Seven years old Devansh had fractured his right hand after falling from the roof. Nimisha was suffering from neurological issues since birth. Five-year-old Abhay had cancer and need chemotherapy. 10-year-old Sonakshi had clot in her head and needed immediate surgery while 10-month-old Pankhuri had suffered head injury.
Only commonality among all these cases was that they belonged to extreme economically backward families and had no money for the treatment. But, the financial crisis was resolved by Mr Aunjaneya Kumar Singh, a 2005 batch-IAS officer.
There are innumerable such people facing hardship, who benefitted from a fund created by Mr Singh. It all began during the Covid-19 pandemic when Mr Singh was stunned to find a group of kids selling balloons on roadside. Despite holding a powerful position of DM, Rampur, he felt constrained to help the children earn a decent amount to help their families, whose main bread-winner was bed-ridden.
Later, the problem was discussed with the core team. “Nivedita, the assistant savings officer in-charge of the district’s official social media accounts and the ICCC, shared an idea to create a system that would allow “needy youngsters” to receive assistance right away without having to go through a drawn-out application process,” Mr. Singh told Indian Masterminds.
DIVISION LEVEL SOCIETY
This led to the formation of General Healthcare and Child Welfare Society at the district level. When Mr. Singh was appointed Divisional Commissioner, Moradabad, he made a decision to replicate the model at division level. After extensive discussions, it was decided to give the fund statutory status.
Subcommittees were formed in each of division’s five districts, each headed by a District Magistrate. The same strategies were used to motivate people to give to the divisional fund and the outcomes were resounding. The General Healthcare and Child Welfare Fund soon began its journey to support and care for children, adopting a more comprehensive strategy. The fund had generated a capital of more than Rs 15 lakh by November 2022.
VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTION
To establish the Fund, money was collected from voluntary donors. The District Magistrate and his wife were the first to donate along with the employees and the administrative staff. The fund was open to receive donation of even one rupee.
A congratulatory message signed by the DM was given to the donors for encouragement. A comprehensive social media campaign was started to raise money for the fund. Stories of children who were benefited were shared on social media in an effort to gain the public trust and gradually people joined the caravan.
A WhatsApp number was also made public so that individuals could share information about the kids who needed assistance.
Any contribution can be done through cheque or directly in the account. Mr. Singh informed that no cash is accepted and no amount is handed over to the beneficiary. Further, an inquiry is conducted to verify the need, however, it’s exceptional in the cases of emergency.
