Continuous advocacy process with local government institutions can bring changes in the lives of poor aged persons. This has become possible in Muduliguda village of Koraput district where more than 40 poor tribal households live.

Boipariguda being the operational area of CYSD, while in the process of expanding reach of social protection schemes and entitlements to the marginalised individuals and families in Muduliguda village of Kollar Gram Panchayat under Boipariguda block, it was found that five eligible household heads, like Padu Petia, Bendri Chhendia, Samari Badnayak, Bati Badnayak and Damai Badnayak have crossed 60 years of age and eligible for getting entitlements like old-age pension from the government, but were debarred from it. After getting deeper into the matter and further discussions, one of the beneficiaries, Ms. Samari Badnayak, age 62 years, said, “We have visited to our Panchayat office several times to apply for the old-age pension, but no officers including the Sarapanch listened to us. We lost our last hope and everything left on the God”. With the intervention of CYSD team, a village level meeting was organised where it was decided to write a letter to the concerned Sarpanch to consider the application of five aged beneficiaries for the pension. CYSD team continuously visited the Panchayat office to follow up the matter with Sarapanch. After constant engagement and persuasion, the Sarapanch enrolled the 5 eligible aged persons and they have been receiving the entitlements starting from September 2020.

“This pension benefit came to me as a blessings during this Corona pandemic. With this meagre amount I am managing to survive”, says 63 years old Padu Petia.