Rural Empowerment Through Social Development In Odisha

By Author: Franklin Porter
Total Articles: 21
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Acts of god can be confined up to a certain extent, but social development is something that is manageable by everyone. We heard a lot of news stories about the government’s agenda, failures, successes, etc. At some point of time, we blame and coerce the authorities regarding the poor development status of Odisha. As a matter of fact, there are several instances of corruption that hampers the social development in Odisha, especially the rural communities. However, there is another aspect of the society that shows blatant negligence as a reflection of people with privileges.

Criticism and praise is a part and parcel of the society and from the society. But, in the midst of all these, only one agenda shall be concentrated upon and this is social development. Government, civil societies, NGOs, CSR initiatives and most of all common people can make their best efforts in the humanitarian work. There are some major areas that really need the help of rural development programmes in Odisha and that too with equal importance. The following focuses on such areas and what can be done for it.

• Educational needs – ...
... Cannot be prioritized as first or second because the required educational infrastructure and qualified teachers, both come in top priority. Educational development and its high quality lay vital importance in preparing the children for a bright and prospective future. Moreover, not only limited to studies, but if a suitable environment is provided, the children can follow up to diverse ambitions such as a sportsperson, etc.

• Healthcare units – Lack of health infrastructure in the rural areas, force the people to go to a medical center at a farther distance. Joint initiatives by government and NGOs can open up health centers and hospital to benefit the rural health in Odisha. Besides, the companies managing their CSR initiatives can conduct regular health camps for checkups until certain infrastructure is ready.

• Water and sanitation – Reports suggest that around 92.30% population of rural households defecate in the open, which is not only shocking, but extremely grave. Lack of waste management system and poor sanitation give birth to innumerable diseases and affect the rural health in Odisha. Thus, in the collaboration of state government, stakeholders, innovative financiers, etc. the development of toilets and water bodies would help reduce those appalling figures.

• Skill development – An area that holds similar prominence as all of the above. Despite a strong demography in India, there is a lack of skilled labour in the country. This would be a major social work in rural communities of Odisha to offer the skill development programmes using workshops to train the youth and needy people. Likewise, women empowerment through this method is also an important part to pursue. Obviously, the opportunities open up to a skilled person and encouraging enough to begin as an entrepreneur.

The individual roles of stakeholders promise a dynamic environment for rural development. Hence, each person’s contribution and that too in close coordination are exceedingly helpful towards this noble cause.

Author Resource

Franklin Porter is an activist and actively inspiring people for social development in Odisha. He uses online channels to share ideas on Sustainable Development in Odisha focusing majorly on rural health in Odisha. Read more of his shared articles and success stories of rural development programmes in Odisha here.
For more details : http://www.bipf.org.in/focus-areas-women-n-children-story.html