Dear Partners,
As we continue our response, we are happy to bring to you another update of our work with communities that are marginalized, socially excluded and reeling under the impact of Covid-19. In this update, we will focus on the state of Jharkhand in East India, where we have interventions in Pakur and Sahibganj districts.
Along with the Government of Jharkhand, EFICOR and other civil society organizations are working to create awareness and supporting local frontline health workers to tackle the current Covid situation and prepare for any possible third wave in the future. Our response has included cash transfers, cash for work and promoting Covid Appropriate Behaviours. Communities are being provided with face masks, sanitizers and soap and encouraged to maintain good hygiene. EFICOR is also working alongside Prem Jyoti Hospital, a wing of Emmanuel Hospital Association, in Chadragoda to improve health infrastructure for Covid treatment and promote vaccinations.
According to Government sources, there are 32 tribal groups in Jharkhand constituting 27% of the total population of the state, in which Pahariyas, also known as Maltos, are classified as one of the “Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups”. The Maltos inhabit the hills in these areas, living secluded lives. They have been severely affected by the lockdown which has resulted in loss of income. There is very little awareness about Covid and health facilities are inaccessible and inadequate. In my conversation with Mr Jaynath Malto from Bada Kachna village of Karmatnar Panchayat in Pakur district, he said, “ The Government gives us 35 kgs rice per month and we are 6 people in the family. If EFICOR would not have provided help through cash transfer, we would have starved to death. Now, we also get Rs. 300 daily for working in our village through EFICOR which is a dream come true”. Jayanth Malto and other families from his village received cash to meet their immediate needs and are now involved in the “Cash for Work'' programme. Apart from having some income, their work is also improving the green economy through construction of water harvesting structures and farmland levelling for increased cultivation that would lead to more yield.
Thank you for your partnership to reach communities like the Maltos and Santhals in remote areas of Sahibganj and Pakur. We are grateful to our local teams who are working in these “hard to reach areas”. Our joint efforts are impacting lives in the remotest corner of our country.
M. Ramesh Babu,
Executive Director
EFICOR
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