Grameen Bharat February_English.indd

Grameen Bharat
Grameen Bharat
Contents
From the Editor’s Desk...
Spotlight
National Conference of Project
Directors of District Rural
Development Agencies
3
A Report Par Excellence
9
The Mahatma Gandhi NREGA has just entered its fifth year but its achievements and
impact have already carved a niche for it in the contemporary social and economic annals
of the country. The unprecedented social security provided to the millions of rural poor
by guaranteeing right to work and resultant cash transfers, creation of durable assets,
augmentation of land productivity through water conservation and regeneration of the
natural resource base have been the hallmarks of the Programme so far. In the wake of
the recent economic recession and drought, the Mahatma Gandhi NREGA proved to be
a lifeline for labourers and small and marginal farmers who would otherwise be severely
and adversely affected by limited economic opportunities.
Landmarks of the Month
Second Ministerial Meeting of
CIRDAP Member Countries
10th Editors Conference on Social
Sector Issues
9
Shishir SARAS Mela Inaugurated
10
Republic Day Tableau
Rural Housing Showcased at
Republic Day Parade
11
Innovations and Improvements
Recommendations of Task
Force on IAY
Video Conference to Review
Implementation of DWS
Programmes
12
12
NREGA Feature
New Initiatives under MNREGA
13
In the States
NREGS - Facilitating Development
and National Integration
14
SGSY Feature
Economic Hope and Promise in
Rural Orissa
15
In the News
16
Editorial Board
Editor-in-Chief: Nilam Sawhney,
Joint Secretary (IEC)
Editor: B. Narayanan, Director (IEC)
Associate Editor: A. Mazumdar,
Dy. Dir. (IEC)
Members:
S.K. Singh, Dir (NREGA)
S. H. Khurana, Dir (RH)
N. K. Sahu, Dir (Mon.)
S. K. Rakesh, Dir (PMGSY)
B. Lal, Dir. (DWS)
V. Mittal, Dir. (IEC-DWS)
T. Srinivas, DS (NSAP)
A. K. Singh, DS (Trg.)
C. P. Reddy, AC (DPAP)
C. S. Mann, Dy. Advisor (LR)
Photographic Assistance:
Ramesh Kumar, Staff photographer,
MoRD
Published & Distributed by
Fountainhead Solutions (Pvt.) Ltd.,
New Delhi on behalf of the Ministry of
Rural Development.
2
The benefits of MNREGA have percolated to the marginalized sections where succour
is most needed. The participation rate of Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes
(ST) in Financial Year 2009-10 is 52%. In tribal dominated districts, the average days of
employment in Financial Year 2008-09 were 65 days per household as against the national
average of 48 days. Further, 25 % of the total employment households in tribal districts
completed 100 days as against the national average of 14% in Financial Year 2008-09.
Effort has been at leveraging MNREGA for sustainable development. Of the total works,
51% have been on water conservation, providing green jobs with zero carbon emission,
recreation of green cover and adaptation to climate change.
The scheme has also achieved one of the biggest financial inclusions in the world
which has resulted in more than 8.6 crore workers opening accounts in banks and post
offices for receipt of their wages thereby also encouraging thrift and savings.
Recent attempts at convergence with other Government programmes is turning out
to be a catalyst for significant productivity increases, creation of durable and productive
assets, and aiding households in moving from wage employment to sustainable selfemployment. Integration of the Scheme with the National Rural Livelihoods Mission for
training youths employed under Mahatma Gandhi NREGA in skills for employment in
infrastructure projects is under consideration. The skills acquired can be used in areas
ranging from biometric to basic banking. Modalities of training and partnership with private
organizations are under consideration.
A quick look at the performance sheet of the Mahatma Gandhi NREGA shows that it
has consistently been bettering its best. The Government is evolving systemic solutions
to improve delivery mechanisms and ensure that efficient processes and procedures
are in place to guarantee rights and entitlements for the beneficiaries. The focus is
also on enlarging the scope of work, and maximizing the opportunity for improving land
productivity through convergence. Small and marginal farmers have been included in
the eligible category of individuals on whose lands work can be taken up. This benefit to
small and marginal farmers will directly impact productivity of their land and contribute to
their income enhancement. Public accountability mechanisms are being strengthened by
supplementing the concept of Social Audit with district level ombudsman, National Help
Line, 100 Eminent Citizens Monitors, etc. All these new initiatives would no doubt help
the Mahatma Gandhi NREGA to maintain its track record of improving on its best in the
next year too.
