Frequently Asked Questions

Department of WCD & MS

FAQs of various sections of the department

FAQs for public on ICDS(Nutrition) during COVID 19 pandemic

1. On closure of Anganwadi Centres(AWCs):

    1.1 How long will AWCs remain closed in the state?

    Ans: AWCs are closed due to the prevailing COVID related emergencies till 31st May,2020 or till such date as fixed by Govt later on.

    1.2 How long have AWCs remained closed for COVID19?

    Ans: AWCs have been closed in two phases so far i.e., from 14th-31st March,2020 and in             April,2020.They closed for a further period of one month      in May,2020. Further decision will be taken after analysing the situation.

2. On Supplementary Nutrition Programme(SNP):

       2.1 Who are the beneficiaries under SNP?

      Ans: Children (6 months-6 years) and pregnant & nursing women are the beneficiaries under SNP. 41,27,050 beneficiaries (17,93,896 children of the age        group 6 months-3 years;6,13,775 children of the age group 3-6 years and 7,19,379 pregnant & nursing women) are covered under the programme.

       2.2 Since AWCs are closed due to lockdown, how will the beneficiaries get their entitlement of nutrition?

       Ans: Anganwadi Workers(AWWs)/Helpers(AWHs) deliver Take Home Ration(THR) and ration in lieu of Hot Cooked Meals(HCMs),as per entitlement,         at doorsteps of beneficiaries.

       2.3 When is the entitlement distributed during COVID situation, and for what period? If I have not received my entitlements till now, what                 should I do?

      Ans: The entitlement for the entire month of May,2020 has been distributed at the doorstep of the beneficiary in the first 3 days of May,2020. Similar               arrangement will be made till the closer of AWC continues. If you have not received the entitlement, you can contact AWC of your area.

       2.4 What entitlements are being delivered at the doorsteps of the beneficiaries during COVID situation?

       Ans: i. Children (6 months-3 years) and pregnant & nursing women have been given chhatua, dry ration, ladoos / chikkis etc as per their entitlement                 once  in a month.

       ii. Children (3-6 years) have been given dry ration such as rice, pulses, oil, condiments, salt etc, in lieu of HCM once in a month.

       iii. In both the above cases, eggs, as per entitlement, are to be distributed at the doorstep on a weekly basis.

  2.5 Are distribution of chhatua, ration, eggs etc done following hygiene & social distancing protocols?

        Ans: i.AWWs/AWHs use masks, gloves, sanitisers and proper washing of hands with soap) and maintain social distancing.

                 ii.Take Home Ration(THR) producing Self Help Group(SHGs), also use masks, gloves, caps etc, ensure use of sanitisers & proper washing of hands with soap and maintain social distancing.

      2.6. How is distribution of supplementary nutrition monitored during prevailing situation?

        Ans: Distribution is monitored by members of Mothers and Jaanch Committees. The concerned Supervisors/CDPOs are responsible for smooth conduct of the task. At the end of the month, DSWOs furnish a certificate to the effect that, all beneficiaries, covered under SNP, have been provided their entitlements.

2.7 Do Take Home Ration(THR) producing Self Help Group(SHGs)prepare THR in containment area?

        Ans: No. In containment areas, the quota of the SHGs, engaged for preparation and distribution of THR, are tagged to a SHG of adjoining area. 

2.8 We have returned from different states and we are not registered with AWC. Are we entitled for the services of AWC? How will we get the nutrition and other support from AWC?

Ans: Yes, you are entitled for the services at the AWC. please inform the AWC/AWW of your area for inclusion of your name.

 

3.On Convergent Activities:

          3.1 How is the well being of pregnant women ensured?

          Ans: Pregnant women are being sensitized by ASHAs/AWWs on precautions to be take for COVID19 and to report possible symptoms (including fever, cough or difficulty in breathing). They are also being counselled to continue to take proper & adequate nutrition since a healthy diet boosts immunity & resists infections.

