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PARA successfully organized three Residential Training Programs for District Vigilance and Monitoring Committee (DVMC) and Community Vigilance and Monitoring Committee (CVMC) members on the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 and its Rules. The training programs were conducted from 3rd June to 5th June 2026 at Montfort Social Institute, Ramanthapur, Hyderabad.

The objective of the training was to strengthen the knowledge and capacities of DVMC and CVMC members on the effective implementation of the SC/ST (PoA) Act and Rules, victim protection mechanisms, legal remedies, and community-based monitoring of atrocity cases.

Inaugural Session

The training program commenced with a solemn inaugural session. Participants and guests paid tribute to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar by garlanding his portrait and collectively reciting the Preamble of the Constitution of India, reaffirming their commitment to justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.

The inaugural session was graced by distinguished guests and resource persons including:

Ø  Mr. Paul Divakar – Human Rights Activist

Ø  Ms. Geddam Jhansi – Dalit Women Rights Activist

Ø  Mr. Desal Bhupal – Telangana State RTI Commissioner

Ø  Br. Varghese – Director, Montfort Social Institute

Ø  Mr. D. Narasimha – Telangana State High Court Judge-cum-Public Prosecutor

Ø  Mr. Nandagopal – Former Director of Sakshi and Human Rights Activist

Ø  Mr. Edwin – Scholar and Human Rights Activist

Ø  Mr. Penki Chitti Babu – Program Manager

During the inaugural session, the speakers highlighted the efforts and achievements of DBSU in addressing caste-based atrocities and supporting victims despite numerous challenges. They emphasized the importance of strengthening grassroots vigilance mechanisms and ensuring effective implementation of constitutional safeguards for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

A significant highlight of the inauguration was the formal release of the Training Module on the SC/ST (PoA) Act and Rules, which will serve as an important resource for community leaders, activists, and committee members.

Key Training Sessions

Over the three-day residential training, participants engaged in intensive learning and discussions on various legal, administrative, and advocacy-related aspects concerning the rights of SC/ST communities. The major topics covered included:

1. Overview of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and Rules.
2. Government Order (G.O.) No. 95 relating to crime registration and compensation for victims.
3. Protection of victims and witnesses and their legal rights.
4. Fact-finding methodologies and documentation of atrocity cases.
5. Right to Information (RTI) Act and filing RTI applications using appropriate legal provisions.
6. Legal Clinics and their role in community justice.
7. Judicial activism and access to justice mechanisms.
8. District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) services and legal aid provisions.

The resource persons provided practical insights, case studies, and field experiences, enabling participants to better understand legal procedures and intervention strategies for atrocity cases.

Participation

The training witnessed active participation from DVMC and CVMC members representing various districts of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

Andhra Pradesh

• Vizianagaram
• Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema
• Prakasam
• Guntur
• Kadapa
• Manyam

Telangana

• Mahabubnagar
• Rangareddy
• Yadadri Bhuvanagiri
• Warangal
• Suryapet
• Vikarabad
• Khammam

The participants actively shared their field experiences, challenges, and best practices in addressing caste-based discrimination and atrocities in their respective regions.

Outcomes

The training enhanced participants' understanding of:

• Legal provisions under the SC/ST (PoA) Act and Rules.
• Procedures for securing justice, compensation, and rehabilitation for victims.
• Community-based monitoring and vigilance mechanisms.
• Effective use of RTI and legal aid services.
• Fact-finding and documentation skills for atrocity cases.
• Strengthening collaboration with government agencies, DLSA, and other stakeholders.

The program also created a platform for networking and collective learning among DVMC and CVMC members across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

Conclusion

The three-day residential training program successfully strengthened the capacities of DVMC and CVMC members to advocate for the rights of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and to effectively respond to atrocity cases. The sessions reinforced the importance of community vigilance, legal awareness, and coordinated action in ensuring justice, dignity, and constitutional rights for marginalized communities.

PARA expresses its sincere gratitude to all the resource persons, participants, and the Montfort Social Institute for their valuable support and contribution to the successful conduct of the program.

International Labour Day (MAY DAY) was solemnly and enthusiastically celebrated at Ravulapalem by PARA in collaboration with various labour unions. The program was organized with the objective of honoring the invaluable contributions of workers and creating awareness about their rights, dignity, and social importance.

The celebration commenced with a flag hoisting ceremony, which symbolized the unity, strength, and collective spirit of the working class. The atmosphere was filled with a sense of solidarity and respect for labourers who form the backbone of society.

Fr. Simharayulu, Assistant Director of PARA, was the chief speaker on the occasion. In his address, he elaborated on the historical background and significance of International Labour Day. He spoke about the struggles faced by workers across the world, particularly recalling movements that fought for basic rights such as fair wages, reasonable working hours, and safe working conditions. He emphasized that Labour Day is not just a celebration, but also a reminder of the ongoing responsibility to protect and promote workers’ rights.

He further encouraged the gathering to remain united and aware, stressing that collective action and solidarity are essential in addressing the challenges faced by labourers even today. He also appreciated the role of organizations like PARA and trade unions in supporting marginalized workers and promoting social justice at the grassroots level.

