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Gulabi Devi, 25, cleans rice with her mother-in-law, Surti Devi, 50, and two of her three children: Amit, 3, and Sumit, 9 months. Gulabi Devi's husband Nanku Manjhi (not in photo) works, like many of Mananbhiga's residents, as an unskilled day wage laborer. Their other child, Neha, 5, attends school.
Like much of rural Bihar state - particularly among low caste communities - the residents of Mananbigha regularly go hungry. Some have died as a result of food shortages. There is a scarcity of water in the area and no irrigation facility. Though there are schemes in place to support vulnerable families, it is an ongoing struggle for residents to claim benefits, including rations, that are by rights theirs. Oxfam partners have helped to promote awareness of social security schemes among residents in Mananbigha village and provided them the assistance to set up systems where they can get their views and complaints heard. The Nyadal, a local village court and justice system can refer serious problems or issues to the higher courts. The Nyadal also monitors the government PDS (Public Distribution System) and the Anganwadi (child care centre) midday meals scheme. The Mananbigha village vigilance committee reports to the Nyadal and a complain box allows residents to post concerns to the Nyadal.
Photo: Tom Pietrasik
Mananbigha village, Barachatti Block, Gaya District, Bihar. India
February 25th 2011
Like much of rural Bihar state - particularly among low caste communities - the residents of Mananbigha regularly go hungry. Some have died as a result of food shortages. There is a scarcity of water in the area and no irrigation facility. Though there are schemes in place to support vulnerable families, it is an ongoing struggle for residents to claim benefits, including rations, that are by rights theirs. Oxfam partners have helped to promote awareness of social security schemes among residents in Mananbigha village and provided them the assistance to set up systems where they can get their views and complaints heard. The Nyadal, a local village court and justice system can refer serious problems or issues to the higher courts. The Nyadal also monitors the government PDS (Public Distribution System) and the Anganwadi (child care centre) midday meals scheme. The Mananbigha village vigilance committee reports to the Nyadal and a complain box allows residents to post concerns to the Nyadal.
Photo: Tom Pietrasik
Mananbigha village, Barachatti Block, Gaya District, Bihar. India
February 25th 2011
