Nagarik Vikas Kendra (NVK) is an ambitious initiative of Human Welfare Foundation (NGO). NVK works as a bridging agency between the underprivileged and the Government bodies to reap the benefit of welfare schemes of central and state Governments. It aims to enable underprivileged segments of the society to live a life of self-sufficiency and dignity by getting access to the different welfare schemes offered by the Government.
It is observed that if a scheme is well advertised, explained and assistance is provided among the masses, the tendency towards availing those benefits increases.
One of the examples of this is the Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY). The scheme has now touched nearly 50 million women and it has been observed both by the Population Council report and National Health Systems Resource centre that the awareness about JSY is universal with an increased awareness about maternal health and infant care. Beneficiaries were also aware of various vaccinations for the new-borns and nutrition this has led to many beneficiaries using institutional services during their next child birth. However, still there is potential for a complete level of awareness.
It is ironical that most of the efforts by the NGOs in the country are towards mobilising private funds for the upliftment of the under privileged, however, huge efforts are required to channelize the government funds towards the real needy and create accountability in this space. Therefore, if holistic and rigorous efforts are taken in addressing the issue of awareness and accountability, the benefits of the welfare programmes can reach the actual beneficiaries which will be a tremendous step in addressing the problems the poor and common man.