The Power of Possibility: Tabibun’s Story of Overcoming Challenges
Tabibun Nisha, a 34-year-old woman from Kotawa Karjahi village in Kushinagar, Uttar Pradeshhas faced many challenges...
Access to Livelihood and Entitlements
Our Commitment to Strengthen Communities and Empower them with Social Security and Economic Schemes
Access to government social and economic security schemes is crucial for improving the well-being of marginalized and vulnerable communities. Programs like health insurance, pensions, and financial aid provide vital support during times of need.
However, many remain unaware of these benefits, and limited access to clear, understandable information—especially for those with low literacy or in remote areas—hinders their ability to utilize these services effectively. We identified gaps in accessing information about government schemes providing social security, economic benefits, and job guarantees, particularly impacting women, the elderly, children, Dalits, and persons with disabilities.
To address this, we provided counseling, mobilized communities, and engaged Vikas Mitras (50% of whom are women) to bridge these gaps and ensure access to accurate information. In collaboration with the village development authorities, our Vikas Mitras mobilized communities and informed them about various government schemes. 90.29% Women have benefited from government schemes.
Our Impact
We worked to raise awareness about government schemes and their benefits through campaigns, assisting individuals in preparing eligibility documents and submitting applications. By collaborating with Panchayati Raj Institutions, we strengthened local governance and ensured community support. Additionally, we coordinated with government departments to ensure beneficiaries received the full advantages of available schemes. Read below about some of the significant impacts we have made so far.
Access to Government Schemes
- 20,467 people became aware of various rights and entitlements (state and national flagship schemes).
- 9,901 vulnerable households submitted their applications.
- 6,500 beneficiaries accessed the benefits.
- Benefits worth INR 1.50 Cr. were unlocked, contributing an average of INR 3,750 to each household’s income.
- 737 households received government health insurance coverage of INR 5 Lakh.
- Social entrepreneurs successfully earned stipends of INR 1,500-2,000.
Agriculture and Livestock-based Livelihood
- 11,500 farmers were organized into Farmer Interest Groups and practiced sustainable farming.
- 500 farmers reported an increase in their production and income.
- 500 farmers and farm workers were linked to various government schemes.
- 1,000 farm workers were also linked to additional livelihood measures.
- 500 farmers were linked with buyers and brands.
Stories that Matter
I Will Send My Daughters to School, says Kriparam: How a Home Transformed His Family’s Future
Kriparam Adiwasi, a 36-year-old resident of Thaili village in Sewadha Block, Datia district, Madhya Pradesh...
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The Power of Possibility: Tabibun’s Story of Overcoming Challenges
Tabibun Nisha, a 34-year-old woman from Kotawa Karjahi village in Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, has faced many challenges due to her locomotor disability. Without access to formal education, she remained dependent on her father, Sobarati Ansari, as their family struggled with financial hardships.
In the summer of 2023, a ray of hope emerged when she met our Vikas Mitra, who introduced her to the Disability Pension Scheme. However, to access this support, she needed a Disability Certificate, which she did not have. Determined to help, our Vikas Mitra guided her through the online application process and personally accompanied her twice to Kushinagar for the mandatory physical assessment. After much effort, she was officially certified with a 60% disability.
With continued support, Tabibun successfully opened a bank account and applied for the pension scheme. Following verification, she received her first pension installment of ₹3,000. Instead of using the money for daily expenses, she made a bold decision—to invest in her future. She enrolled in a Tailoring Skilling Centre, eager to learn a skill that could lead to financial independence.
When her second pension installment arrived, she used it to purchase a sewing machine. Today, Tabibun earns ₹50–100 per day through home-based tailoring, transforming her life from one of dependency to self-sufficiency.
Her story is a testament to the power of determination, opportunity, and the right support. With guidance from our Vikas Mitras, Tabibun has not only secured a livelihood but also restored her confidence, proving that with the right push, resilience can turn challenges into opportunities.
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I Will Send My Daughters to School, says Kriparam: How a Home Transformed His Family’s Future
Kriparam Adiwasi, a 36-year-old resident of Thaili village in Sewadha Block, Datia district, Madhya Pradesh, belonged to the Sahariya Tribe—a largely nomadic community that had long struggled to integrate into the mainstream due to historical and cultural challenges. Like many in his tribe, Kriparam and his family had endured hardships, frequently moving and living in makeshift plastic tents or huts. This lack of permanent settlement had deprived them of official documentation, preventing them from accessing government benefits.
At the time, Kriparam lived in Thaili with his parents, wife, and two daughters, serving as the sole breadwinner. He worked on landlords' fields during the agricultural season but faced months without income in the dry seasons, making survival difficult for his family.
In early November 2023, Kriparam attended a community meeting organized by the ASK team, where he inquired about government welfare schemes. During the discussions, it was discovered that he lacked a SAMAGRA ID—a mandatory requirement for availing government benefits. Determined to help, our team accompanied Kriparam to the Panchayat office and liaised with government officials to apply for his ID. After persistent follow-ups, his SAMAGRA ID was successfully issued.
With this crucial document in hand, Vikas Mitra assisted him in applying for the PM JANMAN SCHEME , a government housing initiative. By January 2024, Kriparam had received his first installment of ₹50,000 and had begun constructing his own home. Upon completing the foundation, he was set to receive the remaining ₹1,90,000 for further construction.
For Kriparam, the dream of a pucca (structured) home had once seemed impossible. But as he stood on the foundation of his soon-to-be permanent residence, he expressed his joy:
"I never thought my family would ever have a pucca home. But now, it has become a reality. We will finally settle here, and I will send my daughters to school."
This home was more than just bricks and cement—it symbolized identity, dignity, and stability for Kriparam’s family. With a permanent address, his children would now have access to education and essential rights, and his family would no longer face the uncertainties of displacement. This milestone marked a new chapter in their lives—one filled with hope, security, and a brighter future.
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