The program witnessed active and meaningful participation from PARA staff, trade union leaders, and women engaged in field-level activities. The presence of women participants highlighted the significant role they play in the labour force and community development. Their involvement added depth to the program and reflected the inclusive nature of the initiative.

Trade union leaders also expressed their views informally, reinforcing the importance of unity among workers and the need for continued efforts to safeguard labour rights in changing socio-economic conditions.

The celebration served as an important platform for reflection, awareness, and solidarity. It not only honored the contributions of workers but also strengthened the commitment of all stakeholders towards ensuring dignity, equality, and justice for labourers.

A one-day training program on “Early Identification and Interventions” was successfully conducted on 27 March 2026 at Ravulapalem for Anganwadi Workers. The program aimed at strengthening grassroots-level capacity in identifying developmental delays and disabilities among young children and ensuring timely intervention. It brought together Anganwadi Workers, ICDS officials, and representatives from development organizations, creating a platform for learning, discussion, and collaboration.

Objectives of the Program

The primary objective of the training was to enhance the knowledge and skills of Anganwadi Workers in identifying developmental delays and disabilities among children in the early stages, particularly from birth to six years. The program also aimed to improve their understanding of various types of disabilities and equip them with practical methods for community-level identification. Another important objective was to strengthen coordination between ICDS functionaries and voluntary organizations to ensure better service delivery and support systems for children and their families.

Introductory words:

The program began with an address by Mr. Badugu Mahima Rao, CBR Coordinator, PARA, who emphasized the critical importance of early identification of disabilities, especially before the age of three years. He highlighted that early detection plays a vital role in enabling timely interventions, which can significantly reduce the severity of disabilities and improve the overall quality of life of children.

In his session, he explained different types of disabilities including physical, intellectual, sensory, and developmental conditions. He also elaborated on early signs such as delayed developmental milestones, behavioral changes, and communication difficulties. Practical guidance was provided on simple methods and tools that Anganwadi Workers can use at the community level to identify children at risk and refer them for further support.

Resource team on topic:

The technical session was conducted by Ms. Badugu Subbayamma, who provided detailed insights into government welfare schemes and entitlements available for persons with disabilities. She explained the 21 categories of disabilities recognized under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, helping participants gain a clear understanding of the legal framework.

She also guided participants on the procedures for accessing benefits such as disability certification, pensions, assistive devices, and other support services. Emphasis was placed on the role of Anganwadi Workers in supporting families by providing accurate information, assisting with documentation, and linking them to relevant services.

ICDS Interventions

Ms. Chandrakala, ICDS Sector Supervisor, addressed the participants and stressed the importance of following government norms and guidelines in all processes related to child welfare. She highlighted the need for transparency and accountability, especially in sensitive matters such as adoption and child protection.

She also emphasized strengthening coordination between Anganwadi Workers and organizations such as PARA and LAMP. She encouraged the workers to actively collaborate with these organizations to improve outreach, ensure timely referrals, and enhance the overall quality of services delivered at the grassroots level.

Skill Development Awareness Session

During the session, Mr. Prakash from DBTech introduced participants to various skill development initiatives being offered free of cost by PARA. He spoke about training programs such as Drone Technology and Solar Computing, which can provide new livelihood opportunities for youth and community members.

Participants were encouraged to identify and motivate eligible beneficiaries to take advantage of these programs, thereby contributing to economic empowerment and sustainable development within their communities.

Participation

The program witnessed active participation from 24 Anganwadi Workers, along with the ICDS Supervisor, resource persons, and representatives from PARA, LAMP, and DBTech. The participants actively engaged in discussions, shared field experiences, and clarified their doubts, making the sessions interactive and meaningful.

The training program resulted in improved knowledge and awareness among Anganwadi Workers regarding early identification of disabilities and developmental delays. Participants gained a better understanding of government schemes and legal provisions, enabling them to guide families more effectively.

The program also strengthened coordination between ICDS and voluntary organizations, fostering a collaborative approach to service delivery. Additionally, awareness of skill development initiatives created new avenues for community engagement and livelihood enhancement.

The training program concluded on a positive note, highlighting the importance of early identification, timely intervention, and coordinated efforts in addressing developmental challenges among children. It proved to be highly informative and practical, equipping Anganwadi Workers with essential knowledge and skills.

Overall, the program significantly contributed to strengthening grassroots-level systems and ensuring better support for children with developmental delays and disabilities, as well as their families.

Conclusion

It is recommended that similar training programs be conducted regularly to reinforce learning and update Anganwadi Workers on new developments. Introducing simple screening tools at Anganwadi centers can further support early identification efforts. Strengthening referral systems with health and rehabilitation services will improve outcomes, and increasing awareness among parents and communities will ensure better participation and early action. 

A training program on “Early Identification and Intervention for Anganwadi Workers (ICDS)” was successfully conducted on 28 March 2026 at the ICDS Divisional Office, Kothapeta, covering the Palivela and Kothapeta sectors. The program was organized by the People’s Action for Rural Awakening (PARA) under the leadership of Mr. Badugu Mahima Rao, CBR Coordinator, with the support of Manos Unidas. A total of 46 Anganwadi Teachers actively participated in the training, making it a significant capacity-building initiative at the grassroots level.