Nilam Sawhney
Editor-in-Chief
Grameen Bharat
Spotlight
Vol.9 Issue 62: August 209
National Conference of the Project Directors and
Chief Executive Officers of District Rural Development
Agencies (DRDAs)
The Project Directors of District Rural Development Agencies (DRDAs) are at the cutting edge of implementation of rural
development programmes, playing a crucial role in ensuring that development programmes reach the people for whom they are
intended. The National Conference of Project Directors is an important forum at which each programme/scheme can be discussed
in detail and the weak areas, difficulties in implementation and other constraints identified. Modalities to address these constraints
and overcome barriers can be worked out at this forum.
The National Conference of Project Directors and Chief
The Minister for Rural Development, highlighted the
Executive Officers of District Rural Development Agencies
achievements under various schemes and cautioned Project
(DRDAs) was held on 20-21 January 2010 at Vigyan
Directors against complacency. He said that the policies
Bhavan, New Delhi. About 400 participants consisting of the
and programmes must be implemented in such a way that
Project Directors of DRDAs, CEOs of Zila Parishads, State
they help in removing regional imbalances by removing
Secretaries of Rural Development and representatives of
the gulf between the rich and the poor. He also stressed
Central Government Ministries/Departments attended the
the important role of the Panchayati Raj Institutions in the
Conference. The conference was inaugurated by Shri.
implementation of the rural anti poverty programmes.
Pranab Mukherjee, the Union Finance Minister in the
presence of Minister for Rural Development Dr. C.P. Joshi,
During the conference, presentations were made by
Ministers of State for Rural Development Shri Pradeep Jain
the senior officers and discussions were held on these
“Aditya” and Ms. Agatha Sangma. The Finance Minister said
programmes:
that India has been largely successful in keeping at bay
(a)
the adverse impact of economic slowdown last year due
The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment
Guarantee Act (MNREGA )
to the pro-people programmes initiated by the Government
(b)
SGSY and DRDA Administration
inclusive growth in the country and to achieve this adequate
(c)
Indira Awaas Yojana (IAY )
budgetary support is available. He also mentioned that the
(d)
Drinking Water & Total Sanitation Campaign
fruits of economic growth and other progress should reach
(e)
Watershed Development Programme
(f)
Monitoring and Evaluation
of India in rural areas. The Government is committed to
the people living in the villages so as to ensure equitable
development in the country.
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Grameen Bharat
Spotlight
LB should be prepared village/ward wise based on
Gram Sabha’s resolution
LB should be month-wise – Important for Budget
Release
Must be realistic
Staffing
Separate and dedicated MNREGA unit at district
level
Thereafter, Project Directors and CEOs were divided into
six groups and detailed discussions about the programme
were held. These were presided by the concerned
Joint Secretaries of the Ministry looking after respective
programmes. After elaborate discussion each group
finalized its recommendations.
Recruitment should be centralized to make provision
of PO at State/Divisional Commissioner level and TA/
Computer Assistant/Accountant/MIS Manager/IEC
Expert /Gram Rozgar Sevak at DPC level
At least one TA in five GP to enable timely measurement
and payment
Barefoot engineers and empanelment of mates and
their training
On the second day of the Conference, presentations
Deployment of under utilized technical personnel from
other departments
were made by the Project Directors and CEOs on the
Application and Dated Receipts
selected success stories about rural development schemes
Support of the local NGO and federation of SHGs
pertaining to their districts. Thereafter group leaders of
One dedicated personnel/outsourced social worker at
GP level to assist the GRS and make the GP functional
on day to day basis
each Group presented the recommendations of the Group
followed by the discussion. Group recommendations are
encapsulated below:
Group I : The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural
Employment Guarantee Act
Demand Side Issues
IEC activities to step-up social mobilization and
awareness generation
• Enlistment of NGOs, local CBOs
Timely measurement and passing of MRs–key to
timely payment
One TA per five GPs
Adoption of Mate system
• Training of mates as per Mate Manual
• Women as mates should be promoted
• Linkages with literacy programmes
Basic facilities like drinking water, creche, shades,
medical kit, etc. must be provided
• Ensure workers’ accounts are at accessible distance
for easy operation
Display board is mandatory at the work site. (Annexure
B-13 and B-14 of Guidelines)
Supply Side Issues
Wage Payment
Ensure availability of work in every village throughout
the year
After the completion of MR –three days for measurement
and passing of MR by TA
Prepare seasonality calendar
MIS entry within two days, wage list-one day, and
seventh day-submission to the Bank and Post Office
and to be credited into the worker’s account in next
seven days
Labour Budget
Capacity Building and training on Section 13-16 of the
Act for all the stakeholders
LB must come from Gram Sabha/Ward Sabha
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Work Site Management
Smart /ATM /Biometrics may be introduced
Grameen Bharat
Vol.9 Issue 62: August 209
Spotlight
BC model for unbanked areas( more than 10 kms)
•
Payments through Federation of SHGs in unbanked
areas/difficult terrains (Karnataka)
Daily reporting of attendance can be done through
SMS
•
Hundred percent photographs on job cards can be
assured
•
Pre/Mid/Post photo of work can be taken to check
fraudulent practices
Wage : Material Ratio
Should be maintained at GP level at 60:40
Complaints
Training to use the MIS should be imparted
Timely disposal is essential
Officers must see the website on daily basis
States /DPCs must pay attention
Officers must monitor the alerts on daily basis
Duration of disposal of complaints should be 15 to
30 days
Timely uploading of MR and bills and vouchers
Social Audits
Amendment to the Social Audit (December 2008)
should be read by all the officials
Linking of job cards to BPL data
Monitoring & Evaluation
Social audits to be videographed
Daily reporting of workers attendance and number
of works in progress through SMS/Wireless/other
technologies (Karnataka, TN, AP)
Every State should have its own Social Audit Manuals.
