In June 2023, a transformative project was launched by UWC and Max Life in the states of Uttarakhand and Jharkhand, aimed at raising awareness and providing access to vital government schemes and services for citizens. With a goal to empower 32,500 individuals across these regions, the initiative focused on key areas such as healthcare, education, agriculture, social welfare, infrastructure development, and more. 

The primary objective of the project was to ensure that each of the 32,500 targeted citizens could access at least one government scheme. For those most in need, the project aimed to link them with 2-3 additional schemes, with the percentage of such cases being less than 30% of the total citizens serviced. To facilitate this, a minimum of 65 Haqdarshaks were trained across two districts to screen citizens and assist them in the application process for various schemes and documents.  

Key Thematic Areas 

The project prioritized six key thematic areas:

– Health 

– Livelihood 

– Education 

– Social Security 

– Agriculture 

– Financial Inclusion 

These areas were chosen to ensure a comprehensive approach to improving the well-being of the residents. 

Community Mobilization and Awareness Camps 

Field agents were instrumental in mobilizing citizens and conducting awareness camps within the community. Haqdarshak organized approximately 60-70 digital and financial literacy camps across both locations, reaching at least 2,000 citizens. Each camp featured an introduction to Max Life Insurance, including their initiatives. The camps emphasized the significance and benefits of insurance schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) and the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY). 

Locations of Intervention 

The project focused on two specific districts: 

– Haridwar in Uttarakhand 

– East Singhbhum in Jharkhand 

These regions were chosen due to their unique socio-economic challenges and the potential for significant impact through targeted interventions.  

Screening and Application Assistance 

Trained Haqdarshaks played a crucial role in the project. They screened citizens using a set of 15-20 questions designed to capture socio-economic data, which helped identify eligible state and central schemes. The citizens filled out applications, processing them, and collecting necessary documentation. Regular follow-ups ensured that applications were tracked until the benefits were received. The work of Haqdarshaks on the field was monitored by coordinators to ensure efficiency and effectiveness.      

Way Forward  

The project in Uttarakhand and Jharkhand sought to aid the people in accessing the services that would benefit their wellbeing. The project Facilitated 32,500 plus citizens in accessing at least one government scheme or document each. They established a network of 65 community-level Haqdarshak on the HQ technology platform. These individuals disseminated information about government schemes, facilitated community access to entitlements, and contributed to overall village development. They digital and financial literacy camps, reached a minimum of 2,000 citizens and introducing them to important financial and insurance schemes.

By leveraging the Haqdarshak platform, the project has not only increased awareness about government schemes but also ensured that citizens can access the benefits they are entitled to. The project promises to bring lasting change to the lives of many more individuals, fostering a more informed and empowered community.