           3.2 I am a nursing mother and suffering from cough and cold. Should I breastfeed my child?

           Ans: Nursing mothers, having cough and cold including fever may continue breastfeeding with precautions to prevent infections. They must, however, avail immediate medical care. C

          3.3 How are Severely Acute Malnourished (SAM) children looked after?

           Ans: SAM children with complications, must be referred to the nearest Nutrition Rehabilitation Centres (NRCs) by the local MO/ANM. Follow-ups, must also be monitored at the household level, through ASHAs & AWWs.

           3.4 Does Village Health Sanitation Nutrition Day (VHSND)/ Urban Health and Nutrition Day (UHND) and routine immunization take place during COVID-19 situation?

           Ans: Yes. It is, however, be ensured that, attendance is regulated in a staggered manner in order to maintain social distancing and hygiene protocols. After every use, equipment such as weighing scales, thermometers get sanitized. The beneficiaries, attending the session, wash hands with soap & water. VHSND/UHND and regular immunisation will not be done in containment zone.

 

4. On Early Childhood Care & Education (ECCE):

          4.1 Now that AWCs are closed, are preschool going children deprived of ECCE ?

          Ans: No. the Department has released `Ghare Ghare Arunima`, a calendar based fun filled list of activities for 16,13,775 children, who are mostly indoors, to be implemented in support of parents and grandparents. It is a substitute for age appropriate theme based curriculum `Nua Arunima` practised at home during lockdown situation.

         4.2 What purpose will `Ghare Ghare Arunima`serve?

         Ans: The purpose is to reach out to families to keep young children engaged in meaningful activities at home. The calendar of activities will keep them stimulated and improve their psychosocial wellbeing. It will also strengthen the bonding amongst the members of family and spread happiness at home.

        4.3 What activities are conducted in `Ghare Ghare Arunima`?

        Ans. The host of activities suggested in the programme are: action songs, dance, painting, storytelling/ listening etc based on the prescribed theme of the month(The one this month being  insects & reptiles) . It also focuses on practice of good habits like hand washing, hygiene & sanitation, social distancing etc. to prevent infection. Further, children are to be initiated to household chores such as folding clothes and watering plants etc.

        4.4 How is `Ghare Ghare Arunima` implemented?

        Ans. Given the challenges of the lockdown and social distancing measures, the calendar of activities is shared digitally with parents by the AWWs. For families without net connectivity, printed copies of the calendar are getting circulated as far as possible. DSWOs and CDPOs across the state have been oriented on the programme through a video conference held on 21st April, 2020.

5.On additional duties discharged by ICDS functionaries in COVID19 management:

       5.1 What additional responsibilities have been entrusted upon AWWs?

       Ans: AWWs work in convergence with ASHAs and ANMs in providing essential services for management of COVID. She identifies persons with travel history and symptoms through community surveillance; sticker houses of persons quarantined at home; survey persons/families not covered under the NFSA/SFSA; helps distribution of pensions (old age/widow/disabled etc) & PDS commodities/ration/cash; gathers information on migrants to return from other states/abroad.

Besides, they monitor & supervise community kitchens operated by SHGs and spread awareness in the community, particularly on hygiene, use of masks and social distancing.

1. What measures do AWWs take to increase awareness in the community?

Ans: AWWs conduct community meetings on COVID19, counselling sessions with beneficiaries on social distancing, hand washing sessions etc. She also circulates leaflets, IEC materials as and when assigned to do so. Besides, she mobiles identified persons to the testing centres.

1. What role do Supervisors/ CDPOs /DSWOs play?

Ans: Besides managing /supervising their routine work of  provision of supplementary nutrition, conduct of ECCE activities at home and conduct of convergent activities such as organising VHSND, immunisation, health check-ups & referrals of children and pregnant women they coordinate with functionaries of  H & FW/ FS & CW,PR & DW Labour & ESI and PRI members/community  for conducting various activities assigned by the district administration from time to time.

6. FAQs for public on child protection during COVID 19 pandemic

       6.1 What is the helpline for children in difficulty? If I find a child in difficulty during the lockdown, what should I do?

       Ans: 1098 is the 24 X 7 helpline number for children and its functional even during lockdown. In case you find any child in difficulty, please inform the           case at 1098.