AP model can be looked into
Field visits by Officials/TA/Engineers to ensure quality
implementation of the Act
Training of Social Auditors (from the MNREGA
workers)
Group II - SGSY and DRDA Administration
Publicity of social audit, calendar and procedure by
newspapers, local media, etc
SGSY
Concurrent social audit on regular basis
Training of social auditors by experts
Display and availability of all the information and
findings in the Gram Panchayat for free inspection
Minutes, issues raised and action taken should be
pasted on the website
Convergence for Augmenting Productivity and
Sustainable Development
Follow the Joint Convergence Guidelines
Convergence at Planning, Management and Works
level
SHG formation –targets should not be
over-emphasized
Training of DRDA Officials, Facilitators, PRIs, NGOs
a must
Number of members of SHG should be 5-20 instead
of 10-20
Incentives to individuals e.g. Facilitators, PRI
representatives and SHGs federation members
Reservation of activities at the State/DRDA level
Obligatory mandate on banks to support SHGs
• Transparency and accountability
Joint monitoring and review of the convergence
•
Shared data base through MIS, GIS
• Only minimum targets should be specified not the
maximum
Pilot Projects on convergence in selected districts on
project mode
Reports on Pilots
MIS Issues
Provision of one dedicated person and ICT infrastructure
in BNRGSK/GP to go for 100% MIS & timely uploading
of MR, bills and vouchers at GP level is needed
Provision of a mobile phone with camera facility at
GP so that:
Minimized interest rate
• Accountability fixation for delay/piecemeal
disbursement
• Sensitization of bank officials
• Participation of bank’s representative in PD
workshop
Exploration of linkages with private/corporate sector
through interface
Systematic, analytical study on market research and
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Grameen Bharat
Spotlight
potential linkages through DRDA, SIRDs, NIRD and
professional agencies
Lease of Agriculture, Panchayat or Government land to
SHGs for empowering micro economic activities
DRDA Administration
No merger of DRDAs in Zila Parishad
Parity of DRDA vis-à-vis State Officials as a matter
of course
Continuation of existing guidelines of DRDA
Administration
Expeditious filling of vacancies existing in DRDAs
PDs tenure should be fixed for minimum three years
Promotional avenues for DRDA staff–a must
Compulsory training and inter-state exposure visits
for DRDA officials for maintaining rich professional
standards
Strengthening and empowering the DRDAs is the need
of the hour rather than eliminating them through merger
in Zila Parishads
Immediate steps should be ensured to publish
permanent wait list without delay
Separate technical cell has to be created for MIS/Data
uploading
Adequate fund should be provided on IEC activities
Proper convergence with institutions, departments
should be worked out for life insurance, Aam Aadmi
Beema Yojana, Health Insurance, Electricity, Drinking
Water, Drainage & Waste Disposal, Solar Lamps, etc.
Immediate action plan should be prepared to make a
list of homestead site beneficiaries under IAY
Identification of Government land should be taken up
without delay for distribution to landless
Sufficient fund should be provided for purchasing
private land wherever necessity arises
Group IV : Drinking Water Supply & Total Sanitation
Campaign
Sanitation
Group III : Indira Awaas Yojana (IAY)
Ensure uniform pattern of release of funds and number
of installments
Adequate provisions should be made by the State
Governments to increase the unit cost from their own
funds
There should be at least two Technical Inspections
between foundation laying and roof casting
Appropriate technology should be developed and
promoted to manufacture low cost building materials
like hollow bricks/fly ash bricks, etc.
