IRDP undertook several programmes for the benefit of its target group. With the limited resources at its command the organization tried to cover as many people as possible. One of the main focus of intervention was to empower the people so that they can demand their due rights from the government and the authorities. During the year the organization undertook the following programmes.
Health Camp
Public health services is in a semblance in the rural areas, especially those in the far-flung tribal areas. There is an awful shortage of trained men and adequate health infrastructure. As a result people prefer to suffer rather than seek medical attention. Further, people in the rural areas see expenditure on health as a wasteful one. This can be attributed largely to the ignorance of the people. In order to fill this gap IRDP has been organizing health camps in the rural and far-flung areas. During the period of reporting two health camps were organized in Aluapua and Penthapala villages of Kendrapada district. More than 500 people were treated for various ailments in these camps. Free medicines were distributed for the poor and the needy.
HIV/AIDS
HIV/AIDS has threatened to engulf the human kind and if precautions are not taken early than it may take the form of epidemics. Already the infection has made strong inroads into the general population. As of today there is no curative therapy for this dreaded disease. Only way to fight the infection is to prevent it which is quite simple. As many women in the slums of Bhubaneswar are working as commercial sex workers they are the most vulnerable to this infection. In order to raise awareness among IRDP undertook intensive awareness campaign among the target group. A rally was organised on December 1 to mark the AIDS Day and to create awareness among the people in Bhubaneswar.
Enrolment Drive
Education is the weapon by which most of the evils affecting the society can be eradicated. But, unfortunately even after more than fifty-five years of Indian independence a large section of the society is still unlettered. Several programmes have been implemented to achieve 100% literacy. However, despite this programme has not translated into results as envisaged by various governments from time to time. One of the reasons for this is the lack awareness among the people. In order to make the people aware regarding sending their children to school IRDP organised enrolment drive in and Taradipala Gram Panchayats of Pattamundia Block in Kendrapada district. The organization is collaborating with the teachers to increase enrolment as well as retention.
CELEBRATION OF IMPORTANT DAYS
IRDP observed some important days keeping in mind the objectives of the organization. The following celebrations were observed during the year.
1. Utkal Divas
2. Gandhi Jayanti
3. Anti Leprosy Day
4. World Health Day
5. Red Cross Day
6. World AIDS Day
7. World Youth Day
8. Republic Day
9. Anti-smoking Day
10. World Disabled Day
11. Independence Day
12. World Environment Day
13. World Consumer Rights Day
14. Anti-Leprosy Day
