SHAKTI

(Sustainable Holistic Advancement & Knowledge for Tribal Inclusion): A Women-Centric Livelihood and Entitlement Model in Nichupara, Birbhum.

The three-year pilot initiative (2026–2029) aims to improve the socio-economic status of approximately 100 Scheduled Tribe families in Nichupara, Mohammad Bazar Block through women empowerment, livelihood promotion, universal access to entitlements, and convergence with existing Government programmes. The project adopts a sustainable, asset-based approach by strengthening local capacities and optimizing available resources rather than providing external financial assistance.

Planned Activities:

• Administrative Alignment: Partner closely with District and Block Administrations to streamline access to livelihood and social security schemes.
• Baseline Asset Survey: Map every household's specific natural resources, document deficiencies, record current income levels, provide recommendations to the District and Block Administrations, and develop an integrated project model for 100 tribal families.
• Identity Linkage Drives: Coordinate with Block officials to organize documentation clinics directly within the hamlet for all eligible members from 100 families.
• SHG Activation & Bank Linkage: Conduct financial literacy workshops, reactivate dormant bank accounts, and assist SHGs in securing credit linkages for 2 SHGs.
• Livelihood Training & Handholding: Provide on-site technical training for backyard poultry, kitchen gardening, small-scale aquaculture, and bamboo craftsmanship for 50 selected families with unmet needs.
• Community Advocacy – People and Groups: Form women-led watch committees to address substance abuse, improve household hygiene, and manage local resource distribution through 5 tribal leaders and 2 empowered SHG groups.
• Health, Hygiene and Addiction Drives: Through tribal leaders and SHGs, integrate locally led health, hygiene, and de-addiction initiatives within the community.

Outcomes:

• 100 tribal households linked to essential government entitlements through universal documentation and scheme convergence.
• Women-led Self-Help Groups strengthened with improved financial literacy, bank linkage, and access to credit.
• At least 50 households adopt sustainable, asset-based livelihoods to enhance income and resilience.
• A scalable, women-centric tribal development model established for replication in similar communities.