• There is a need to change IEC approach
• Need more professional help
• Sensitization of political representatives
• Convergence of IEC effort of various schemes and
programmes through district level BCC/IEC cell
• More participation of Public Health Department in IEC
is required
ECOSAN, other technological options and PPP
Use of bamboo as construction material
• Need to sensitize districts on ECOSAN with increased
IEC about the matter
Training of masons to be carried out
• Fix unit cost of ECOSAN model
Unit cost of IAY houses should be increased
• Set-up research group for developing more technological
solutions for construction of individual and public
latrines
Support systems should be worked out to complete
the houses allotted to SC/ST/Minorities
Facilitate to get loans from financial institutions at
DRI
• NGO partnership and Public Private Partnership
through CSR for maintenance of community latrines
Some social security schemes should be launched
to avoid misuse of funds (covering expenses such as
medical, educational, matrimonial, etc.)
Cost norms and coverage of beneficiaries
Promote low cost materials
• Variable cost norms be fixed as per local conditions
and availability of strata
Area specific designs should be provided
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IEC approach
• Demand for revision of current unit cost of Rs. 2500
for plain areas and Rs. 2800 for hilly areas
Grameen Bharat
Vol.9 Issue 62: August 209
Spotlight
• Like BPL promotional grant for IHHL be extended to
all SC, ST and small and marginal farmers
• For all APL women’s SHGs revolving fund of
Rs. 25000/- be given through banks for which subsidy
component of Rs. 10000 be given from TSC
Government buildings
• Reuse of water through proper treatment – guidelines
for rural areas be designed
Water Quality issues
• IEC on water quality issues
• Cost norms for School Sanitation Complex be revised
with inclusion of water supply in the estimate
• Convergence with TSC
Carrot and stick
• Simple, technological solutions for tackling issues of
fluoride, iron, nitrate to be developed
• Construction of toilet be made as a precondition for
Government job and for PRI elections
• Developmental schemes and other benefits to be linked
to precondition of making villages ODF, especially
through all the Centrally Sponsored schemes
• Effective implementation of Water Pollution Control
Guidelines and Ground Water Acts by States
• Waste water management through TSC–DEWATS
Public Private Partnership
Nirmal Gram Puraskar and beyond
• Purchase of water from sustainable sources
• NGP to be continued
• PPP in designing and implementing regional water
supply schemes
• Price amount to be increased to Rs. 5 lakh
• Additional incentive for liquid and solid waste
management for sustaining ODF status for three years
in the form of Grants
Convergence with Water Supply
• Water supply and sanitation cannot be separated. Both
need to be brought under one control in districts. States
may be advised in reforming their District Delivery
Mechanisms e.g. WASMO, Gujarat
Water Supply
Devolution of powers to PRIs
• People’s participation is essential. PRIs must be
involved in design implementation, maintenance of
water supply schemes
• Elaborate Village Action Plans to be prepared through
public participation. E.g. Jalswarajya in Maharashtra
• Water charges to be fixed
Maintenance issues
• O&M be made the responsibility of PRIs
• Maintenance grants to Gram Panchayats directly by
linking them to recovery of water tax
• Repair and maintenance units to be created at every
Block Panchayat and should operate on user pay
basis
• PPP for maintenance
• Collection of water charges to be enforced where there
are piped water supply schemes
Group V : Watershed Management Programme
IEC activities
• Only technical support, guidance and monitoring to be
done by departments
• Watershed to be a permanent agenda in Gram Sabha
meetings
Sustainability of sources
• Detailed planning for IEC in DPR
• Effective usage of surface and ground water sources
for sustainable water supply
• NREGS experience can be used i.e display at public
places
• Water harvesting to be made compulsory before
implementing new schemes
• Training about watershed to Village Level Committee
• Convergence with NREGA, Watershed Development
Programmes
• Compulsory Water Budgeting
• Small interventions like rain water harvesting, soak
pits, well recharging, etc. to be encouraged through
special grants
• Rain water harvesting to be made compulsory on all
• Common Guidelines should be printed in local
language and distributed to villages by SLNA
• Exposure visit to successful projects
Planning phase
• Active involvement of Gram Sabhas during PRA
exercise, listing of priorities of felt needs
• Identification of beneficiary in Gram Sabha, individual
/group
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Grameen Bharat
Spotlight
• Involvement of beneficiaries including landless and
asset-less people
• Use of GPS for mapping of existing resources
• Involvement of line department in planning i.e. irrigation,
land resources, horticulture, agriculture, forest etc.
