India: Kolkata Environmental Improvement Project

Transcription

1 Social Monitoring Report Project Number: April 2012 India: Kolkata Environmental Improvement Project Prepared by Dr. (Ms.) Arati Nandi, Consultant for Kolkata Municipal Corporation This report has been submitted to ADB by the Kolkata Municipal Corporation, Kolkata and is made publicly available in accordance with ADB s public communications policy (2011). It does not necessarily reflect theviews of ADB.

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3 2011. Quarterly Report Period of Monitoring: October, 2011 December, 2011 Monitoring and Evaluation of Resettlement Plan Implementation KOLKATA ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT UNDER ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK LOAN ASSISTANCE LOAN NO. 181-IND Dr. (Ms.) Arati Nandi Consultant

4 Contents 1.0 INTRODUCTION Description of the Project Scope of Involuntary Resettlement Impacts Land Acquisition Executing Agencies and Implementing Agencies Institutional Arrangements for Implementation of RP Resettlement Plan: Impact and entitlement Relocation Sites Progress of Resettlement EXTERNAL MONITORING & EVALUATION Methodology Review & Evaluation of RP Implementation Process FINDINGS AND OBSERVATIONS Formation of Committees Maintenance of Flats 7. Housing & Basic Amenities Water Supply Garbage Disposal System Access to Place of Work and other Facilities Income Restoration: Formation and Sustenance of the Self Help Groups CONCLUSION Annexures Case study..1

5 ABBREVIATION ADB --- Asian Development Bank AF --- Affected family AP --- Affected person BME --- Benefit monitoring and evaluation BSS --- Bharat Sevasram Sangha CLPOA --- City Level Programme of Action CRG --- Canal Resettlement Group EA --- Executing Agency FGD --- Focus Group Discussion GoI --- Government of India GoWB --- Government of West Bengal HH ICDS Household Integrated Child Development Scheme I&WD --- Irrigation & Waterways Department JPISC --- Jay Prakash Institute of Social Change KEIP --- Kolkata Environmental Improvement Project KMC --- Kolkata Municipal Corporation KMDA --- Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority NGO --- Non-government organization PMC --- Project management consultants PMU --- Project management unit RP --- Resettlement plan R&R --- Resettlement and Rehabilitation SDU --- Social development unit SHG --- Self Help Group ToR --- Terms of Reference VAMBAY --- Valmiki Ambedkar Shahri Awas Yojana

6 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Description of the Project Calcutta (Kolkata) Environmental Improvement Project (KEIP) was formulated in 2000 by Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) to achieve the objectives of: i) improving the urban environment in outer areas of Kolkata Municipality, ii) reducing poverty in the low-income areas through affordable access to basic urban services, iii) facilitating community empowerment by participatory process, iv) protecting environment from adverse developmental impact, v) helping KMC to develop as a proficient and autonomous municipality. To realize these goals Asian Development Bank (ADB) provided a loan (Loan No. 181-IND) for Kolkata Environmental Improvement Project (KEIP). Despite initial delay and subsequent cancellation of a part of loan proceeds it was felt that the Executing Agencies were well equipped to complete the objectives as proposed in the original loan. After review of the status of project implementation, the project design was revised. To address the time and cost overrun and requirements of revised project components, supplementary financing was processed and approved by ADB in Scope of Involuntary Resettlement Impacts Canal Improvement components will cause displacement of squatter settlements of canal dwellers, majority of whom are poor migrants from adjoining districts, and even from neighboring states and Bangladesh. A Resettlement Plan (RP) was prepared for the Project in The RP was updated in 2006 based on revised project design and physical changes. The project design necessitated a change in the ensuing years which included the following: (i) (ii) (iii) increase in the length of canal improvements cancellation of sewage treatment plant components and drainage pumping stations a change in location for the solid waste management facility Canal Improvement involved dredging and de-silting of about 77.1 km of canals which provides drainage for a bulk of the city s sewage outfalls. Over the years the carrying capacity of these canals had been reduced significantly. The improvement or maintenance of these canals was a difficult proposition due to the illegal settlements along its banks. Although land acquisition was not required for the improvement per se of canals, it caused displacement of squatter colonies that had migrated from Bangladesh and other districts of West Bengal. The requirement of land was for resettlement of these inhabitants. Canal improvement component of the project comprised of three sub-components (packages): (i) Canal rehabilitation in parts of T-P basin, Keorapukur basin, Churial basin and Monikhali basin (ii) Construction of 52 bridges over the rehabilitated canals (iii) Construction of pumping stations at Chowbhaga, Keorapukur and Manikhali to handle additional storm water flow. The canal rehabilitation works were implemented through 10 work packages, while construction of three canal pumping stations was done under one package and construction of 52 bridges was to be implemented through two packages. Initially a total of 626 families were targeted for resettlement all of whom were informal canal dwellers. Later during detailed design phase displacement of 261 families could be avoided, thus making number of affected families a total of 65, all of whom were issued identity cards. 1