      6.2 What are the district level important structures of child protection? How can I contact them?

      Ans:  Yes, there are Child Welfare Committee and District Child Protection Units in every district. Contact details of all functionaries are available                     in  www.wcdodisha.gov.in  and  www.oscps.nic.in

      6.3 How many Child Care Institutions are there?

      Ans:  In Odisha we have 244 no’s of registered Child Care Institution (CCI)s in the state.

      6.4 Which category of children are cared in these CCIs?

      Ans: Two, i. Children in need of care & protection, ii. Children in conflict with law.

      6.5 Are CCIs functional even during lock down?

      Ans: Yes, children are there doing study, yoga, game and recreational activities maintaining social distance.

      6.6 I am a guardian of a child in need of care and protection and took my child from CCI. When should I take back her/him to the CCI?

      Ans: It is generally advisable for the child to be in the family for his/her best interest. Try the best to keep the child with you. In case of any difficulty dail        1098. Concerned District Child Protection Unit will contact you.

 

      6.7 What about the children at temporary shelter?

      Ans: They have equal rights like the elders and duty bearers need to give special attention.

      6.8 Can I apply for adoption during the lockdown period?

      Ans: Yes you can. For details please visit: www.cara.nic.in

      6.9 Can individual or institutional donors support these children/CCIs?

      Ans: Yes, they are welcome. However, entry inside such institutions are restricted and a prescribed protocol is to be followed.

      6.10 Can individual or institutional donors visit these children/CCIs?

      Ans: No, Outsider entry is restricted.

      6.11 I have seen a vulnerable child, what to do?

      Ans:  Dial 1098 or report to local police.

      6.12 My child is missing, what to do?

      Ans:  Report to local police at 100

7.  FAQs for public on MAMATA during COVID 19 pandemic

          7.1 Who will be eligible under MAMATA scheme?

Ans.       The Pregnant & Lactating women of 19 years age and above for the first 2 live births are eligible for MAMATA scheme except all employees of Government/Public Sector Undertakings (Central and State) and their wives

   However, the first 2 live birth norm is relaxed for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).They will get MAMATA benefits irrespective of any number of live births.

         7.2 What are the benefits given under MAMATA scheme?

Ans. The amount of Rs 5000/- is given to the beneficiary in two instalments through E- transfer directly to the  bank account of the beneficiary  as below:

•      First instalment  Rs 3000/-- during 3rd trimester of pregnancy
•      Second instalment  Rs 2000/- after the infant completes 10 months of age .

 

        7.3 I have returned from other states during the lockdown and I am not registered for MAMATA benefits. Am I entitled for the benefits of                   MAMATA scheme? How can I get myself registered under MAMATA scheme?

Ans. Yes, if you fulfil the eligibility condition with a pregnancy up to four months  and you have not obtained/ registered for any other state/ Central Govt maternity benefits scheme, you can register yourself at Anganwadi centre (AWC)/ Mini AWC/ Sub Centre of your area. Later, you should open a bank account in any NEFT facility bank for transfer of your entitlement. Opening of bank account is not compulsory for registration, how ever for transfer of money, bank account is mandatory.

      7.4 What are the conditions to be fulfilled to get 1st instalment in the scheme?

Ans. The conditions to get 1st instalment in the scheme are:

• Pregnancy registered at the AWC/Mini AWC.
• Received at least 2 antenatal check-up (ANC) i.e. 1st ANC visit within 16 weeks of pregnancy & 2nd ANC visit within 14-26 weeks of pregnancy.
• Received IFA tablets.
• Received at least one TT vaccination (out of optimal 2).
• Received at least one counselling session at the AWC/ Village Health and Nutrition Day (VHND)/ Home Visit.

      7.5 What are the conditions to be fulfilled to get 2nd instalment in the scheme?

        Ans: To get 2nd instalment in the scheme, the conditions are:

1. Child birth is registered at AWC or HSC.
2. Child has received BCG vaccination.
3. Child has received Pentavalent 1 & 2 & 3 vaccinations.
4. Child has received Polio 1 & 2 & 3 vaccinations.
5. Child has received Rotavirus 1 & 2 & 3 vaccinations.
6. Child has received Mealses vaccine before attaining 1 year of age
7. Child has received Vitamin-A first dose before attaining 1 year of age
8. Mother has attended at least six Growth Monitoring and IYCF counselling sessions after delivery till 9 months
9. Child has been exclusively breastfed for first six months (self-certification)
10. Child has been introduced to complementary food on completion of six months of age (self- certification)
11. Child is being fed age-appropriate complementary feeding and continuing (self- certification)

 

8. FAQs for public on WD during COVID 19 pandemic

       8.1 During lock down, where to call or seek assistance if any kind of abuse / harassment or violence occurred on girls and women during                       lockdown?

