Access to Opportunity for Each Indian - connecting Poor People to Govt Schemes
Surya Prakash Loonker
Hello,
Indian Government, at all levels, announces Welfare Schemes for a cross section of the society from time to time. These Schemes could be either Central, State specific or a Joint collaboration between the Centre and the States. At last count, there are 1,267 such govt schemes for people's welfare which are listed at http://india.gov.in/govt/schemes.php. Every year, Rs. 3 lakh crores are allocated just by Central govt for these schemes. Additionally, State govt and local bodies allocated another Rs. 1.5 lakh crores towards these schemes, making a whopping total of Rs. 4.5 lakh crores invested in these schemes annually. Most of these funds remain unutilized and goes back to the Central govt or respective govt every year.
Most people who need these schemes are not aware about them. Also, the expected beneficiaries do not know – what is the scheme all about, what is the criteria, what are benefits available under a particular scheme, what forms to use, where to apply, how to apply, what documents to attach, how to follow up, how to access and avail benefits under these schemes. To top it all, people believe that there is corruption at all levels, 100% corruption and without bribing it is not possible to get advantage of these govt schemes. Finally, poor people believe that even if they bribe they will not get it as you need influence or it is all only for rich, famous, big, influential people.
We believe that one can tackle the first two issues (awareness and guidance on how to access) very effectively. Even if these two issues are addressed, every year, we will be able to get to poor people, additional benefits worth at least about Rs. 1 lakh crores. Please find attached a proposal for educating people about govt schemes in India such as MGNREGA, widow pension etc and guidance on how to access them. This project will also create an additional 1 lakh livelihoods in addition to enabling people access govt schemes.
I am also attaching a results sheet as to how it will look. Rejuvenate India Movement (RIM) has done this project without financially sustainable model and these are their 1 yr results. Leverage is 1:20. For every Re.1 invested, actual tangible return to beneficiary is Rs. 20. We are targeting a leverage ratio of 1:100.
I will appreciate your comments and feedback on this project. Just wanted to check if this project is in line with your vision for eliminating poverty and en masse socio-economic impact. May be we can work with you on this project and make at least some districts, poverty free, in next 3 yrs. Please note that this project is financially sustainable and only social investment is required.
Vote for our project at Mahindra’s Spark the Rise at http://www.sparktherise.com/projectdetail.php?pid=2559#.TnDFGmFSNJ4.gmail
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Websites: http://www.weconnectindia.in, http://www.samajshilpi.in
List of Govt Schemes: http://india.gov.in/govt/schemes.php
Surya Prakash Loonker
Catalyst - Social Development Consultants P Ltd
A-8 Mandakini Enclave, Alaknanda, New Delhi - 110 019. INDIA.