7 1. Land Acquisition Only the flats (581) at Nonadanga R&R site Phase 1 & 2, (Ph I 229, Ph II - 52) were purchased from KMDA. The rest of the 65 flats were constructed by KEIP. The total land required for R&R sites is acres, acres of which has been purchased by KEIP directly from the land owners. The rest,.51 acres have been acquired through LA Act of Govt. of West Bengal, All the individual owners from whom land was either acquired or purchased through private negotiation received payment for replacement cost of land. The flats purchased from KMDA cover an area of 2.97 acres. 1.4 Executing Agencies and Implementing Agencies The Executing Agencies (EA) of KEIP was: (i) Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) and (ii) Irrigation and Waterways Department (I&WD), Government of West Bengal. Each EA had their respective Project Management Units (PMU) responsible for implementing the project. While the PMU of I&WD was responsible for implementing Canal improvement component of the project, the PMU of KMC is responsible for implementing the remaining components under the project including the resettlement and rehabilitation. 1.5 Institutional Arrangements for Implementation of RP A Social Development Unit (SDU) was established at PMU level of KMC for implementation of Resettlement Plan (RP). The consultants engaged as R&R Experts in SDU of KEIP, supervise the overall RP implementation. To carry out field level activities several NGOs were engaged at different phases of project implementation. Initially Bharat Sevasram Sangha (BSS) and Jayprakash Institute of Social Change (JPISC) were engaged for a period of six (October, 2005 April, 2006). Their primary responsibility was to organize motivation and awareness programs for dissemination of information on resettlement entitlements, probable relocation sites, etc. Their initiatives helped formation of CRG & SHG, setting up of Information /Grievance Redress Centers, and networking with the local CBOs/NGOs. They also started adult literacy centers & organized health & environment awareness campaigns. Subsequently, I-Land Informatics Ltd undertook RP implementation for a period of twelve (November, 2006 April, 2007 & from June, 2007 to November 2007). Their main achievements during this period were formation of 2 CRGs, 4 SHGs, establishing 27 Information Centers, opening of bank account by 165 AFs, formation of Building Committees in 5 blocks at R&R site of Nonadanga, resettlement of 1120 families from 19 settlements within TP basin area, vocational training given to 91 persons and database creation of 226 AFs. Thereafter, City Level Program of Action (CLPOA) was engaged for the subsequent year (December, 2007 to 0 November, 2008) to carry on the implementation of the RP activities. They carried on activities like: 1) validating database in Monikhali canal and Churial Canal settlements, 2) opening individual bank account by AFs of TP Basin, ) collection of beneficiary contribution from Keorapukur AFs, 4) providing assistance in allotment of flats through lottery for families of Keorapukur, 5) formation of new CRGs at Churial canal settlements, and 6) formation of new SHGs at TP Basin and at Monikhali canal. Besides, two workshops were organized for 25 APs of TP Basin to get trained in book keeping and three skill development trainings for SHG women of TP Basin canal settlement in suede & jeans bag making and for men of Kasba resettlement site in plumbing. 2