Ans: For any kind of information and referral services relating to women, one can dial - “Women Helpline Toll free number -181”. The Women helpline provides toll-free 24-hours telecom service to women affected by violence seeking support and information. This facility is functional even during lock down.

      8.2 During lock down how to register or communicate on Domestic Violence cases/issues?

Ans The Department of WCD & MS introduced a WhatsApp number for reporting cases of domestic violence. The WhatsApp number is 7205006039, in addition to 181 helpline number (Women Helpline). This service is continuing even during lock down.

      8.3 Is there any support system to help distress women at the districts?

Ans: Yes, there are One Stop Centres functioning in all 30 districts even during lock down. One Stop Centre provides integrated support and assistance to women/girls affected by violence. It facilitates immediate, emergency and non-emergency access to an integrated range of services including medical, legal, psychological and counselling support. these centres are operational 24 X 7.

They are primarily located in District Health Headquarters or its nearby. Call Women Helpline- 181 to find the nearest One Stop Centres.

       8.4 Where do a distress or aggrieved women get psycho-social counselling?

Ans: There are professional counsellors in Women Helpline and Once stop Centres. During this lock down counselling is provided through telephone call to the women in need of support.

      8.5 Whether any distress women can contact State Commission for Women during lockdown?

Ans: Yes. During this lockdown, the State Commission of Women has introduced a WhatsApp number-8763543013. Any women can register any kind of case of violence at this number. The Commission is providing immediate support to the case registered.

      8.6 If a child marriage is going to happen, where to give complaint or information during lock down?

Ans: One can Dial or Call to Women Helpline -181 or Child Line-1098.

 

Directorate of Mission Shakti

 

FAQ on Urban Wage Employment Initiatives (UWEI)

          1. What is UWEI scheme?

Ans. Urban Wage Employment Initiatives (UWEI) is launched by Housing & Urban Development Department, Government of Odisha for enabling the poor who are mostly working in the informal sector to get immediate wages by executing labour intensive projects to tackle COVID-19 situation which will be executed in all the 114 Urban Local Bodies of the State.

          2. What are the objectives of the scheme UWEI?

Ans. To provide employment to the urban poor, who are in immediate need of it due to counter adverse impact of COVID-19, for undertaking monsoon preparedness activities and creation of public assets.

         3. Is there any role to be played by women Self Help Groups (SHGs) in implementation of UWEI?

Ans.  Yes. Self Help Groups (SHG)s will be engaged as Implementing Partners (IP) for execution of projects at each ward of ULB.

          4. What are the works to be executed under UWEI?

Ans. Works as per need in the locality & labour intensive potential in providing wage employment like de-siltation of drains, construction of percolation tank, Construction of micro community shelters/ SHG work centres, Plantations, Development of new water bodies, public parks/ playgrounds, Beautification of city through wall paintings and murals etc.

          5. What are the supervision charges to IP under UWEI scheme?

Ans. In case of works with an estimated cost up-to Rs. 1.00 lakh, the IP shall be paid @7.5% of the total estimated cost of the project as Supervision Charges. In case of works with an estimated cost of more than Rs. 1.00 lakh, the IP shall be paid @ 7.5% of the wage component of the project as Supervision Charges. 

          6. What are the specific roles of SHGs in respect of executing works under UWEI?

Ans. SHGs will spread awareness in each ward for mass awareness about the scheme. They will identify list of projects for recommendations, collection of applications from interested wage earners, monitoring and supervision of work, maintenance of muster roll and weekly submission to ULBs concerned, payment to the wage earners through DBT in case of projects within Rs.1.00 lakh, maintenance of registers.

          7. Can a SHG work as IP in multiple projects simultaneously?

Ans. No. But can be reengaged considering their performance in previous project and as per list of empanelled SHGs.

