Our Impact
Our Impact
Changing power relations between state and settlements- by collective mobilization, learning and actions
Based on their demonstrated credibility and financial, informational and organizational base, communities are beginning to change the traditional relationship with local authorities thus impacting outcomes for the urban poor.
Negotiations with officials first began when communities tried to obtain basic facilities, secure government allocations for eligible households, present their survey results or resist demolitions. Community leaders have had to regularly meet with municipal and other department officials to get various permissions, understand standards, submit settlement surveys and collect payments – an empowering process in itself. As more organised communities have gotten involved, the city has had to sit up and take notice of thousands of slum dwellers all working on building a people’s agenda. Gradually, authorities began to see the federations as helpful partners and constant interaction and successful initiatives with authorities has built confidence and credibility on both sides.
What People
Says About Us
“Shantipalli is located centrally in the city but not connected to basic amenity provisions such as garbage collection or sanitation. Nearly 75% of households defecate in the open and there is not bathing place for women. In 2016 we approached UDRC for assistance and were able to repair one open-well platform and add a bathing area. My friends and I feel much safer now and also empowered that with one, small change we were able to make such a big impact.”
Puja is an 18 year old living in Shantipalli, Bhubaneswar whose parents are daily wage labourers and migrants from the district of Athagarh.