8 However, in November 2008, the project authority strengthened in house capacities of SDU by engaging six Community Mobilizers to assist in organizing and monitoring resettlement activities on a day to day basis. All the team members had post graduate degree in Social Science or Social work and possessed previous experience of working with NGOs, ICDS, and Institute for handicapped and counseling with the marginalized people. The team of community moblisers was given in-house training by the SDU consultants and various organizations in topics like motivation and awareness building processes, formation and strengthening of self help groups at R&R sites, formation of cooperatives by the resettled families. The resettlement activities achieved substantial progress under the stewardship of SDU with continuous assistance from the Community Mobilisers. However, most of the team members left the unit before completion of the project for a better job prospect as the assignment at KEIP was of contractual nature. KEIP authority, however, did not appoint any other persons to substitute vacant positions. The reason that the project is approaching completion phase may be the reason behind overlooking SDU s depleted strength. A rapid change of implementing NGOs and reduction in the number of Community Mobilisers affected continuity of resettlement process to some extent, especially in grievance resolution. 1.6 Resettlement Plan: Impact and entitlement As articulated earlier, the Canal Improvement caused displacement of inhabitants who lived along the canals. The inhabitants who were affected were poor migrants from Bangladesh or neighboring districts like South 24 Parganas, Midnapur, Bankura, Nadia, etc. A resettlement plan (RP) was prepared for the Project in 2000 to provide the benefits. The change in the project design resulted in updating of the RP in The provisions of the RP adhered to the requirement of (i) the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 (LAA; amended in 1984); (ii) the National Policy on Resettlement and Rehabilitation for Project Affected Persons, 2004 (NRRP); and (iii) ADB s Policy on Involuntary Resettlement, The entitlement package as per the updated RP specified that AFs were to be resettled in flats with basic amenities, under the Valmiki Ambedkar Shari Awas Yojana (VAMBAY), either purchased from KMDA or built under the project. The cost of the purchased flats was Rs 84,000. However the cost of those built by KEIP was Rs100,000, which has probably escalated further. The families who were to be resettled contributed a sum of Rs 5,000 (5% of the cost of the unit) towards construction of flats as per the RP. The living space to be provided as per the RP in each flat was 190 sq ft., which included a living room, one attached balcony, and a toilet with basic amenities like water supply through pipeline and individual electricity connection. Entitlement for each family also included a legal title of the flat in the form of 99 year non resalable lease in the name of the female member of the family, and finally exemption from payment of fees and costs towards registration and other dues. The RP also specified that vulnerable families including women headed households, families with elderly persons or disabled persons, would be prioritized during allocation of the ground floor flats. In addition to this the people who owned shops in the original settlement area along the canals, would also be prioritized. The ground floor flats had commercial possibilities along with access to canal bank land for social forestry or vegetable production. In addition to these the vulnerable families were entitled to facilities under income generation and poverty reduction schemes of the Government.

9 For communal resources it was specified that the approach roads, street lighting and sewerage connection would be provided within housing complex at R&R sites constructed or purchased by KEIP. 1.7 Relocation Sites The relocation sites for the resettled families of various canal settlements were located normally within 2 to 2.5 kms from the canal settlements. In some cases as in that of Nonadanga and Kalagachhia relocation sites, due to non availability of land in close proximity the resettlement site is located beyond 2 kms but within 4 kms for some canal settlements. The R&R sites are: 1. Nonadanga - Phase I IV for TP Basin Settlements 2. Kasba - For TP Basin Settlements. Purba Putiari For Keorapukur canal settlements & partly for Churial canal settlements 4. Sampa Mirza Nagar For Monikhali canal settlements 5. Kalagachhia For Churial canal settlements 1.8 Progress of Resettlement Affected families were surveyed in 2000 and photo identity cards were issued to 626 families as per Resettlement Plan. However, later involuntary resettlement was avoided in some canal stretches during detailed design phase and 261 families could be left out of project impact. This fact was also reflected in ADB s Aide Memoire. 1 Of these 261 families, 164 are from Monikhali canal who are shopkeepers, 0 residential families came from Churial canal and 67 residential families from TP Basin settlements. Resettlement of the remaining 65 families from their respective canal side settlements to designated relocation sites was undertaken through a continuous process keeping with the pace and priority of canal excavation work. Following table shows the status of resettlement of affected families shifted from various canal bank settlements. Table 1 Status of Resettlement Progress of 65 AFs (as on 1 December, 2011) Resettlement progress Nonadanga R&R site Ph I Ph II Ph III Ph IV Kasba R&R site Purba Putiari R&R site Sampa Mirza Nagar R&R site Kalagachhi a R&R site Total No. of Flats Purchased from KMDA /Constructed* No. of Flats Allotted till date No. of Flats handed over to KMC No. of Flats yet to be allotted Source: Progress report of SDU *581 flats were purchased from KMDA 1 Aide Memoire of January 12-16, 2009, Para 18 - The PMU informed the Mission that during detailed design phase impact on 261 structures was avoided, which included 164 commercial structures and 97 residential structures. 4

