Rourkela: For nearly two decades, a 48-year-old activist from Nuapada has quietly helped hundreds of poor and marginalized families access government benefits, emerging as a key link between the administration and the underprivileged.In the Nuapada district headquarters, Kshirasindhu Sagaria, a native of Kusmal village under Khariar block, has dedicated the past 17 years to assisting labourers, tribal families and urban poor secure their entitlements under various welfare schemes. Known for his persistence, Sagaria frequently travels to the district collectorate and block offices at his own expense to resolve grievances.Sagaria’s journey into social work began after his brief stint as a temporary teacher (2003-2008) under the Education Guarantee Scheme, where he experienced delays in receiving his modest salary of Rs 1,500 per month. The struggle prompted him to take up the cause of others facing similar hardships. Since 2009, he has been actively working for the underprivileged, using the Right to Information (RTI) Act as a key tool.Among his early interventions, Sagaria helped around 30 laborers recover unpaid MGNREGA wages in 2009 by pursuing the matter with panchayat and block officials. In another significant effort, he facilitated housing under the Indira Awas Yojana for 50 Paharia families in 2013 after taking up their case with district authorities.His interventions have also extended to civic issues. In 2017, he played a key role in getting a road built between Lalsahebpada and Gandhinagar in Khariar town after residents flagged the issue.Sagaria continues to assist people in accessing pensions, ration cards, Antyodaya benefits, and schemes such as Mamata and Harischandra Yojana. He has also supported dalit and tribal families in securing land rights under the Forest Rights Act and often steps in to help patients access treatment during emergencies.Beyond individual cases, he regularly organizes awareness programs in villages on govt schemes, RTI, child labour, child marriage, domestic violence and the Right to Food.Villagers acknowledge his efforts. “I struggled for a ration card, but Sagaria ensured I got it by following up with officials,” said Giridhari Majhi of Anakapur village. “I will continue to fight for the rights of the poor and ensure they receive what they are entitled to,” Sagaria said.
