Interface Meeting on Rural Health-Education in Chouparan

On 6 January, an Interface meeting was organized at NBJK under the program of Strengthening Primary Health and Education for 20 villages of Chouparan block with support of Oxfam India, Patna. The meeting with concerned government officials was focused upon differences between allocated budget and actual expenses by VHSNCs (Village Health, Sanitation & Nutrition Committees) and SMCs (School Management Committees). Before this, 5 villages namely Bahera, Mahudi, Bara, Baradih and Navdiha have been surveyed and a comprehensive analysis of available facilities took place. Their outcomes were discussed during the meeting began with an initial say from Mr. Prabhu Nath Sharma (Treasurer, NBJK) who termed people’s participation as a major criterion for successful government schemes. He insisted for dialogue to fill up the gaps in course of their execution.  The meeting has considered last two years’ budget and expenditure for mid-day meal and development plan for village schools; untied fund for VHSNCs, JSY (Janani Suraksha Yojna), immunization and other entitlements as the agenda for discussion. Mr. Jageshwar Sharma (Block Health Program Officer) and Mr. Ashok Kumar Gupta (Block Education Extension Officer) have suggested for attitudinal changes to maintain the quality of service in case of differences between budgetary allocation and actual expense. There were 20 stakeholders like school teachers, Sahiyas and members of VHSNCs/SMCs present in the meeting.