10 2.0 EXTERNAL MONITORING & EVALUATION The general objective of the external monitor is to provide an independent verification of the Borrower s monitoring information through the conducting of a periodic review and assessment of achievement of resettlement objectives mentioned in the Resettlement Plan of KEIP. The objectives of monitoring are; to identify the changes in living standards and livelihoods restoration of the economic and social base of the affected people to assess the effectiveness, impact and sustainability of resettlement activities to suggest the need for further mitigation measures if any, and to document strategic lessons, as learning, for future policy formulation and planning. The responsibility of the External Monitor also includes physical verification of resettlement site conditions, grievance redressal procedures; evaluate the performance of PMU and the NGOs. The present monitoring and evaluation report deals with a number of selected tasks out of those mentioned in the agreement particularly present status of livelihood, income generation activities, training provided by KEIP etc. 2.1 Methodology During this period, consultations and FGDs were conducted with a host of stakeholders including the resettlement committees, implementing agencies, non-government organizations, community leaders, and APs. Data collection The methods of external monitoring of RP implementation, as mentioned in the Terms of reference (ToR), were followed during the monitoring and evaluation of RP. These are: Key informants interviews with selected local leaders, resettlement committee members. Stakeholders consultations with KEIP and KMC officials Focus group discussions with APs and specially with women, on specific issues such as income restoration, and relocation. Community level meetings to discuss community losses and impacts and general issues related to construction work and employment opportunities. Structured direct field observations on the status of resettlement implementation, plus individual and group interviews for cross-checking purposes. In-depth case studies of persons undergoing vocational training and community leaders regarding problems at relocation sites Analysis & Reporting The External Monitor has to submit the findings of the periodical monitoring at the end of each quarter of monitoring activity to the PMU and also to ADB as independent monitor. The report would contain (i) progress of RP implementation, (ii) deviations, if any, from the provisions and principles of the RP, (ii) identification of problem issues and recommended solutions so that implementing agencies are informed about the ongoing situation and can resolve problems in a timely manner, and (iv) a report on progress of the follow-up of problems and issues identified in the previous report. Monitoring Report Follow-Up 5

11 Findings of the monitoring reports were discussed in the meetings between the External Monitor and SDU immediately after submission of the draft report. Necessary actions were taken based on the issues identified in the reports and follow-up discussions. 2.2 Review & Evaluation of RP Implementation Process While monitoring is a regular review of progress of resettlement plan implementation, evaluation deals with more in a futuristic manner. It helps to identify any gap in understanding the issues if resettlement and rehabilitation as well the means to overcome these in future project. The present report highlights only the current progress of resettlement, status of remedial actions promised earlier and verifies the activities as per SDU s progress report with field visit. The issues undertaken during consultation were process of resettlement, such as, opening of accounts, process pertaining to draw of lot and entitlement of AFs as per the revised RP and amenities and constraints at the relocation sites. The resettled families were naturally unaccustomed to a different kind of life style at the flats enclosed environment and lack of space compared to earlier canal side settlements, although healthier environment at relocation site was a boon to their status. Adaptation to the lifestyle in the flats, which was very different from the lifestyle in their canal-side homes was the biggest hurdle faced by most. Post relocation community life with committee formation, necessity and objectives of a housing cooperative was also discussed. The disclosure of the RP was envisaged to be done through consultations with the AFs. The FGDs done at various stages of the monitoring cycle confirmed that the canal bank dwellers were aware about the project since Initially many did not understand it and did not turn up for the photo session to prepare identity cards. The revised RP, particularly the entitlement option in the revised plan, was disseminated through series of consultation meetings organized since 2006 by SDU and NGOs. Some of the discussions were related to the details of the entitlement, amenities in new relocation sites, size of the dwelling units, process of shifting and allotment of flat though a neutral method. The detailed discussion and meetings were planned in a phased manner among various canal bank settlers prior to canal excavation work, so that people will be prepared for shifting, particularly in collecting stipulated beneficiary contribution of Rs However some of the AFs complained that they were unaware of the change in plan or change in entitlement until they came to know about the provision of flat in lieu of land recently. It has been a significant change and the time available for stakeholder consultation was not adequate. This gave a negative impression of lack of transparency and reluctance in accepting the resettlement option despite several rounds of risk management efforts. 6

