Shobha would have never imagined that she would ever raise her voice against the corrupt Government Officer to defend her right. The leading active members of Parwati Self Help group from Koinda Village of Chaurdargah Panchayat at Sheikhpura, Bihar has learned these traits since the time she participated in the Caritas India’s Saksham programme which works for the socio-economic and political empowerment of the marginalised smallholder farmers and wage labourers in Bihar.

When Shobha was selected under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna (PMAY), she was overjoyed to have her own house.

The social welfare flagship programme was created by the Indian Government, to provide housing for the rural poor in India.

 Under the programme, financial assistance is provided for construction of a permanent house to all houseless and households living in dilapidated houses. The houses are allotted in the name of the woman or jointly between husband and wife. The construction of the houses is the sole responsibility of the beneficiary and engagement of contractors is strictly prohibited.

 Shobha received the first instalment on 1st January 2019 and started the house construction but her happiness was short-lived as the second instalment was not released and the work had to stop. She tried her best to get her due instalment, but every effort went in vain. She also approached the PMAY Sahayak of Chaurdargah Panchayat of Ariari Block Sheikhpura to get the assistance, but she was tricked as the official took cash along with her Aadhar Card, Ration Card and Bank Passbook for expediting the second installment of her house.

Shobha raised her challenge in the monthly SHG’s meeting in presence Saksham programme Animator, Ramprasad and seek his guidance to tackle the issue. The SHG members requested Saksham Animator to write an application on behalf of Shobha Devi. Shobha submitted the complaint letter against the PMAY Sahayak to SC/ST Police Station, D.D.C. Sheikhpura and to the D.M. Office Sheikhpura. Based on the complaint, the accused was arrested within 4 days and sent to Jail on corruption charges.

The PMAY Sahayaklater tried to offer cash and six months ration to Shobha for dropping her complaint but Shobha Devi and other SHGs members refused the proposal. They demanded the removal of PMAY Sahayak from his job/post as he can create more damage sitting on the position. The PMAY Sahayak even started giving life threats to Shobha and her family on which Saksham team members temporarily shifted Shobha and her husband to another villager’s house at Sheikhpura for their safety. Now, they have come back to their house and waiting for the judgment from the court whereas the PMAY Sahayak is still in the jail waiting for bail. 

This was a victory for Shobha, a victory in the fight against rampant corruption which is eating up the whole society.

Saksham programme has made a significant impact by strengthening the awareness and realization on rights and entitlements of the communities by facilitating an increase in active participation. The people are aware and now taking necessary action to demand their due rights.