          8. Who can be engaged as wage earners under UWEI?

Ans. Interested people at each ward in ULBs can work as wage earners based on their skill as per the requirement in the project.

FAQ on Swachha Sathi

         9. Who would be the community link and act as change agent for decentralised solid waste management in Urban Local Bodies (ULBs)?

Ans. A Swachha Sathi is the community link and act as change agent for decentralised solid waste management in Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).

         10. Could women SHG be a Swachha Sathi?

Ans. One of the Dynamic WSHGs of that locality will nominate suitable members as Swachha Sathis for different areas in the assigned wards having educational qualification not below +2 level (preferably). However, the educational qualification may be relaxed in case of non-availability of suitable candidate.

         11.How Swachha Sathis are selected?

Ans. The concerned Urban Local Bodies will select a dynamic WSHG of that locality. The selected WSHG will nominate suitable members as Swachha Sathi for different areas in the assigned wards as per Letter No 13480 dated 30.7.19 of Director Municipal Administration, Housing & Urban Development Department.

         12. Who will orient the Swachha Sathi / WSHG regarding different components of Solid Waste Management of that locality?

Ans. Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) will orient the Swachha Sathi / WSHG regarding different components of Solid Waste Management of that locality.

          13. How a Swachha Sathi sensitise their locality?

Ans. Swachha Sathis should sensitise all households in the locality to do the source segregation of waste materials at household level itself with demonstration about Micro Composting in the locality. The Swachha Sathi must sensitise local markets/Schools / institutions / Parks regarding this.

         14. What is the incentive for a Swachha Sathi?

Ans. An incentive of Rupees 4000/- per month will be paid to the WSHG for every 600 households by the ULB on the basis of the work done by it.

         15. What is the procedure for getting the incentives?

Ans. The incentive will be given directly to the Bank Account of the WSHG and not to the Swachha Sathi (Member of the WSHG).The Groups are free to use one or more members for performing the assigned responsibilities.

         16. Who is a Supervisor?

Ans. The WSHG may identify one Supervisor to monitor, support & supervise the functioning and performance of Swachha Sathis engaged for every 2400 households (roughly four Swachha Sathis).

         17. Could a WSHG member be the Supervisor?

Ans. The Supervisors may also be from among the Women Self-help Group members functioning in those wards/clusters having graduation as minimum qualification (subject to availability).

         18.What is the incentive for a Supervisor?

Ans. Incentive for Supervisors will be paid at the rate of up to Rs. 8000/- per month for every 2400 households.

FAQ on Jal Sathi

         19. What is WATCOM?

Ans. An initiative of Govt of Odisha on water supply management through community Participation.

         20. How and where the programme is being implemented?

Ans.  The programme is being implemented in Bhubaneswar and other PHEO divisions of the state through Jal Sathis.

          21. Could women SHG be a Jal Sathi?

Ans. Yes. Active WSHGs of the locality will nominate suitable members as Jal Sathis for different areas in the assigned wards having educational qualification not below 10th class level. A Jal Sathi can either be an individual member(s) proposed by the selected WSHG.

          22. How Jal Sathis are selected?

Ans. The concerned Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) will select a dynamic WSHG of that locality. The selected WSHG will nominate suitable members as Jal Sathis for different areas in the assigned wards with reference to the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) of Housing & Urban Development Department, Govt of Odisha.

          23. What are the main roles and responsibilities of the WSHG as Jal Sathi?

Ans. Women Self Help Groups (Jal Sathis) will be selected ward-wise and will be engaged to work as community links between the service provider WATCO and the consumers. Conduct Door-to-Door survey for Distributing new connection application forms and collecting the same duly filled up to facilitate new water supply connections, Distribution of Bills and Collection of User Charges etc.

          24. What are the incentives for Jal Sathis?

Ans. The following are the incentives for Jal Sathis:

The selected WSHG will receive Rs. 100/- per new water supply connection.

The selected WSHG will receive 5% of the collection made towards monthly water user charges.

The selected WSHG will receive, one time, 50% of the increased amount collected after reassessment of billing amounts.

The incentive will be deposited directly to the Bank Account of the WSHG in any nationalised/scheduled Bank and not of any Jal Sathi (Member of        the  WSHG) individually. 