• Convergence with NREGS and other schemes and
clear demarcation of works to be taken under different
schemes
Implementation
• Fund flow should be through DRDA, SLNA to DRDA
to PIA
• Should be State specific
• DRDA should have some direct control over PIA
• Payment system should be like NREGS Cheque OR
States may develop their own system of payment and
get approval from Central Government
• Co-ordination committee at district level of all
concerned departments i.e. Irrigation, Agriculture,
Horticulture, Land Development
• No cash payment for livelihood activity to beneficiary
• Beneficiary should be compulsorily involved in asset
purchase
Monitoring/quality control
• MIS entries to be strictly followed
• GPS based monitoring system should be developed
• Online monitoring should be must
• Dedicated team for quality control of work at district
level
• Social Audit is essential / SHGs can be used for Social
Audit
Group VI : Monitoring and Evaluation
Provisions for NLM of NREGA and other schemes exist
but NLMs do not visit the districts frequently. Quarterly
visits should be made to the districts to review the
progress in detail
Outsourcing of M&E may also be resorted to.
Appropriate agencies may be selected either by the
Central or State Government to carry out in-depth
evaluation
Instructions regarding convergence of various schemes
should be practiced at the district level
A proper module and plan of action for convergence
should be formulated for convergence between schemes
of MoRD and also of other line departments
8
The plan of action should clearly indicate the
programmes that need to be converged, the
responsible departments, the convergence details
and mechanism
Plan of action can be standardized for use and
customized as per requirements of the State
Governments
Core group be set up to formulate a plan of action for
convergence
DRDAs should be financially strengthened to meet
expenses for all logistics including outsourcing
expenses
Formats should be simplified and their number should
be minimized for proper reporting
There should be provision in MIS software for on-line
help and on-line complaints. Any change in MIS should
be conveyed immediately so that there is no delay in
entering the data
At the district level, if the Chairperson or CoChairperson is absent, Member Secretary should be
allowed to hold the meeting of Vigilance and Monitoring
committee. Such committees should be formed at
block level also
Similarly in the case of absence of ex-officio chairperson
of the Governing Body DRDA who happens to be Zila
Parishad Chairperson, PD should be allowed to hold
the meeting
Thus, during the conference each programme/scheme
was discussed and the weak areas, difficulties in
implementation and other constraints were identified.
The modalities to address these constraints were also
worked out.
Shri Sharad Pawar, Minister for Agriculture/Consumer
Affairs, Food & Public Distribution delivered the Valedictory
Address. The Minister emphasized the importance of
convergence of various Government of India Schemes
particularly between those of MoRD and Ministry of
Agriculture as agriculture and allied activities are the
main economic activity of a large proportion of the rural
population. He stated that individually all the programmes
have major constraints such as inadequacy of technical
support at field level, skill development and training,
market linkages and finances. However, through innovative
convergence of various Central and State Government
Schemes, these constraints can be overcome.
The conference ended with a Vote of Thanks by Joint
Secretary (SGSY).
Grameen Bharat
Vol.9 Issue 62: August 209
Landmarks of
the Month
CIRDAP Member Countries Call for Holistic Approach to Ensure Sustainable
Livelihood for Rural Poor
The Union Minister for Rural Development called for collaborative arrangement among the link institutions of Centre
on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP) Member Countries in training and research
for concerted efforts on Rural Development. The Minister was addressing the Second Ministerial Level Meeting of
CIRDAP Member Countries (CMCs) held on 27January 2010 at Dhaka, Bangladesh.
In a joint declaration, CIRDAP member countries called for a holistic approach to ensure sustainable livelihood for
the rural poor through decentralized governance. CIRDAP has contributed significantly to promotion of Integrated
Rural Development (IRD) in its member countries over the last three decades and to the implementation of the
‘Peasants Charter’ of 1979. The Dhaka Declaration laid emphasis on ensuring pro-poor policy and resources to
achieve the goal of reducing hunger and poverty at least by half by 2015. It also highlighted the need for intensive
efforts to ensure that the rural poor can access resources (land, water, ICT and finance) by suitable policy reforms
through multi-faceted mechanisms. It also underlined the need to strengthen the capacity of national RD institutions
to become centres of excellence and professionalize services and enable application of practices of good governance
thereby making CIRDAP an effective regional platform for providing timely interventions and appropriate interventions
in RD and PA policies.
10th Editors Conference on Social Sector Issues
Addressing the 10th Editors Conference on Social
Sector issues on 18 January 2010 at New Delhi,
Union Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati
Raj, Dr. C.P. Joshi reiterated the Government’s
resolve to reach out to millions of rural poor
across the country through better and speedy
implementation of on-going flagship programmes.The
press conference was attended by the Ministers of
State for Rural Development, Shri Sisir Adhikari and
Ms. Agatha Sangma, Secretary, Panchayati Raj, Shri A.N.P. Sinha, Secretary, Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation,
Ms. Rajawant Sandhu, along with the senior officials from the Ministry of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj.
