The COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown declared by the government made the life and livelihood of Taramara community members miserable. The basic needs of villagers, especially food to overcome hunger became hard-hitting as job opportunity was remained standstill at that time. Taramara comes under Thakurmunda Block of Mayurbhanj district wherein most of the households belong to tribal and marginalized session.

Supplementing to food relief materials support, the Govt. of Odisha also declared to provide work opportunity to job cardholders / returnee migrants ensuring double man-days under MGNREGS.

With the lifting of Lockdown.2, around 130   job cardholders of Taramara village demanded job under MGNREGS. The process was facilitated by CYSD volunteers and GRS of Taramara Panchayat.  Beforehand, the community members were oriented on the various permissible works under MGNREGS, how to obtain new job card, how to   follow job demand process and receive acknowledgement from service provider. The orientation also made them aware regarding the provisions available at work site and the process involved for transaction of wage through bank transfer.

The MGNREGS work started from 4th of May 2020 for construction of PWD road in Mankadia Basa under Taramara GP. This project work was sanctioned in FY 2018-19 and its revised cost of Rs.700000/- was further approved in current FY with the increase in wage from Rs.188 to Rs.207. All 130 job cardholders got engaged to complete the work within 24 days. So a total of 3120 man-days was generated with expenditure of Rs. 645840.

During the execution of work, CYSD programme team closely monitored the process with help of local CDWs, youth volunteers and project monitoring committee. The team also ensured the facilities like, drinking water, rest-shed, crèche for children and display of transparency board at work site. Emphasis was given on maintenance of physical distancing, use of mask (using towel or saree to cover mouth and nose), no spilt and tobacco use at the workplace.  Besides, hand wash with soap was ensured during break for food and leisure time.

in first phase, just after completion of the project work, all job cardholders availed 12 days wage on time through bank transfer and remaining 12 days wage were being processed in second phase. “We are happy that we got job opportunity at our door step and quite satisfied with the wage deliverable process. The wage through MGNREGS work has brought a ray of hope for the survival of our family during this crisis period, shared Shanti Hansada, one of the job cardholders from Taramara.