The WSHG is free to use one or more members for performing the assigned responsibilities

FAQ on Financial Assistance

          25. What is SHG Bank Linkage Programme?

Ans. SHG-Bank Linkage Programme is a major Financial Inclusion initiative, aiming at ensuring access to institutional credit by Women Self Help Groups, thereby promoting sustainable livelihoods.

          26. Whether women SHG Bank Linkage programme will continue during COVID 19 pandemic?

Ans. Women SHG Bank Linkage programme is a continuous process like other banking services. This Bank Linkage programme will continue during COVID 19 pandemic.

27. What are the financial measures taken by the Government and RBI to safe guard the interest of Women SHG?

Ans. The Ministry of Finance, Government of India has increased the collateral free SHG bank loan amounting up to Rs. 20 lakh instead of Rs.10 lakh to WSHGs.

         Similarly, the RBI has announced certain regulatory measures to mitigate the burden of debt by allowing banks to grant a moratorium of three months on payment of all instalments due between March 1, 2020 and May 31, 2020.

          28. Whether all WSHGs are eligible to avail the three month moratorium benefits declared by RBI from their respective banks?

Ans. Yes, all the existing loanee WSHGs (applicable for all term loan and cash credit loan) are eligible to avail the benefits under the package from their respective banks. This is available to all such account, which are Standard Asset as on 1st March 2020. 

          29. What is Mission Shakti Loan?

Ans. In recognition of women members’ efforts towards entrepreneurship at SHG level and to reduce the interest burden on WSHGs, the State Government launched the State Interest Subvention Scheme which is known as “Mission Shakti Loan”– Interest free loan for WSHGs.  

         It is aimed at benefiting all prompt and regular repaying WSHGs functioning in the State (both rural and urban areas), irrespective of their promoting agency and availing loan at 0% rate of interest per annum by SHGs, for loans up to Rs. 3 lakh effective from 1st April, 2019, by getting reimbursement of interest as per the provision of the Mission Shakti Loan – State Interest Subvention programme.

          30. Whether SHGs will enjoy the benefit of receiving Interest Subvention on the loan repayment (after the moratorium period)?

Ans. Yes. The SHGs can get the benefit of availing the Interest Subvention after the moratorium period on repayment of loan as per their loan repayment schedule.

          31. Is there any special additional loan provision for women SHGs made by Banks to address the financial slowdown during the COVID -19 pandemic?

Ans. Yes. Banks have come up with special COVID-19 loan for WSHGs to meet their emergent need during this period. The salient features are:

i.        The scheme is aimed to provide finance to all the existing credit linked Self Help Groups by respective banks, having satisfactory track record of at least last six months.

ii.       The quantum of fiancé will be need based not linked to saving/thrift of the SHG. Maximum amount not exceeding Rs. 5000/- per member and maximum ceiling Rs. 1,00,000/- (one lakh Rupees only) per SHG of  20 members.

iii.      This facility is in addition to the existing credit facilities availed by the group and available in form of Term Loan.

iv.      The repayment period and availability of this scheme varies from bank to bank. 

          32. How the SHG will avail the special additional loan benefit under COVID-19?

Ans. The eligible / interested SHGs have to approach their respective bank branches for availing the additional financial support under this scheme.

          33. Whether WSHGs are eligible to get the Interest Subvention on the special additional financial provision?

Ans. Yes, the SHGs are also eligible for State Interest Subvention on prompt repayment under Mission Shakti Loan Scheme.  

FAQ on Fish Farming in GP Tanks

          34. Are women SHGs allowed to continue with fish farming in GP tanks during the lockdown period?

Ans. Yes. As per the Revenue & Disaster Management Department Order No. 2214 dated 17.04.2020, women SHG members can continue with fish farming in GP tanks during the lockdown period.

          35. Which activities in particular related to fish farming in GP tanks are allowed to be undertaken by women SHGs?

Ans.  Feeding, maintenance of farm pond, harvesting, processing, packaging, cold chain maintenance are allowed during this lockdown.