New initiatives under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) including entitlement
of real wages at Rs. 100, setting up of District Level Ombudsman and Eminent Citizen Groups, enlarging the scope
of work to reach out to the small and marginal farmers, mandatory social audits, construction of Bharat Nirman
Sewa Kendras and Panchayat Ghars, etc. were informed during the conference. Details of the revamping of
Swarnajayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana (SGSY) as the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) and setting up of
RSETIs were also given. Depleting ground water, achieving 100 % rural sanitation and capacity building measures
and empowerment of panchayats through effective evolution of the 3 Fs (functions, finances and functionaries) were
other areas of focus.
The Government’s determination to tackle problems such as delayed payments and ensure streamlining of payment
modalities was also reiterated. Efforts have been made to ensure transparency and accountability under MNREGA
while reaching benefits to the rural poor.
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Grameen Bharat
Landmarks of
the Month
Grameen Bharat
Shishir SARAS Mela Inaugurated
On the positive side, over 10 crore job cards have been issued till December 2009 while eight crore bank/post office
accounts have been opened.
“The Government keeping in view its commitment towards the welfare and encumbrance of rural artisans and self
employed rural masses in the national developmental process is engaged in making them self dependent and aware
through a number of programmes,” said Union Rural Development Minister, Dr. C.P. Joshi while inaugurating the 10
day long Shishir SARAS Mela at Dilli Haat, New Delhi on 19 January 2010.
The inaugural session was also addressed by the three Ministers of State for Rural Development, Shri Sisir Adhikari,
Shri Pradeep Jain “Aditya” and Ms. Agatha Sangma. The Ministers vouched for efforts to benefit rural craftsmen by
ensuring profitable return of their labour and talent.
Around 400 artisans representing 24 States and Union Territories along with 20 CAPART supported VOs participated
in the Shishir SARAS Mela and displayed a variety of products from across the country in nearly 200 stalls. Apart
from the crafts stalls, visitors could also enjoy snacks at the attractive food stalls.
Workshops were held on designing and packaging of the products to enhance artisans abilities and make them
competitive in an urban environment.
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Republic Day
Tableau
Vol.9 Issue 62: August 209
Rural Housing Showcased at Republic Day Parade
Shelter for the poor through the Indira Awaas Yojana is a key Programme of the Ministry of Rural Development.
The challenge this year was to flesh out this concept in a concrete way such that it would be obvious to an
audience at the Republic Day Parade which had the opportunity to see the Tableau for just one minute.
Mr. B. Narayanan, Director, IEC & Mr. S.P. Arya Under Secretary (IEC) tell us how this was achieved.
On a cold, foggy Delhi winter morning was a spectacle to warm everybody’s hearts: the Tableau by the Ministry of Rural
Development on the Indira Awaas Yojana, showcasing how low-cost houses could be built for the poor. Under “Indira
Awaas Yojana”, families below the poverty line in rural areas are helped to build their own homes, with a cash grant from
the Ministry. The beneficiary constructs a house with a plinth area of at least 20 square metres, with a sanitary latrine
and a smokeless chullah. More than 206 lakh homes have been built since 1985 when the Scheme was started.
The Republic Day float depicts environment-friendly, comfortable, and durable models of low-cost houses, using innovative
technologies and local materials. A low cost house, with stabilized-earth blocks is shown under construction and another
completely build house is shown, with a “Griha-Pravesh” ceremony in progress. The side panel is a collage of bamboo
houses from the North East, brick buildings from the plains and stone shelters of the hilly areas. The front portion of the
tableau has two birds in a nest, symbolizing the yearning for shelter, which is common in all living beings. Nine students
of Venketshwar International Senior Secondary School, Dwarka, New Delhi played the role of Tableau artistes.
The Tableau was selected for the Republic Day parade after a very competitive three-stage process, which started
several months ahead of Republic Day. The IEC division co-ordinated the whole effort along with the IAY Division and
was continuously inspired and prodded onto greater efforts by the Secretary, Dr. Rita Sharma, and Joint Secretary, (IEC),
Smt. Nilam Sawhney. Inspiration was also taken from designs for low-cost housing, exhibited by one of the Ministry’s
organizations in Hyderabad. The model houses built there were carefully photographed from several angles, so that
every little detail could be reproduced in the actual Tableau.
The Republic Day Tableaux represent an important way of raising awareness of Rural Development programmes amongst
the target audience – families below the poverty line – and this opportunity was used to the fullest extent.
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Grameen Bharat
Innovations and
Improvements
Recommendations of the Task Force on IAY
Smt. Nilam Sawhney, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development chaired the Task Force for examining various issues
relating to construction of IAY houses, particularly pertaining to improvement in the quality of IAY houses and to understand the
best practices followed across the States in the implementation of IAY.