12 .0 Findings and Observations.1 Formation of Committees Three types of committees have been formed at the various stages of the project implementation. The first one was the Canal Resettlement Groups which were formed to motivate the canal bank dwellers to agree to relocation and deposit their contributory amount. These were disbanded post relocation of the AFs at relocation sites. Building Committees were formed in the newly built resettlement complex. Each building block constitutes 24 flats or 2 flats, and each resettlement site has a minimum of six such blocks. Building committees were formed in all the blocks with one member from each resettled family being member of the building committee. The building committee was entrusted with collection of monthly contribution for maintenance of flats, including paying electricity usage charge for common areas, operation of water pump, also for cleanliness of the premises, drainage issues, and repair or maintenance work if needed for the buildings. Control and operation of pumps for the overhead tanks was a vital part for which one person was engaged by the Building Committee. Nonadanga resettlement complex is the sole exception where electricity charges for pump operation is being paid by KEIP even today. KEIP took responsibility of bearing pump operation cost and maintaining some building repair, in the initial period of one year which was also the defect liability period of building contractors. KEIP representatives or the NGO staffs subsequently started informing the residents of the procedures, formalities and documentation required for forming a housing cooperative and how the residents would benefit as part of housing cooperative. Formation of Housing Cooperative Society was undertaken in all the five resettlement sites in Kasba Rajdanga, Purba Putiary, Sampa Mirza Nagar, Nonadanga and Kalagachia. It was envisaged that post completion of the project each cooperative society would be responsible for operation and maintenance of the assets created under the project. KEIP has facilitated the overall process of housing cooperative formation. The residents of Nonadanga Table 2: Status of Housing Cooperative Society Canal R&R site Name of Housing Cooperative TP Basin Keorapuk ur Monikhali Kasba, Rajdanga Purba Putiary Sampa Mirza Nagar Indupark Nilkantha Abasan Pariseba Samabaya Ltd Upahar Abasan Pariseba Samabaya Ltd Nabapalli Abasan Pariseba Samabaya Ltd Churial Kalagachia Kalagachhia Abasan Pariseba Samabaya Samitee Ltd Submission of documents 15 Sept, June, April, Jan, 2011 R&R site have refused to form the housing cooperative despite repeated efforts by the SDU team to convince them. They stuck to their demand and insisted KEIP to meet the cost of maintenance of the common facilities like water pump, electricity etc. Currently, salary of water pump operator is being borne by KEIP. 7

13 In Indupark Nilkanta Abasan, 42 families have not yet joined the housing cooperative. They are active supporters of the Hawker s Sangram Committee, advocating cause of the displaced hawkers. In the initial stage, the residents could not arrive at a consensus about ways of operating and managing common assets. The number of AFs in the four phases of this R&R site was formidable. The major factor being that they had come from various settlements of TP canal Basin area and were almost strangers to each other in the new neighbourhood. They lacked homogeneity and togetherness which existed in the canal site..2 Maintenance of flats under Housing Cooperative Society The Project also introduced an incentive by providing a onetime grant to create a seed fund for future repair and maintenance of the flats and common assets of each housing cooperative formed at R&R sites. Seed money for operation and maintenance of the Housing Complexes has been raised in such a manner so that beneficiaries also have a stake in the fund apart from KEIP, who provides the principal amount. It has therefore been decided that the fund can be utilized by involving beneficiaries contribution in 70:0 ratio, where project will provide 70% matching grant against 0% contribution by the settlers. Accordingly, Project authority would provide Rs while flat owner would deposit Rs.50 for each flat. Once the housing cooperatives deposit their part of contribution in the cooperatives bank account the Project authority would issue cheque of matching grant to the cooperatives account. Following such method, Kasba Rajdanga cooperative received an amount of Rs.2,27,01 in three installments as seed money for 20 occupied flats. Sampa Mirza nagar Housing Cooperative received Rs.1,91,915 for 270 flats so far and balance amount of Rs.28,58 will be disbursed soon.. Housing & Basic Amenities As per the revised RP resettled families are entitled for a one-room flat of 190 sq ft with separate bathroom and toilet. This is the most valuable asset of the canal dwellers who can take pride in possessing a flat in their name on leasehold right with a decent address and ambient environment. Many APs have articulated we shall not be known as canal bank settlers (khalpar basi), which they construed as derogatory. However, poor construction in almost all housing complexes has given rise to grudge against project authority among the resettled families, brunt of which has to be faced by the SDU team..4 Water Supply There is provision of supply of ground water but reportedly the quality is not suitable for drinking. KEIP has also installed hand pumps in all R&R sites. However, the people are not satisfied with inadequacy of these sources. The residents of Kasba and Sampa Mirza Nagar avail piped surface water supply from KMC or Municipality water supply sources due to their proximity to these sources..5 Garbage Disposal System Like water supply, inadequacy of solid waste management system has remained a perennial issue since For a long time provision of garbage disposal system was absent in all the R&R sites as this was not specifically mentioned in the list of amenities in the revised RP. With Project initiative, facilities of garbage disposal vats have been provided in Nonadanga, Kasba, and Kalagachhia. It was reported that in Kalagachhia the vat was not cleaned for more than one year. 8

