Peer learning workshop for PLD coordinators

Peer learning workshop was organized for PLD coordinators on 16 & 17 June 2017, at MPSSS, Bhopal on discussion of evaluation key points, ensuring role of local leaders in PLD and FRA.Total 13 participants were part of the workshop which includes 9 coordinators from 9 diocese, 2 MPSSS staff, Director MPSSS and 1 resource person for FRA session.Workshop started by prayer. Followed by it introduction of the workshop was done by Fr.Augustine, Director MPSSS. Father gave thanks to all the 9 dioceses staffs for successful evaluation which was held in 2016. The first day of workshop had broad discussion on evaluation key points, in which suggestions for improvement was discussed. Discussion was held on ensuring role of local leaders in PLD process and the role of women in the developmental process. Second day discussion was held on Forest Right Act (FRA) in which facilitation was done by Ms.Archana Sharma, ARANYA, Bhopal

“How we can attract the agencies through Logical Frame Work”

On 26/06/2013 MPSSS with the support of Caritas India organized one day orientation meeting at MPSSS. The session was facilitated by Programme Officer Caritas Mr. Vinod Pandey and the participants included Directors and Coordinators of the partner organization and representative from MP forum. The major objective of the workshop was to build up the capacity of the partners to develop competitive proposals in the present scenario. Discussing the main component of the proposal that is LFA- the Log Frame Matrix it was shared as a participatory Planning, Monitoring & Evaluation tool whose power depends on the degree to which it incorporates the full range of views of intended beneficiaries and others who have a stake in the programme design.  It is a tool for summarizing the key features of a programme and is best used to help programme designers and stakeholders.

Will I get my land back?

Case of land rights came up when we moved on to Umradura village under Palasiyapada hamlet where 30 households who were issued land pattas in the year 1969 are now rendered landless as the patta have been deceitfully taken back from them by the forest department. They were unaware of what should be the course of action to be taken. But having got associated with the PLDP programme they have come together and are leaving no stone unturned to fight for their rights. Currently they are conducting detailed study of all the issue related to their case and is seeking legal guidance too in the case.

Who will win - People or Mining Mafia?

In the first week of June during the field visit of MPSSS staff to target village Guwali, Phaliya Bandibar under Jhabua diocese it was shared by the villagers that a mining corporation from Katni has been trying to illegally encroach upon their land covering almost 98 hectares since August 2012.

The villagers claim to have been residing in the area for past 120 – 125 years and have proof of cultivating this land and of occupancy over the land for past three generations. This land is their main source of their livelihood and survival. However the area being rich in mineral resources has always been an attraction to mining corporations. Last year on false pretext they cordoned off the area under the disposal of the villagers and started mining there. However there were lots of resentment in the community and they used to enter in minor clashes. But due to money and muscle power the mining corporation used to have their way. However with entry of the Pragati team and familiarization of the concept of people led development process a sea change is visible in the attitude of the community members. They united themselves together and took upon the corporation. They went to Jan Sunvais, met briefed the Higher officials and finally were able to get them evacuated on February 15 and 16 2013 on the orders of the Collector. However the smiles on their faces did not last for long on 1^st June 2013 during night hours the same company came back and has again cemented their poles in the area claiming they have license to mine in the area. Further the villagers have been warned of dire consequences if they dared to come in between their way. The villagers on the other hand are adamant “come what they shall not give up their lands”.

The ball is now in the open court who wins only time will tell but let us join together and support our fellow brethren in village Guwali to fight for their rightful claims undeterred.

“How we can attract the agencies to approach to us with funds”.

A two day workshop was organized for the staff at MPSSS on 10^th and 11^th June 2013 at MPSSS office, was to build up the capacity of the staff to revisit their strength in developing the proposals in the present scenario. The sessions were facilitated by Programme Officer Caritas Mr. Vinod Pandey. Thorough discussions following conclusions founded the idea about how to improve the quality of the Organization. 

• By bringing visibility to the organization
• By developing sharing mechanism
• By establishing strong networking and linkages with media by sharing our sharing our contributions and achievements.
• By making fund base strong through self initiation.
• By having strong linkages with government departments, banks etc.
• By regularly updating the knowledge and creating innovative thoughts and ideas amongst staff.     

MPSSS-Bhopal: Strengthening Madhya Pradesh with commitment of sustainable partnership!

Madhya Pradesh Samaj Seva Sanstha is located in the heart of Bhopal city in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. It was registered on 25^th September 1998 under the Madhya Pradesh Firms and Societies Act 1973 and bears the registration number 6387/98. The organization is currently located in the campus of Krist Premalaya Regional Philosophate, Arera Colony Bhopal.

Madhya Pradesh Samaj Seva Sanstha commonly known as MPSSS in the development sector is the Social Work Wing of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Madhya Pradesh. It was formed with the basic objective to facilitate and coordinate the development activities of the Catholic Church in the region. It constitutes the forum of social work comprising the 9 dioceses of Madhya Pradesh namely; Bhopal, Gwalior, Indore, Jhabua, Khandwa, Jabalpur, Sagar, Satna and Ujjain which spread across the state. The major thrust of the forum is to create awareness among the poor and the marginalized especially women and children of their rights and duties, empowering them to jointly act to claim for their rights through the capacity building of the Diocesan Social Service Societies.