Kailash Sirika: Bridging Kolnara with Govt. Schemes through Panchayat Support Centre
At just 29, Kailash Sirika is transforming governance in Kolnara Panchayat, Rayagada district, by directly bringing essential government services to the community. His journey began when he realized many villagers struggled to access the government schemes and entitlements they deserved. Motivated by this awareness, Kailash established the Panchayat Support Centre (PSC) under CYSD’s Surakshya project.
Kailash’s path to becoming a change-maker was shaped by two key training programs. The first, an 11-day leadership development program, strengthened his skills in leadership, community mobilization, and governance. The second, focused on Enabling Social Security for Vulnerable Populations, taught him how to access and implement government schemes for marginalized communities. Together, these trainings empowered Kailash to bridge the gap between his community and often inaccessible government processes.
With his enhanced leadership skills, Kailash began working closely with local youth to support the PSC, which became a vital resource center in the village. He organizes mobile awareness camps in remote areas and visits the Panchayat office twice a week to assist with services like Aadhar updates, entitlement registrations, and schemes such as MGNREGS, CM Kisan Yojana, and widow pensions.
Since its inauguration on August 15, 2024, the PSC has facilitated services for 274 beneficiaries. Over 100 youth have enrolled in skill development programs, boosting their employability and income prospects.
Kailash’s work has significantly impacted the community, making welfare benefits more accessible to women and migrant workers. “The PSC is more than just a service center; it’s a lifeline for our community,” Kailash says. Looking ahead, he plans to expand the PSC into a Panchayat Resource Hub, offering workshops on digital literacy and financial management to empower residents further.
Nestled near the foothills of Bajragadh, Hemalata Tandi and Rasmita Sunani, fuelled by their aspirations for change, established the Maa Jagadamba Self-Help Group in Sialdungri, located in the Keshinga Block of Kalahandi district.Together with like-minded women, they aimed to uplift their community and families. Their venture began with manufacturing paper plates to cater to local celebrations. However, challenges soon arose—frequent machine breakdowns and inconsistent quality tested their determination. Despite setbacks, Hemalata and Rasmita remained steadfast, determined to overcome obstacles and create a brighter future through perseverance and collective effort.
Their success transformed their lives. Children gained better amenities and living environment and financial independence empowered the women. “We no longer depend on our husbands for decisions,” says Rasmita proudly. The ripple effect inspired other women in the village, with Hemalata mentoring them. “If we can do it, anyone can. All you need is the right support and determination,” she says with confidence.
Surakshya tackled these issues by organizing sensitization programs for PRI members, community leaders, and marginalized groups, alongside capacity-building workshops, micro-planning initiatives, and awareness campaigns. These efforts empowered communities to actively engage in decision-making and transformed Gram Sabhas into spaces for meaningful dialogue.
Despite challenges like gender inequality, reliance on government schemes, and inconsistent community participation in environmental conservation, the Surakshya Project has made lasting strides. It has empowered communities to take charge of their development and governance, fostering an inclusive and participatory model for rural growth. As Mrs. Anju Kumar, Sarpanch of Chancher, notes, “CYSD’s programs have set us on the path of sustainable development.” The project’s impact extends beyond infrastructure, reshaping local governance and creating resilient, self-reliant communities.
On October 23, the Odisha Vikash Conclave (OVC) 2024, a vibrant multi-stakeholder platform, was held to explore the impact of demographic transition on critical areas of life. The fifth edition of the OVC, organized in collaboration with the Government of Odisha, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and the Odisha Development Initiative, brought together over 350 participants from diverse sectors, including civil society organizations, government bodies, academia, corporate entities, Panchayati Raj Institutions, Community-Based Organizations, and the media. The conclave facilitated in-depth discussions on Odisha’s demographic transition, its associated opportunities and challenges, and collaboratively developed a concrete action agenda for the state’s inclusive and sustainable development.