14 .6 Access to Place of Work and other Facilities Distance to place of work, on an average, has increased by 2 to km for the women in Nonadanga and Purba Putiari. Many of the canal bank dwellers in Enny Sarani have yet to shift from the site with the argument of distance to place of work, particularly for the women and the children going to primary school beyond -4 km. Consequently, the cost of travel to work, or for school for children has gone up in some cases, which according to the APs, is beyond their means. Facility like school, hospital, health centre and dispensary are within accessible distance for most settlers. However, there is absence of PDS shops in Nonadanga which is a matter of concern for the residents. However it was found that there are lesser demands for amenities like open space, community hall, playground and boundary wall. In addition to this, the cost of living has gone up for the residents having to invest in cooking gas or kerosene instead of wood/sticks/leaves and dung cakes that they used earlier..7 Income Restoration: The majority of the earning members, in the R&R sites, work in the informal sector. It was envisaged that the relocation from the canal site would not adversely affect the income levels of the AFs and that it would contribute towards improvement of quality of life. There has been marginal change, for both men and women, in livelihood pattern in terms of proportion of workers continuing with the same livelihood. There has not been any qualitative change in the skill level of the workers. The new environment is yet to provide any additional opportunity for skill development and opt for newer livelihood that would fetch higher earnings. Yet cost of living has increased along with better quality of life. This is giving hard times for the daily wage earners or self employed like rickshaw/van pullers. Recently KEIP has taken initiative to organize various skill development training programmes for APs, particularly for women and youths, to avail of alternative and gainful self-employment options. The vocational trainings were given in the areas of plumbing, two/three wheelers, motor car repairing, repairing of mobile phone, AC, refrigerator, and various electrical appliances repairing for youths; beautician training for women etc. Following table describes vocational trainings organized by KEIP at different locations. Table : Status of Vocational Skill Development Training as on 1th March 2012 Sl. No. Trade To whom Place of Training No. of Trainees F M T Date of Commencement Date of Completion Duration Name of Training Institute 1 Dress Making (Advanced Tailoring) TP Basin Nonadanga (Phase I, II & III 21 X 21 2-Feb-07 1-Jul-07 6 Community Polytechnic, Taratala 2 Incense Stick TP Basin Garfa Mondalpara 20 X 20 1-Mar-07 1-May-07 I-Land Jeans / Jute Bag Making TP Basin Kasba 15 X 15 2-May-07 1-Jul-07 International College 4 Sanitary & Plumbing TP Basin Kasba X May-07 1-Jul-07 International College 9

15 Table : Status of Vocational Skill Development Training as on 1th March 2012 Sl. No. Trade To whom Place of Training No. of Trainees Date of Commencement Date of Completion Duration Name of Training Institute 5 2/ Wheelers, Electric Wiring, AC- Refregerator Repairing TP Basin BIVA, Jadavpur X 9 9 -Aug-07 1-Oct-07 BIVA Jeans, Jute Bag Making Decorative candle Paper Bag Making 9 Beautician TP Basin Rabindrapally 15 X 15 1-Aug-07 0-Oct-07 TP Basin TP Basin Churial Canal Nonadanga (Phase-II & IV) Nonadanga (Phase II, III & IV) 20 X 20 1-Oct-07 0-Nov X 10 1-Oct-07 1-Dec-07 Kalagachia 25 X 25 2-May Aug Beautician TP Basin Kasba 25 X 25 0-May Aug Mobile Handset Repairing 12 Beautician TP Basin 1 Mobile Handset Repairing TP Basin Kasba X Jun-11 6-Sep-11 TP Basin 14 Beautician Monikhali Nonadanga (Phase II & III) Nonadanga (Phase- I, II & IV) Sampa Mirza Nagar 25 X Jun Sep-11 x Jun Sep X Sep Dec Beautician Keorapukur Purba Putiary 25 X 25 1-Nov-11 1-Jan AC- Refrigerator Repairing* All Jnan Chandra Ghosh Polytechnic Total * Training is going on x Nov International College International College International College Jnan Chandra Ghosh Polytechnic Jnan Chandra Ghosh Polytechnic Jnan Chandra Ghosh Polytechnic Jnan Chandra Ghosh Polytechnic Jnan Chandra Ghosh Polytechnic Jnan Chandra Ghosh Polytechnic Jnan Chandra Ghosh Polytechnic Jnan Chandra Ghosh Polytechnic.8 Formation and Sustenance of the Self Help Groups As per the September 2009 report of SDU, 18 SHGs have been formed. Only four, namely Astha from Rajdanga Kasba, Jayshree from Rabindrapalli and Akash and Krishna from Nonadanga, were active groups. Some women and girls of these groups were trained in Jeans/ Jute/ Paper Bag making and tailoring respectively. A total of SHGs from Rabindrapalli (Astha, Asha and Uday) have received revolving grant from KMC as capital towards setting up an enterprise. Three more have received sewing machines from Rotary Club as donation and individual members are pursuing tailoring. Two more SHGs from Nonadanga have plans of 10

