Introduction
The
key stakeholders, institutions and functionaries in the RWSS sector of Project
States currently have limited capacities for the delivery of improved RWSS
services. The implementation of Programs and Schemes have since long been
viewed in a centralized manner with a supply driven, top to bottom approach
with limited involvement of PRIs and Community.
There is need felt for re-orientation of the staff of technical departments at the District level
(PHED) for changing the mindsets and exposing them to the changes in
their fundamental roles from implementers to facilitators. Thus, after
examining the sector, a need has been felt for strengthening the existing
capacity of sector institutions and RWSS functionaries.
The Project recognizes that capacity
building intervention that holds the key to the success of the RWSS LIS
Project. The efforts have been made by the states essentially to utilize the
available manpower and hired to accelerate the process.
The reform agenda of the RWSS-LIS seeks
to further the objective of bringing about reforms in sector functioning across
the project districts and state level. The proposed capacity building agenda of
state will promote two major shifts - one, in the government’s role from one of
a provider to that of a facilitator, and secondly, deepening of
decentralization up to the Gram Panchayat / village (GP/GPWSC/MVWSC) level.
The capacity building interventions under
the RWSSP-LIS will focus on skill (technical) strengthening of the
implementation and operations & management agencies at all levels and also
promote awareness and knowledge building among the common people and their
associations/organizations to enhance their meaningful engagement with decision
making processes, oversight, monitoring and strengthening of the accountability
mechanisms created under the project.
The capacity building interventions will
have emphasis on including all sections of users, particularly vulnerable and
disadvantaged sections, including women, actively in the process of planning
and implementation of schemes under the Project. To pursue the devolution of
service delivery mechanisms to PRIs and communities, it is essential that all
stakeholders and sector organizations have the necessary capacity to undertake
the reassigned roles and responsibilities envisaged as part of the Project.
A
shift in mindset is required from a supply–driven, top-down approach to a
demand-driven community participatory approach. The capacity building strategy
has taken into account the large quantum of task, effective and efficient
utilization of existing resources, both human and financial to contribute
significantly in achievement of the Project objectives.
The project recognizes that the capacity
building holds the key to the success of the decentralized approach and
delivery of services efficiently and effectively. Accordingly, learning and IEC
programs have been identified for stakeholders at various levels.
Community
Mobilization
Capacity
building at the grassroots level will include community organizations,
Community Mobilizer, GPs, GPWSCs and the MVWSCs involved in implementation,
monitoring, oversight of the project interventions/activities. The DPMU is
responsible for carrying out training/capacity building activities under
following broad themes and will have the option of seeking assistance from
local Organizations & SHG for
effective and efficient implementation of the project.
The slide back in position, after some
initial gains, in these initiatives points to an urgent need for a better
understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the various stakeholders,
especially in rural areas, for a sustained community involvement in the
operations and maintenance.
There is a need for a better understanding
of the segmentation of stakeholder groups, identifying key messages for each
group, and an effective communication strategy to orient them to participating
more fully in the reform initiative. More specifically, the communication
effort needs to educate the stakeholders to their rights and responsibilities, as
envisaged in our Constitution and
motivate the user communities to come forward and demand new and improved
services, while taking full responsibility for the cost-sharing of O&M,
even if construction is with government funds or subsidies.
The ground realities in villages, and
issues related to various aspects of communications were examined to suggest a
communication strategy plan for achieving the above mentioned goals of
providing of safe drinking water and discontinuation of open defecation, with
better sanitation practices.
The DPMU Kamrup initiates the process of assistance to GPs and GPWSCs through
community mobilizers in implementing the water supply and sanitation schemes in
the project villages. As per guideline of NNP community mobilizers are implementing communication strategy and action
plan at grassroots levels, they are also helping in preparation of IEC materials
for different components based on best practice examples and readily available
IEC materials.
Community
Mobilizers are the hands in community mobilization process, a systematic
process of identification and orientation given to the community mobilizers
before their services are utilized. They are working mainly for awareness
generation of project stakeholders namely GPWSC, Community and others on
principles and design of the project. Community Mobilizers are engaged in
arrangement of awareness camp, preparation of community action plan and
community contribution collection. The community contribution (CAPEX) is the
one of the important parameter of the NNP and only one percent of the total
project cost which ensures the community participation and sustainability of
the project.
Training Workshop of Community Mobilizer
Review Meeting of Community Mobilizer at DPMU
Awareness Meeting Conducted by Community Moblizer
Assigned Activity of Community Mobilizer
- ·
To Sensitize stakeholders
- ·
Awareness generation among community
- ·
Arrangement of monthly meeting of GPWSC
- ·
To sensitize GPWSC
- ·
Conduct regular awareness camp
- ·
Conduct IEC and IPC
- ·
Organization of training program at GP level.
- ·
Co-ordination with line Deptt.
- ·
Facilitate Preparation of Community Action
Plan.
- ·
Monitoring of pre and post Construction of
toilet.
- ·
Strengthen community for operation and
maintenance of project.
- ·
CAPAX (Capital cost sharing) collection.
Exposure Visit of GPWSC to the WTP
Pestering Used for awareness generation regarding community contribution
Miking Used for awareness in NNP Project are
Consumer Card Distribute by CM
