The communal riot in Kandhamal district has witnessed complete breakdown of Community Village life of affected people in the area, who fled away to nearest towns and cities, leaving behind their own native villages, when every valuable and belongings were entirely burnt down or confiscated during August 2008. In a high alert situation, the victims preferred most to migrate to major cities as refugees. As an instance, around 80% victim families they chose Bhubaneswar city as their immediate shelter which they felt safer and reliable place to begin a new life from scratches.
In the given background and in recognition to the piteous condition of the victims living in the city, a micro house hold survey in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack city was conducted by the IEA during January 2013. As an outcome, it was found that, a large number of victim families, who stayed back in different slums permanently may not likely return to their native places in future, are engaged in daily labor to earn their livelihood. The saddest part of the report revealed that, most of the victim families have been struggling to earn their daily bread and are unable to earn even Rs.100/- per day, whereas their house rent and minimum survival cost triggers much higher than their monthly income.
Additionally, the report expressed narrating about, how the educated youth of victim families either attending in the scavenging task for their employment or sitting at home jobless and adding a pressure on family burden to pull on. Similarly, the women at large, amongst the victim families have been compelled to serve as maid servants for scanty income and help families, meeting minor domestic needs.
The wrap up the concluding survey report suggested, basing on the view of the victims to start immediately some income generation activities, which will ideally be suited to the victim members to undergo trainings and begin income generation out of their life earning skills. By consolidating the hope and trust in favor of victims, IEA established a Community Development Center in Salia Sahi, which is the largest slum in the city. In the initial stage, 3 trades were preferably chosen for the victim members to render training to them. The victim members have already completed those Trades so far in different life earning skills, are as under.
FOUR WHEELER CAR DRIVING FOR YOUTH:-
Under this highly demanding skill training trade, 33 of youth from the victim families have been successfully trained out in one of the renowned driving training center and the trained out youth are awarded with merit certificate on their skillful practical experience and driving licenses, so that, they are soon be going to be employed in the city and earning minimum Rs.6,000/- to Rs.8,000/- per month. This income for victim members will be a blessing and will bring pleasure to their families.
TAILORING TRAINING FOR VICTIM WOMEN:-
Women amongst the victim families who migrated to Salia Sahi Slum in Bhubaneswar have been compelled to serve as maids for scanty income to make ends meet. Under this fast growing trade, at least 150 numbers of women have been successfully trained in cutting and stitching different locally sellable garments at the Community Welfare center located in the slum. After Completion of the training which is indeed a blessing is helping them fetch a dignified income of Rs.3,000/- to Rs.5,000/- every month on the lower side.
FAST FOOD TRAINING FOR VICTIM YOUTH:-
In the city when life is fast moving, Fast Food is loved by all city dwellers. It is a demanding business in every city of India and so is in Bhubaneswar city. Therefore we chose 15 young men who are at present dwelling in Bhubaneswar from Kandhamal. They have undergone professional training and now began their livelihood business have been provided by IEA the Equipments needed including the trolley rickshaw to launch this business have provided by IEA to each of them. Now these young men are on the road fully involved and if everything goes well, each of them can make Rs. 6,000.00 to 10,000.00 profits per Month. 4 nos. of Community Fast Food Stall support was given to the victim family who presently able to earn income and take care of their family.