16 pursuing pisciculture, but interestingly they have male members who are involved in this trade. All the 18 SHGs have a bank account and have savings amount ranging from Rs 720 to Rs 4,000. However not much has happened since then due to lack of follow-up for market linkage, regularity of the group based activities and nurturing of the groups. Recently a SHG namely Annapurna Swanirvar Gosthi of Sampa Mirza Nagar has been dissolved by the group members after continuing for two years. 4.0 Conclusion The revised RP was set to be implemented since 2005 and resettlement process of the AFs was prioritized in accordance with canal excavation work. So far 2879 canal bank squatter families out of 65 total AFs have resettled in their designated R&R sites. Resettlement progress has, however, slowed down compared to previous years and shifting of the rest of the targeted families, numbering 485, has become uncertain. The reasons are mainly apathy of the canal bank dwellers to shift to relocation sites and there may be other ways of settling elsewhere in areas beyond excavation work. In spite of better environment and a flat with legal title in respectable locality the residents at resettlement sites complain about the inadequacy of infrastructural facilities. The constructional defects that have incurred maintenance cost quite a number of times have been the reason of further dissatisfaction instead of bringing joy to them. KEIP s inability in rectifying defects in the buildings gave rise to people s apathy in most of the R&R sites. Of late, Project has taken a fresh initiative with ADB s support to strengthen vocational training for eligible and willing persons in order to advance self employment opportunity. This effort has earned people s appreciation which is something that can go a long way for proper rehabilitation. 11

17 Acknowledgement The External Monitor gratefully appreciates the discussion held with Smt. Sudeshna Guppta, Administrative Officer and Sri Prabir Ray, Principal R&R Consultant, SDU. Discussion held with them was of immense help to get an in-depth overview of the RP implementation progress. Besides, adequate assistance was provided during field visit by the Community mobilisers designated by SDU. Special mention must be made of candid discussion held with the Borough Chairman, Borough XII, Maheshtala Municipality Dy Chirman, Ashuti II Gram Panchayat Upa Pradhan and other office bearers. These meetings helped to highlight the need inter-governmental coordination and cooperation for successful resettlement. Lastly, cooperation extended by the canal settlers (of Enny Sarani) and the resettled families of all R&R sites during the community consultation and FGD sessions held, sometimes, at odd hours is gratefully acknowledged. 12

18 Annexures Case Study- 1 Date: 1 December, 2011 Name: Anju Patra Age: 7 Sex: Female Education: viii Occupation: House Wife Social Strata: General Status: President of Annapurna SHG Block- D Room No- 402 Sampamirzanagar The Monitoring team met Anju Patra, President and member of SHG, Annapurna Swanirvar Gosthi, to know their present status and activities. After a close discussion the Monitoring team found that Annapurna Swanirvar Gosthi does not exist any more, after continuing for two years. This year the members jointly took the decision of dissolving the group. The group formed with 14 members and elected Lakshmi Rani Das (D-06) as Secretary, Anju Patra (D-402) as President, Sephali Bag (E-106) as Cashier. Each of them had deposited Rs.720 individually for two years at Sagar Gramin Bank. Account No After dissolving SHG members have taken back their amount with an interest of Rs.1100 and distributed the amount among the members. The fact behind dissolving the group is mutual mistrust among the members. Some of them did not deposit money in time. Nobody volunteered to make bank transaction on behalf of the SHG. The problems were placed before KEIP authority and the person who took initiative for formation of SHG. It is understood that nodal person at KEIP has retired and there is none other to motivate, nurture and explain to the members about group activities and process. However, the authority did not take any further step to keep SHG functioning. Finally in October 2011 the group was dissolved with unanimous decision. It was known The termination of the Self Help Group is the outcome of non performance of many aspects of Code of Conduct that is decided by the group and is abided by all the members. This has been found to be lacking in this case. The code of conduct for a well managed group is as follows. There should be regular meetings (weekly or fortnightly), functioning in a democratic manner, allowing free exchange of views, participation by the members in the decision making process. (This has been found to be irregular). The group should be able to draw up an agenda for each meeting and take up discussions as per the agenda. (In many cases meetings were drawn without any agenda.) The members should build their corpus through regular savings. The group should be able to collect the minimum voluntary saving amount from all the members regularly in the group meetings. The savings so collected will be the group corpus fund. (Everyone did not deposit the minimum amount and on time.) The members in the group meetings should take all the loan sanction decisions through a participatory process. The group should be able to prioritize the loan applications, fix repayment schedules, fix appropriate rate of interest for the loans advanced and closely monitor the repayment of the loan installments and identify defaulter. (Although loan was allotted but the repaying norms and other details were not strictly followed.) The group should operate a group account preferably in their service area bank branch, so as to deposit the balance amounts left with the groups after disbursing loans to its members. (Performing banking operations was neglected. Most of them evaded the responsibility of going to bank and operate regularly.) The group should maintain simple basic records such as Minutes book, Attendance register, Loan ledger, General ledger, Cash book, Bank passbook and individual passbooks. These could be used with necessary changes/ modifications wherever required. (Maintaining records was most neglected and delay in keeping records made it more difficult to maintain.) However, Anju Patra still believes in effectiveness of and wants to form another or involve in a group provided the group is guided and advised properly by a guardian for its sustainability. 1