The primary objective of the program was to strengthen the knowledge and skills of Anganwadi Workers in the early identification of developmental delays and disabilities among children, particularly those below the age of three years. The training also aimed at improving their understanding of different types of disabilities and enhancing coordination between ICDS functionaries and voluntary organizations for better service delivery.

In his keynote address, Mr. Badugu Mahima Rao emphasized the critical importance of early identification and timely intervention. He explained that identifying developmental delays at an early stage can significantly reduce the long-term impact of disabilities and improve the overall quality of life of children. He elaborated on the various types of disabilities, the early signs and symptoms to be observed in children, and the simple methods and tools that can be used at the community level for early detection. His session provided practical insights that are directly applicable to the day-to-day work of Anganwadi Workers.

The technical session was facilitated by Ms. Badugu Subbayamma, who served as the resource person for the program. She delivered a detailed presentation on the government welfare schemes and pension provisions available for persons with disabilities. She also explained in depth the 21 categories of disabilities recognized under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, enabling participants to better understand the legal framework and classification. Further, she guided the participants on the procedures to access these entitlements, and how they can support families in availing the benefits effectively.

Ms. Begam, ICDS Sector Supervisor, Ravulapalem, addressed the participants and highlighted the importance of adhering to government norms and guidelines in all processes related to child welfare. She stressed the need for strong coordination between Anganwadi Workers and organizations such as PARA and LAMP, which can help in ensuring timely support and services to children with developmental delays and disabilities. Her address reinforced the role of convergence in improving outcomes at the community level.

During the program, Mr. Prakash (DBTech), representing PARA, provided information on ongoing skill development initiatives offered by the organization. He shared details about training opportunities in Drone Technology and Solar Computing, encouraging participants to inform eligible beneficiaries and youth in their communities about these programs for enhancing livelihood opportunities.

The training program witnessed the active participation of all 46 Anganwadi Workers, along with ICDS supervisors and representatives from PARA and LAMP. The sessions were interactive and informative, allowing participants to engage, clarify doubts, and gain both theoretical knowledge and practical understanding relevant to their field responsibilities.

In conclusion, the program successfully reinforced the importance of early identification, timely intervention, and effective coordination among stakeholders. It strengthened the capacity of Anganwadi Workers by equipping them with essential knowledge and practical skills required to identify developmental delays and support children and their families. The training is expected to contribute significantly to improving service delivery and ensuring better developmental outcomes for children at the grassroots level.

The training program on “Early Identification and Interventions to Anganwadi Workers (ICDS)” was successfully conducted on 30 March 2026 at Penikeru Anganwadi Centre in Narsipudi Sector, Alamuru Mandal. The program was organized by People’s Action for Rural Awakening (PARA) under the leadership of Badugu Mahima Rao, CBR Coordinator, with support from Manos Unidas. A total of 26 Anganwadi Teachers actively participated in the training, representing the ICDS sector of the region. The session aimed to strengthen grassroots-level capacity in addressing developmental challenges among children.

The primary objective of the training was to enhance the ability of Anganwadi Workers to identify developmental delays and disabilities at an early stage, particularly among children below three years of age. The program focused on equipping participants with practical knowledge and skills to recognize early warning signs, thereby ensuring timely intervention. Additionally, the training emphasized improving coordination between ICDS functionaries and voluntary organizations to provide comprehensive support systems for children with disabilities.

In his keynote address, Badugu Mahima Rao stressed that early identification plays a critical role in reducing the severity of disabilities and improving long-term developmental outcomes. He highlighted that Anganwadi Workers serve as the first point of contact at the community level and therefore carry significant responsibility. The session included detailed explanations of various types of disabilities, their early symptoms, and simple, practical identification methods that can be applied at the Anganwadi level. His address reinforced the importance of proactive engagement and regular monitoring of children’s growth and development.

The resource person, Badugu Subbayamma, provided an in-depth session on the support systems available for persons with disabilities. She explained various government welfare schemes, including provisions related to healthcare, inclusive education, special education services, and social security benefits such as pensions. She also elaborated on the 21 categories of disabilities recognized under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, helping participants understand the legal framework. Furthermore, she guided Anganwadi Workers on how to assist families in accessing these services effectively, ensuring that eligible beneficiaries receive timely support.

The program was further strengthened by the presence of Satyaveni, ICDS Supervisor, who appreciated the initiative and noted that such training programs should be extended to all sectors. She highlighted that the session provided valuable insights and new information to the participants. She assured continued collaboration with PARA and other organizations, emphasizing that issues related to children with disabilities would be promptly addressed through coordinated efforts.

Overall, the training witnessed active engagement from all 26 participants, along with ICDS officials and representatives from PARA. The program concluded on a positive note, emphasizing the importance of early identification, timely intervention, and strong coordination among stakeholders. The training significantly enhanced the knowledge and practical skills of Anganwadi Workers, empowering them to play a more effective and proactive role in promoting inclusive child development at the community level.