ASLI Mitra: The Critical link for delivery of Disaster Management Objectives

 

One of the main reason for lack of implementation of actions planned in the Disaster Management program is the inability to identify a dedicated functionary who carries the message of proposed practices at the grass roots level. The capacity building essentially focuses on the Architects, Engineers, Administrators and sometimes the functionaries of the Panchayat. The fact that majority of construction activity is in the domain of non-engineered buildings or buildings constructed, planned through engineering intervention but executed without engineering supervision. As a result, majority of the rural buildings continue to put a large population at risk. This population at risk needs to be prepared for through regular inputs of good practices for preparedness, evacuation and post disaster actions. The proposes ASLI Mitra is a key functionary in the chain.

 

Besides creating competencies in all stakeholders, it is important that necessary mechanism for disseminating the knowledge to the last intended user of that knowledge is put in place.  The structure provided below identifies one such resource person who shall be responsible for disseminating the knowledge or inputs received by him as a part of capacity building training to the last link in the stakeholder chain, that is, local populace. This resource person shall be a grassroots level worker who will guide the local population of his/her area on Aapda Suraksha and act as administration’s Liaison for disseminating knowledge Inputs and delivering the feedback from public as Inputs to administration.

 

ASLI Mitra:

 

Expanded form of the acronym is:

A: Aapada

S: Surksha

L: Liason

I: Input

Mitra: Friend and a well-wisher

 

Basic role objectives of ASLI Mitra is defined as follows:

• Appraise prevailing risks and the potential of destruction to alert the significance of Aapada, the disaster.

• To provide inputs for the preparedness, evacuation and rehabilitation directions as well as provide vital inputs to the authorities where the implementation actions of the schemes is a weak link.

• Liaise with the population for motivation to act in accordance with the  proposed good practices.

• Liaise with the authorities about the weak areas where administration needs specific attention.

• Promote a culture of safety, ‘Surksha’, and explain the benefits to their own self as well as the community for collective good.

 

Functions of ASLI Mitra:

• ASLI Mitra is to be perceived as a “Champion of Safety against Disasters”

• ASLI Mitra shall be recognized under the District Level Disaster Management Plan.

• ASLI Mitra shall be trained through accredited system of training, outcome based performance assessment and capacity improvement.

• ASLI Mitra can be any resident of the village, in the age group of 25-45 years. He/she should be literate at least up to the class 10 standard and it may be relaxed considering availability constraint.

• ASLI Mitra is to be chosen through a process involving Panchayat, Block level Nodal officer and the Gram Sabha.

• Capacity building of ASLI Mitra shall be a continuous process and series of training sessions shall be conducted to acquire the necessary knowledge, skills and confidence for performing the spelled out roles.

• ASLI Mitra will receive performance based incentives for promoting disaster preparedness activities including financial and awards.

• ASLI Mitra  will be empowered with the knowledge and technical resource material to deliver message of Safety in respect of Disaster Prevention and Risk Mitigation at the first-contact level and community participation at the grass roots level.

• ASLI Mitra shall be primary person for contact by the community seeking advises and input on the disaster related matters.

• ASLI Mitra shall be the activist in the community who will create awareness on disaster management actions, its positive benefits to motivate and be the determinant of accountability to the Disaster Management programs of the State.

• ASLI Mitra  will promote good practices and make timely referrals to the upper chain for intervention in case the efforts don't yield desired outcome of safe practices or other impediments.

• ASLI Mitra will spread the message of structural (physical) interventions as well as managerial guidelines, including conducting drills amongst local population.

• ASLI Mitra  will also interface with other grass roots level functionaries, such as Anganwadi Workers, Panchayat Members, Gram Sabha Members, Gram Sewaks etc. to synergize the efforts, share the collective goodwill ultimate goal of well being and whose support is important for rapport.

         

ASLI Mitra support System

• A system of ASLI Mitra shall be implemented keeping a broad parameter of  one ASLI Mitra for a population of 5000 that should translate to about 1000 dwellings. In the rural areas, this can be moderated considering how sparce the population is.

• ASLI Mitra mentoring shall be carried out through s system of government officials under the District Level administration and Government recognized NGOs. Mentoring system of the ASLI Mitra shall be one of the main agenda items for the District Level Disaster Preparedness Monitoring and an essential part of District Disaster Management Plan.

• District Administrator may  delegate responsibilities of the management of ASLI Mitra through an documented, established and monitored system involving functionalries such as Tehsildars, SDMs, BDOs etc.

• Selection, Traning and monitoring of performance shall be conducted under the direct delegation of District Administrator for the Disaster Management.

• Familiarization with the area shall be coordinated by other grass roots level officially recognized functionaries, such as Anganwadi Workers, Panchayat Members, Gram Sabha Members, Gram Sewaks etc.

• Maintenance periodic diary of Records of ASLI Mitra Activities  shall be the document reviewed by designate official to determine the effectiveness of the ASLI Mitra.

• A meeting of ASLI Mitra of the sub-division shall be conducted inviting all the ASLI Mitra and discuss their achievements and difficulties, although they shall be in communication all the time through various channels. Such Sub-division level meetings shall be conducted by SDM or equivalent not more that 6 months apart.

 

Flow chart of Support of Mechanism of ASLI Mitra

To be prepared

 

Funding and Support Mechanism for Mechanism of ASLI Mitra

• The mechanism of ASLI Mitra is to be launched first in the high focus districts and then gradually extended to other parts of the State.

• Financial resources shall not be constraint for the travel of ASLI Mitra within the area of their jurisdiction, at least once in a quarter or as necessary. In addition, adequate financial support shall be provided for them to travel to Sub-division level meetings.

• In addition to the travel, a subsistence and honorarium shall also be set aside out of the budget for disaster preparedness. The same financial support shall be extended each time when they are called upon to attend at the locations of such training.

• The State may determine any additional financial support that may be necessary for discharge of their function.

 

State –wide Monitoring System of ASLI Mitra

• A central monitoring cell shall be critical for monitoring the performance of the ASLI Mitra mechanism.

• State Level Monitoring Cell under the State Disaster Management Authority for ASLI Mitra shall establish channels for communication to regularly update development and coordinate with the District Administration for any support that may be needed.

• State Level Monitoring Cell shall directly monitor training activities and ensure distribution of technical resource material.

 

Technical Resources and Guidelines for ASLI Mitra

• Technical resources shall be developed appropriate for the disaster risk in the correct language and detail. Over-engineered literature shall be avoided.

• Such technical literature shall consistent with the responsibilities assigned to the ASLI Mitra.

 

CAPACITY BUILDING System of Training of Trainers and Training of ASLI Mitra

• The system of training of ASLI Mitra shall be planned considering the following issues:

  • Functions of Disaster Management:

  • Stakeholders:

    • End Users

    • Household Owners and Occupants

    • Local Community Groups

  • Training Modules

  • Performance Criteria

  • Conducting Capacity Building Activities

  • Assessment of Capacity Building