         36. Can women SHGs harvest and sell fish from Gram Panchayat (GP) tanks during the lockdown period?

Ans. Yes. Duly following the safety protocols, women SHG members can harvest and sell fish from the GP tanks in the nearby markets / local markets during the lockdown period.

         Functioning of fish harbours, fish landing centres, fish net manufacturing unit, fish net mending sheds and fish drying yards, movement of fish and fish products, fish feed and workers for all these activities are permitted with strict adherence to safety protocols.

          37. Who should be contacted for technical support pertaining to fish farming in GP tanks during the lockdown?

Ans. The Asst Fisheries Officer of each block may be contacted for technical support pertaining to fish farming in GP tanks. At the district level, the office of the DFO may be contacted for technical supervision.

FAQ on Mushroom and Vegetable Cultivation

         38. Can women SHGs undertake mushroom and vegetable cultivation and sell their produce during the lockdown period?

Ans. Yes. As per Disaster Management Department Order No. 2214 dated 17.04.2020, women SHG members can undertake mushroom and vegetable cultivation at a commercial scale and sell their produce in local markets following the recommended safety protocols.

          39. Which activities in particular related to mushroom and vegetable cultivation are allowed to be undertaken by women SHGs?

 Ans. Sowing, nursery preparation, land preparation, irrigation, planting, harvesting, processing, packing, all post-harvest activities, seed growing, distribution and sale of seeds, transportation of raw seed, seed storage, processing, grading and packaging, movement of vehicles involving above activities, crop cutting experiments / loss assessment for crop insurance, extension / demonstration / development & IEC activities, any other activity incidental to agriculture / horticulture / floriculture, all activities relating to Kharif crop loans by banks  are permitted with strict adherence to safety protocols.

          40. Who should be contacted for technical support pertaining to mushroom and vegetable cultivation during the lockdown?

Ans. The Block level Horticulture Officer may be contacted for technical support pertaining to mushroom and vegetable cultivation. At the district level, the office of the DHO may be contacted for technical supervision.

FAQ on Poultry Farming

         41. Can women SHGs undertake poultry farming during the lockdown period? Which activities in particular are allowed to be undertaken by women               SHGs?

Ans. Yes. As per Disaster Management Department Order No. 2214 dated 17.04.2020, women SHG members can undertake poultry farming at a commercial scale following the recommended safety protocols.

          42. Which activities in particular related to poultry farming are allowed to be undertaken by women SHGs?

 Ans. Operation of poultry farm & hatchery, poultry feed manufacturing, transportation, distribution and retailing of feed including supply of raw materials such as maize and soya are permitted with strict adherence to safety protocols.

         43. Can women SHGs construct the approved poultry sheds under MGNREGS during lockdown?

Ans. Yes. As per Disaster Management Department Order No. 2214 dated 17.04.2020, Women SHGs members can construct poultry sheds undertaken under MGNREGS while following due norms and protocols during lockdown.

          MGNREGS works are allowed with strict implementation of social distancing and wearing face mask.

          44. Who should be contacted for technical support pertaining to poultry farming during the lockdown?

Ans. The Block Veterinary Officer or nearby Livestock Aid Centre may be contacted for technical support pertaining to poultry farming. At the district level, the office of the CDVO may be contacted for technical supervision.

FAQ on Paddy Procurement

          45. Can the women SHGs undertake paddy procurement during the lockdown period?

Ans. Yes. As per Disaster Management Department Order No. 2214 dated 17.04.2020, select women SHGs can undertake paddy procurement at GP level in designated districts following the recommended safety protocols as per SOP issued by the Department of Civil Supplies and Consumer Welfare during the lockdown period.  

          46. Who should be contacted for technical support pertaining to paddy procurement during the lockdown?

Ans. The Supply Inspector of the block and the Asst Civil Supplies Officer may be contacted for technical support pertaining to paddy procurement. At the district level, the office of the CSO may be contacted for redressal of queries.

          47. Are women SHGs going to procure Rabi paddy in selected PACs during May this year?

Ans. Yes. Selected women SHGs in the districts namely Nuapada, Kalahandi, Bargarh, Bolangir, Sonepur, Jajpur and Koraput are going to procure Rabi paddy from the month of May 2020 observing the advisories communicated by the Department of Civil Supplies and Consumer Welfare through SOP (Letter No. 7145 dated 17.04.2020 and Letter No. 7362 dated 29.04.2020).

