build their capacities in negotiating their entitlements and rights in Government programmes like NREGA, NRHM, PDS, SC and ST welfare, rural development, housing, road, safety, water and sanitation.
The residents of the leprosy colonies in Balangir, Rourkela, Jharsuguda, and Sambalpur neither have BPl cards and land pattas nor any benefits under the Indira Awas Yojana, Anganwadi schemes etc. Most of the people in the colonies do not have proper housing infrastructure, roads, sanitation etc.
“life in leprosy colonies is full of hardships. Despite Government social welfare schemes, persons suffering from leprosy are not aware of their rights and entitlements. This workshop is a pro-active step to increase awareness and empower the participants to voice their issues and participate in an interface with their elected representatives,” said execitive director, S-IlF Vineeta Shankar.
The objective of the Phase1 workshop was to enable the participants to make an action plan with an objective to identify the needs of the colonies. The second phase of the workshop would enable the beneficiaries to develop and make an appeal and petition to theauthorities.