Design and Quality of the House: IAY houses should be pucca with permanent walls and roofing capable of
withstanding all-year weather conditions, have a minimum level of disaster resistant technology and plastered walls to
ensure durability. Desirable features include adequate space for pursuing livelihood activities, a verandah, staircase
to go to the top of the house and rain water harvesting systems.
Spatial Spread of the Programme: States shall follow the cluster approach to facilitate better supervision,
convergence of schemes and economies in purchase wherever possible.
Unit Cost: The process for sanction of loan under DRI Scheme has been streamlined with clear guidance on the
process and time to be taken for sanction.
Basic Amenities: IAY Scheme should have convergence with other Government Schemes for providing sanitary
latrine, drinking water, free electricity connection, and with Insurance companies for Jan Shree / Aam Aadmi Bima
wherever possible. Beneficiaries should be encouraged to use clean fuel as well as have kitchen gardens.
Release of Funds: The funds should ideally be released in two-three installments–first installment with the sanction
order and the second installment when the construction reaches the lintel level.
Technical Supervision, Monitoring and Transparency: Technical supervision should be provided at least at
the foundation and the roof laying stages. A computerized information system is being developed for monitoring
of execution, stage-wise progress of work and disbursement of funds. Complaint Monitoring System and Social
Auditing are also being introduced.
Video Conference to Review Implementation of DWS Programmes
A video conference was held under the chairmanship of Shri T. M. Vijay Bhaskar, Jt. Secy. (DWS) and Shri
J.S. Mathur, Jt. Secy. (S&A) to review the implementation of NRDWP, Jalmani, TSC and online data entry on
18 to 19 January 2010. Secy., Pr. Secy. and PHED engineers of Government of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar,
Jharkhand, J&K, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, Tripura, Sikkim, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa
and Uttar Pradesh participated in the two day video conference.
Discussions were held on the following issues with respect to rural drinking water supply:
(i)
Setting up of the WSSO under SWSM.
(ii)
Programmes for establishment of sub-divisional labs.
(iii)
Training needs assessment workshop and capacity building plan.
(iv)
Utilization of funds.
(v)
Proposal for next installment before January / February 2010.
(vi)
Preparation of district water security plans.
(vii)
Jalmani project.
(viii)
Updation of data entry on details of monthly coverage, district-wise allocation/release/expenditure, testing of
water sources in the State, etc.
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Grameen Bharat
NREGA Feature
Vol.9 Issue 62: August 209
New Initiatives under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural
Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA)
Ministry of Rural Development & Ministry of Panchayati Raj have undertaken several measures to streamline the
implementation of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) that aims to provide every
rural household a guarantee of at least 100 days of employment during a financial year by providing unskilled manual
work in rural areas.
New Initiatives
Renaming National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) as Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment
Guarantee Act (MNREGA) in memory of the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi.
Issue of Guidelines to States to Set-up Ombudsman at District Levels for Effective Grievance Redressal:
Ombudsman will be an agency independent of the Central or State Government that will receive complaints related
to NREGA and facilitate their disposal in accordance with law. Ombudsmen will be well-known persons from civil
society who have experience in the field of public administration, law, academics, social work or management.
Partnership with Unique Identification Development Authority of India (UIDA): The database of NREGA will be
utilized by the UID Authority to expedite the development of the identification system for the residents.
Setting up of a National Helpline for Receipt of Complaints: A Toll free National Helpline 1800110707 will enable
submission of complaints and queries to the Ministry related to issues under the Act. This is being CT enabled and
linked with the State and District level helplines to create a National Network of NREGA Helpline.
Social Audits: Social audits are an important tool by which the people can improve and devise strategies to
enhance the quality of implementation of NREGA. Social audits will be organized by all Gram Panchayats across
the country.
NLM Visit: Thirty-two National Level Monitors (NLMs) have been deputed in different States for special monitoring
of the social audit campaign.
Eminent Citizen Monitors for NREGA: Eminent Citizens will be identified to further report on the progress of
NREGA.
Convergence: The Ministry has developed and disseminated guidelines for convergence of the MNREGS with
different schemes and programmes. One hundred and fifteen convergence pilot districts in 23 States have been
instituted so far. The National Institute of Rural Development (NIRD) is monitoring the convergence projects.
Construction of Bharat Nirman Rajiv Gandhi Sewa Kendra: Gram Panchayat Bhawans would be constructed
under the Scheme to create durable assets in the villages.
Business Correspondent Model: Business Correspondent Model is being adopted in Rajasthan with the help of
Central Bank of India to ensure timely payment of wages to the workers under the MNREGA.
The new initiatives under MNREGA will ensure transparency and accountability in the process so that the benefit
of the Government’s flagship programme reaches out to the millions of rural poor across the country, making it an
effective instrument of poverty alleviation.
