'We Are the Locals': The Operationalisation of Rights-Based Approaches to Development by Non-governmental Organisations in Koraput District, Odisha

This paper examines programs, strategies and actions adopted by non-governmental organisations in Odisha State and their impact on poverty alleviation and in policy making, from a rights-based approach (RBA) to development. Scholars (Sen in Philos Public Aff 32(4):315–356, 2004; Sengupta in: Pogge (ed) Freedom from poverty as a human right: who owes what to the very poor?, Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2007) argue that, although the state is the primary duty-bearer, human rights induces obligations on agents such as non-governmental organisations that are in a position to help, promote or safeguard the freedoms of human beings. This is a qualitative field study conducted in three districts in Odisha, India. Activities of five non-governmental organisations (NGOs) were selected for this study, and methods used were in-depth interviews and group discussions. Evidence suggests that many NGOs in Odisha find RBA as a political activity, best practised when communities organise themselves around issue-based activities, build capabilities and create alliances at various levels.