After reports of starvation deaths in the KBK region in August 2001, Sahabhagi Vikas Abhiyan (SVA), Bhubaneshwar approached PSI to replicate its SMA (drought-proofing) work in western Orissa. PSI's initial studies revealed a picture of low resource productivity, high rural indebtedness and rampant corruption that siphoned away development funds from the intended beneficiaries. PSI then decided to support SVA to start Gram Swaraj Abhiyan, a process of self- reliant development in villages of Nuapada, Kalahandi, Bargarh and Bolangir districts. Initially the employees of BPL Innovision Group and the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund funded the programme. |