19 Case Study- 2 Date: 24 December, 2011 Name: Sahara Khatun Age: 21 Sex: Female Education: viii Occupation: House wife Social Strata: Minority Status -Trainee in Beautician Training course Block- A Room No- 105 Kalagachhia Sahara Khatun is wife of Meghnath Roy (AC & Freeze Mechanics). Their marriage is an exemplary kind of inter-caste marriage. They came from Diamond Park Khalparh. Her family consists of two members - self and husband. The monitoring team met a few women, including Sahara Khatun, who have taken Beautician training organized by KEIP at Kalagachhia relocation site. Miss Sonali from Rupantar, a training organization, had trained them in the beautician course. About 15 women attended the basic course. The training continued for three. Students who have passed at least eighth standard are eligible for this training. The training course started from August 2011 to November After completion of the training course, the students went to Rupantar, the training organization, for examination. They have not yet received the certificate for the training undertaken. The course consists of various beautification skill including dieting, grooming, bridal make up etc. After receiving training Sahara Khatun applied her skill over friends within housing complex. Customers bring necessary materials and she applies her skill on them and charges only her professional fees ranging from Rs 10 to Rs 100 depending on nature of service done. She expressed her experience of living at new resettlement site. According to her everything is beautiful in relocation site particularly environment, social relation, security etc. A few problems are there. However, she believes those problems would be resolved gradually in future. Case Study- Date: 27 December, 2011 Name: Swapan Dey Age: 40 Sex: Male Education: iv Occupation: Rickshaw Puller Social Strata: General caste Block- E Room No- 208 Itkhola (Purba Putiary) Swapan Dey, a resident of Purba Putiary Abasan is residing here for about two years. He came from Enny Sarani (Kath pool). His family consists of four members (self, wife, son, and daughter). Swapan Dey is a rickshaw puller. The distance of Enny Sarani from new relocation site is about 7 Km. In the beginning he faced economic hardship due to an unknown area. He had to go to his original place of residence for finding customers to carry on his livelihood. It was too difficult to travel 7 km everyday to begin day s work. Sometimes they had to starve even. After a few he got acquainted with Amitabha Dutta, Secretary of Building Committee, who helped him to get an allotment of space within local Rickshaw Stand. He, however, had to pay Rs. 7000/- for getting the slot reserved for the local rickshaw pullers. Presently he owns two rickshaws. He runs one and the other has been let out on rent to another rickshaw puller. To increase his business, he took loan of Rs. 5000/- from Bandhan Micro Finance Organization. He paid the loan as per terms and Rs. 100/- per week for 60 weeks. When he purchased the second rickshaw, he again took loan of Rs.10000/- from the same organization. 14

20 At present he has settled comfortably in the new relocation site overcoming the crisis period of earlier days. He is grateful to Amitabha Dutta. Now he earns about Rs. 4000/- per month. His wife is a maid servant. She works at Enny Sarani and in a local house. She earns Rs. 400/- per month. With both of them earning they can manage their household with comfort and ease. He expressed his experience at new location to monitoring team as follows: Benefit- Permanent and concrete residential structure provides hygienic and healthy environment. Have access to electricity, clean water of better quality than the earlier place. The schools are located nearby No social classification here. All residents are living peacefully. Constraints- The flat is not suitable for large and joint family. As a result many families have split. A few common problems affect all. The Building committee is committed and looking after the matters. 15