Entitlements and Right to Work

In its operational area, there are a few landowners who own vast areas of land. On the other hand a large number of dalits and other disadvantaged groups do not own any land or own lands measuring less than one acre. Lack of awareness does not allow them to gain access to the land legally owned by them or which has been allotted to them. Thus they are forced to work as labourers. But again, they are paid less than their entitled amount.

To address this issue, Bhartiya Jan Sewa Ashram organises public hearing on the issues of non availability of pattas (land on lease) despite they being allocated and non availability of job card, lack of jobs and lack of payment under the NREG scheme. Cases are presented in the meeting and their solutions are suggested.

It organises workshops on land entitlement for the government functionaries to educate them about government land record, mapping and measurements, and other necessary documents, land and human rights and about government policies and laws on land.

In addition, BJSA organises camps to inform the rural community about SC/ST Act and supports them in identification of violation of rights and providing legal inputs, pursuing the cases from local police station to district level, enabling them to interact with the relevant authorities, etc. It also organises advocacy workshops for the community.

It is generating awareness among the community about government sponsored schemes like housing, drinking water, old age pension, widow pension; assistance for the handicapped, etc. through the use of posters, charts and IEC materials. Meetings with the Pradhans are organised regarding issues of gram sabha and records and activities undertaken for the development of Panchayati Raj Institutions in the area.