100 Days Initiative: Advancing the Movement for a Child Marriage - Free Rayagada

 

100 Days Initiative: Advancing the Movement for a Child Marriage - Free Rayagada

The district-level inauguration of the 100 Days Initiative - Awareness Campaign for a Child Marriage Free India was successfully held at the DRDA Conference Hall, Rayagada, marking a strong collective commitment to end child marriage in the district. The programme was attended by key officials including the Chief Development Officer (CDO-cum-EO), District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO), Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP), and representatives from all line departments. Child Marriage Prohibition Officers (CMPOs) from various levels and more than 50 stakeholders participated, reflecting a shared resolve to protect children’s rights.

The 100 Days Initiative aims to prevent and reduce child marriage through sustained awareness, community engagement, and effective enforcement of laws. The campaign focuses on strengthening coordination among departments, improving legal awareness, empowering frontline functionaries, and mobilising communities - especially to safeguard the rights of adolescent girls.

A key strength of the initiative lies in its integrated approach, which emphasises inter-departmental convergence, capacity building of CMPOs, community sensitisation, and engagement with schools and adolescents. Vigilance at village and block levels, combined with timely response mechanisms and regular monitoring, forms the foundation for effective implementation.

The programme was organised by the District Social Welfare Office, Rayagada, along with AVA Organization, in collaboration with Shakti Organisation, Rayagada, with strong support from the District Administration. This collective effort reinforces a united movement toward a Child Marriage Free Rayagada and contributes to the larger national vision of a Child Marriage Free Bharat.

 

“Laying the Foundation for Resilient Tribal Livelihoods in Rayagada”

Even though agriculture is the main source of income for small and marginal farmers in Rayagada, it remains vulnerable due to its strong dependence on monsoon rainfall. In our ongoing efforts to strengthen tribal livelihoods in Rayagada district, Shakti Organisation, in collaboration with Ashraya Hastha Trust, is steadily moving toward creating meaningful and tangible change for small and marginal farmers through its Vegetable and Climate Resilient Tuber Crop Farming.

Following successful farmer mobilization and capacity-building activities, Shakti Organisation is now boosting farmers’ confidence by providing essential agricultural inputs including protective fencing wire, drum-based drip irrigation systems, high-quality vegetable seeds, seedlings, and vines for climate-resilient tuber crops.

A key milestone so far has been enabling 50 farmers to access the Government’s Micro Irrigation Scheme, ensuring reliable irrigation support and laying the groundwork for stronger, more secure livelihood opportunities.

As we progress, we remain hopeful and optimistic that these interventions will help reduce crop loss, enhance soil health and moisture retention, and support more consistent year-round cultivation for the farming communities we serve.

SHGs Showcase Millet-Based Innovations at Sub-Division Level Krushi Jantrapati Mela, Gunupur

 

On the concluding day of the Sub-division Level Krushi Jantrapati Mela at Gunupur, Self Help Groups (SHGs) supported by Shakti Organisation played an active role by showcasing and distributing a variety of millet-based recipes through Maa Manikeswari WSHG, Ramanaguda. The initiative demonstrated the nutritional value of millets while highlighting their potential to strengthen women-led livelihoods and local agri-enterprises.

The event witnessed the presence of key public representatives and officials, including the MLA of Bissamcuttack, MLA of Gunupur, ADO Gunupur, ADO Muniguda, and agriculture department officials such as BAOs, AAOs, and VAWs from across Gunupur Subdivision. Their participation reflected strong institutional support for promoting sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural practices.

The mela served as an important platform for farmer interaction, knowledge sharing, and value-chain development, enabling SHGs to engage directly with farmers, officials, and stakeholders. By participating in such events, SHGs are strengthening their role in agricultural value chains while contributing to improved nutrition and sustainable rural livelihoods.

 

“Block-Level Conclave on Forest Rights & Post-CFR Management”

Shakti Organisation, Rayagada, Odisha organised a meaningful Block-Level Conclave on the Forest Rights Act and Post-Community Forest Rights (CFR) Management on 9th December 2025 at Ramanaguda, with support from FES. The presence of the Tahasildar, Forest Department officials, civil society leaders, and people's representatives added strong value to the event.

More than 200 Community Forest Rights Management Committee (CFRMC) members from different villages participated and shared their ground-level experiences and challenges in managing community forest resources. Officials responded to their queries clearly, especially on SDLC and DLC procedures, pending joint verification of CFR claims, and other key steps under the Forest Rights Act.

The conclave focused on developing stronger and more practical Community Forest Rights Management Plans to help villages implement the Forest Rights Act smoothly and ensure sustainable forest governance.

This event strengthened community knowledge, encouraged local leadership, and inspired collective action to protect forests and common resources for future generations. It served as an important step toward empowering tribal communities and promoting fair, effective, and sustainable forest management.