FAQ on Engagement of WSHGs as Site Supervisor under MGNREGS

         48. Can women SHGs act as Site Supervisor for construction of farm ponds at GP level during the lockdown period?

Ans. Yes. As per the & Disaster Management Department Order No. 2214 dated 17.04.2020, selected women SHGs can work as Site Supervisor for digging of farm ponds executed by Soil Conservation and Watershed Development Department, labour mobilisation and maintenance of muster roll following the recommended safety protocols during the lockdown period.

         49. Who should be contacted for technical support pertaining to engagement of SHGs as Site Supervisor for construction of farm ponds at GP level?

Ans. The Block level officer of the Soil Conservation and Watershed Development Department may be contacted for technical support pertaining to engagement of SHGs as Site Supervisor for construction of farm ponds at GP level. At the district level, the office of the DSCO may be contacted for redressal of technical queries.

         50. What is the incentive for SHGs as site supervisors?

Ans. The SHGs will get Rs.338/- per day (As per semi-skilled wage rate under MGNREGS) for their supervisory role.

FAQ on Production and Supply of Take Home Ration (THR)

         51. Can women SHGs undertake production and supply of Take Home Ration (THR) during the lockdown period?

Ans. Yes. As per the & Disaster Management Department Order No. 2214 dated 17.04.2020, authorised women SHGs can undertake production and supply of Take Home Ration (THR) during the lockdown period following recommended safety protocols.

         52. Who should be contacted for technical support pertaining to production and supply of Take Home Ration (THR) during the lockdown?

Ans. The CDPO at the ICDS project level may be contacted for guidance on production and supply of Take Home Ration (THR). At the district level, the office of the DSWO may be contacted for redressal of queries.

 

FAQ on Manufacturing of Cotton / Cloth Masks

          53. Can the women SHGs manufacture cotton / cloth masks?

Ans. Yes. Following the norms prescribed vide Order No. 2126 / R & DM (DM) dated 06.04.2020 of Chief Secretary & Chairperson State Executive Committee of Novel Corona Virus and Notification No. 9696 dated 09.04.2020 of the Health & Family Welfare Department, Government of Odisha, women SHGs can produce / manufacture and sell cotton / cloth masks to various Government as well as private agencies and public at large at nominal price.

 

FAQ on Managing Free Kitchens

          54. Can women SHGs provide free hot cooked meals to the needy and vulnerable sections of the society at GP level?

Ans. Yes. As per the decision of the Government, women SHGs can be detailed to manage the GP level Free Kitchen Centres. They can prepare and supply hot cooked meals to the needy and vulnerable sections of the society free of cost by observing due norms and safety protocols. The cost of the meal will be borne by the Government.

 

FAQ on Operating Fair Price Shops under Public Distribution (PDS)

          55. Can women SHGs operate Fair Price Shops under Public Distribution (PDS) during the lockdown period?

Ans. Yes. The SHGs having dealer license can operate Fair Price Shops under Public Distribution (PDS) during the lockdown period.

         56. Who should be contacted for technical support pertaining to operation of Fair Price Shops under Public Distribution (PDS) during the lockdown                 period?

Ans. The Marketing Inspector of the block and the Asst Civil Supplies Officer may be contacted for technical support pertaining to operation of Fair Price Shops under Public Distribution (PDS) during the lockdown period. At the district level, the office of the CSO may be contacted for redressal of queries.

          57. Who should be contacted in Mission Shakti at block / ICDS project level for issues relating to SHGs?

Ans. The Block Programme Coordinator (BPC)/ Block Mission Shakti Coordinator (BMSC) at the ICDS Project office may be contacted for issues relating to Mission Shakti. In case the issues are not sorted out, the CDPO of the ICDS project may be contacted.

          58. Who should be contacted in Mission Shakti at the district level for issues relating to SHGs?

          Ans: The District Project Coordinator (DPC) / the District Mission Shakti Coordinator (DMSC) at the office of the DSWO are to be contacted. In case              the issues are not sorted out, the DSWO of the district may be contacted.