Training on Operation and Maintenance of FSTPs for Women SHGs in Khurja, Raebareli, Sitapur, and Jaunpur

Overview:

The AMRUT Mitra initiative, launched in March 2024 across all states, aims to empower women financially and socially by involving them in day-to-day operations and maintenance of Faecal Sludge Treatment Plants (FSTPs) and other projects. The Government of Uttar Pradesh has implemented a total of 87 projects under this initiative, costing Rs 794.71 Lakhs and involving 804 women. Out of these projects, only four relate to the management of FSTPs, while the rest focus on drinking water testing.

Engagement of SHG Women:

In the four cities of Sitapur, Khurja, Raebareli, and Jaunpur, a total project cost of Rs. 34 Lakhs was allotted, involving 16 women where each city engaged four SHG women. Each city with Faecal Sludge Treatment Facilities comprises four women: one designated as the Supervisor and three as AMRUT MITRA. SHGs are primarily composed of women, and their involvement in the AMRUT Mitra scheme ensures the smooth and effective functioning of treatment plants. After the engagement of women at the treatment plants, the CSE team provided comprehensive onsite training in all four cities.

Training Participants:

More than 46 participants attended the training, including:

  • Four SHG women from each city.
  • ULB officials, including Executive Officers, UIS, SFIs, Junior Engineers, DPMs, CO, and CMM from DUDA.
  • Additional staff deputed at Treatment Plants like safety personnel, gardeners, etc.

Training Dates:

  1. Khurja - 16 July 2023
  2. Sitapur - 18 July 2023
  3. Raebareli - 19 July 2023
  4. Jaunpur - 25 July 2023

Training Programme Structure:

To ensure the training was effective and met the specific needs of the SHG women, a systematic approach was adopted.

Training Needs Assessment:

Personal interviews and focused group discussions were conducted with SHG women at their respective treatment plants before designing the training sessions. This assessment helped identify the operational and maintenance challenges they faced, ensuring the training content was relevant and practical.

Training Content:

The one-day training programme was designed to raise awareness and build capacity around faecal sludge and septage management. Key areas covered included:

  • Treatment Technologies: Detailed discussions on the treatment technologies present in each city, highlighting the unique and different treatment chains in the four cities.
  • Health and Safety: Emphasis on the importance of wearing PPE kits and the presence of first aid kits to ensure safety during operations.
  • Sanitation Value Chain: An in-depth exploration of various stages in the sanitation value chain to provide a comprehensive understanding.

The training sessions aimed to deliver practical knowledge tailored to the specific needs of SHG women. Understanding their challenges in depth allowed for focused and effective training, addressing their immediate needs and long-term operational goals.

Training Coordinator

Alka Kumari
Programme Officer

 

Tags: