Sahayog Programme Emerges as Lifeline for Urban Poor, Workshop Reviews Progress

Bhubaneswar: Efforts to improve access to government welfare schemes for vulnerable urban communities received a boost on Tuesday as the Housing and Urban Development Department organised a workshop for frontline workers engaged in the implementation of the ‘Sahayog’ programme in Odisha.

The one-day programme, held at the Odisha Urban Academy in Bhubaneswar, brought together Swachha Sathis, members of Slum Dwellers’ Associations (SDAs), Self-Help Group representatives and officials associated with the initiative. An FAQ booklet containing responses to common queries raised during household surveys under the programme was also unveiled on the occasion.

Implemented jointly by the Housing and Urban Development Department and the Tata Steel Foundation, the Sahayog programme aims to connect economically weaker and marginalised urban households with various government welfare schemes and essential public services. The initiative has already helped thousands of families access benefits available under different government programmes.

Addressing the gathering, Additional Chief Secretary of the Housing and Urban Development Department Usha Padhee said the programme goes beyond facilitating access to welfare schemes and plays an important role in improving the overall quality of life of vulnerable sections living in urban areas.

She acknowledged the contributions of frontline workers, including Swachha Sathis, SAG members and representatives of Slum Dwellers’ Associations, whose grassroots engagement has helped the programme reach communities that often remain outside the ambit of formal welfare systems.

Participants from different urban local bodies shared their field experiences and highlighted how the initiative has helped residents access social security benefits, government services and other support mechanisms. They also offered suggestions for improving outreach and making the programme more responsive to local needs.

Speaking at the workshop, Tata Steel Foundation Chief Executive Officer Sourav Roy outlined the objectives and achievements of the programme, while Additional Secretary of the Housing and Urban Development Department Shatrughna Kar and Sahayog Nodal Officer Sourindra Rautray discussed its future roadmap and implementation strategies.

During the interaction session, Padhee encouraged frontline workers to continue strengthening their engagement with urban communities and urged departmental officials to incorporate field-level feedback into programme planning and execution.

Officials said the experiences and recommendations shared during the workshop would help further enhance the effectiveness of the Sahayog programme and strengthen its role as a bridge between urban poor households and government welfare services.

The workshop was attended by representatives from urban local bodies across the state, along with officials and staff associated with the Sahayog programme.