The deliberations examined Odisha’s changing demographic landscape and its future implications across various sectors. Discussions led by subject matter experts, bolstered by robust data, were enriched by insights from practitioners and grassroots leaders. This collaborative approach, supported by aligned development organizations, fostered critical dialogue for reassessing and realigning state policies and programmes.
I began my journey with CYSD as an intern on 20 May 2024, driven by a desire to explore the social sector and make a meaningful impact. After completing my PG Diploma in Advertising and Public Relations from IIMC, Delhi, and returning to Bhubaneswar, I wanted to work with a mission-based organisation that addresses critical issues like climate change. Having worked in the corporate world for five months, I realised that, while I was capable of doing a good job, it didn’t provide the job satisfaction and personal fulfilment I was seeking. CYSD, with its commitment to creating lasting change, felt like the right place for me.
Swapna comes from Tandipur village under Dunduli Gram Panchayat, Rayagada district. Tragically, her life was marked by early loss. Orphaned in childhood due to her parents’ untimely demise from illnesses, she was nurtured by her grandmother, who worked as a cook at the local upper primary school. Despite the challenges, Swapna’s spirit remained undeterred.Completing her higher secondary education was an achievement in itself, but financial constraints made it hard to dream of pursuing higher studies. Faced with her tough circumstances, Swapna took on the role of a Pachika (cook), following in her grandmother’s footsteps to sustain herself. Yet, her responsibilities didn’t end there.Swapna’s determination to carve a path for herself led her to embrace multiple roles. Besides working as a Pachika, she started tutoring children in her village, sharing the gift of education. Her entrepreneurial spirit also led her to learn tailoring, expanding her ways to a living.While Swapna’s educational journey faced obstacles, she decided to ignite the same thirst for knowledge in others. Drawing from her own experiences, Swapna became a vocal advocate for education, rallying the children of her village to embrace learning as a means to secure a brighter future.
From a young age, Kailash dreamed of seeing Hajaridanga transformed into a developed village. He started as a volunteer in various awareness programs of CYSD and quickly took on key responsibilities, showcasing his leadership potential. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Kailash played a pivotal role in the successful implementation of the vaccination program, ensuring the health and well-being of his fellow villagers.
Kailash’s leadership is characterised by inclusivity and empowerment.He believes in harnessing the community’s collective wisdom and resources to tackle challenges and capitalize on growth opportunities. Activating Palli Sabha, he has facilitated democratic decision-making processes, ensuring that every voice is heard and every opinion matters.
Anaemia is a prevalent concern among adolescent girls. Odisha government initia tives like the Mukhymantri Sampoorna Pushti Yojana (MSPY) and the Khushi program provide essential iron-folic acid supplements and free sanitary pads. Many girls in slum areas, however, were previously unaware of these schemes. However, with the support of health workers, girls like Sirisa and Sitalu have successfully accessed these benefits, along with dietary advice to incorporate nutrient-rich foods such as green leafy vegetables, eggs, and fruits into their diets. Another key government scheme is the Advika initiative, aimed at reducing vulnerabilities faced by adolescent girls. Kishori Kalendar, a key component of Advika, educates girls on important subjects including nutrition, anaemia, and reproductive health.
The organisation spearheaded activities from tree plantations to environmental education, uniting communities in their shared commitment to fighting climate change. By engaging communities at the grassroots level, CYSD aims to instil a sense of ownership and responsibility, ensuring the long-term survival of these trees for future generations.
In Thakurmunda Block of Mayurbhaj district, CYSD partnered with the local Forest Office to distribute around 450 saplings, including mango, guava, and native species across villages. The initiative aimed to raise awareness about the importance of forests in maintaining ecological balance and biodiversity. The event featured students’ rallies, educational sessions on forest conservation and cultural performances. Teachers and students from Thakurmunda Government High School actively participated, making it both a learning experience and a call to action.
In Sugriguda Village of Khairput Block, Malkangiri field location, the CYSD team organized a plantation programme engaging local farmers in efforts to enhance biodiversity and provide sustainable income. The plant saplings included Mahua, Mango, Guava, and Amla trees. This initiative will contribute to creating a climate-resilient green cover in the region.