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Grameen Bharat
In the States
Grameen Bharat
NREGS–Facilitating Development and National Integration
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) is a trail-blazing Act to improve livelihood status and
wage employment amongst the rural poor. A case study from Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka, conducted by
Dr. Shankar Chatterjee, Senior Assistant Professor, NIRD during January 2010, highlights the positive aspects of
NREGS – both direct and indirect – being derived by people at the grassroot level.
A Progressive District…
Dakshina Kannada district has 95010 rural households across
203 village Panchayats that, irrespective of whether they are
Below Poverty Line (BPL) or Above Poverty Line (APL), have
been covered under the Total Sanitation Campaign (TSC) with
sanitary latrines. The Nirmal Gram Puraskar was awarded to the
district as it was observed that the rural people were conscious
about health and hygiene.
…And a Well Connected Village
The positive impact of work done under MNREGS in Bellakadi
hamlet, Golthamajalu village Panchayat, Bantval taluka in Dakshin
Kannada district is presented here. Altogether 38 households
belonging to Christian, Hindu and Muslim communities live in the hamlet. Although they each have a dwelling, the villagers
do not own any agricultural land. They earn their livelihood through agricultural work and bidi making.
There had long been a felt-need for an approach road as the hamlet is located in the upland and the villagers had difficulties
in reaching the main road. Keeping in mind their concern, an amount of Rs. 1.34 lakh was sanctioned under MNREGS
for an 800 metres approach road with provisions for a sidewall as well as for drainage. The villagers (only local persons)
enthusiastically started the work on 4 December 2009 as through this MNREGS project, they would get not only the
long awaited approach road but also a source of income. When the width of the road was found to be problematic as it
should have a minimum width of 10 feet but the available space was narrower, six villagers belonging to both Hindu and
minority communities voluntarily shifted their compound wall to provide the appropriate width.
The author interacted with the villagers during his visit
and found they were happy about their sacrifice as the
road will benefit all. This case is a rare event because
not many people sacrifice their land for community
development. However, for the construction of the road
678 man days were created for which an average of
Rs. 125 per man-day was paid. In addition, an amount of
Rs. 34000 was spent for material cost including skilled
labour wage. The villagers were unanimous in their
delight at having a proper road to their village and were
proud of the sacrifice of the villagers. Indeed this story
proves once again ‘Mera Bharat Mahaan.’
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Grameen Bharat
SGSY Feature
Vol.9 Issue 62: August 209
Economic Hope and Promise in Rural Orissa
Orissa Rural Development and Marketing Society is an autonomous body dedicated to moving rural producers and artisans from
the poverty line to the realms of plenty.
Established in 1991, Orissa Rural Development and Marketing Society (ORMAS) is the first and only organization of its
type under the Panchayati Raj Department, Government of Orissa. It facilitates sustainable livelihoods for rural producers,
under different poverty alleviation programmes. In the process it helps in providing training, capacity building, value
addition, adopting the key activity approach and adopting clusters, etc. Empowerment and economic upliftment of rural
producers is facilitated through:
•
Formation and Management of small women’s groups.
•
Capacity building of Self-help and SGSY groups.
•
Initiation of Micro Enterprises and Micro Credit Linkages.
•
Empowerment of SHG/SGSY groups for sustainable
self managed activities.
ORMAS Aims to Achieve its Objectives by:
•
Collaboration: ORMAS, while facilitating sustainable livelihood, provides both backward as well as forward linkages
as and when required.
•
Promoting SHGs: ORMAS understands that successful SHGs are essential for sustainable livelihood. Based on
this fundamental truth, ORMAS /DSMS have been forming and promoting SHGs. After a process of grading, SHGs
are selected for SGSY and thereby the bank linkages and other inputs are facilitated for feasible activities.
•
Capacity Building of the Stake Holders: ORMAS/DSMS facilitate capacity building of the groups through training
on basic orientation, skill development, exposure visits, work shops, etc. as per the need of the activities.
•
Technology Dissemination: Demonstration and dissemination of appropriate technologies has been one of the most
important endeavors of ORMAS /DSMS. Chosen technologies are user friendly, require low skill, can be maintained
and repaired by the members and are not very costly. In order to identify these technologies for the rural producers,
ORMAS has already organized two national level Rural Technology Fairs with the participation of many reputed
organizations.
•
Product Promotion: ORMAS/DSMS facilitate the rural producer groups in developing their products through newer
design, product diversification, standardization and certification, packaging, etc. in order to strengthen the sales value
and acceptability of the products. This has been mainly done for spices, kewda products and honey, etc.
•
Market Linkages: ORMAS, along with its minimal intervention in handloom, handicraft and other utility items, has
prioritized its interventions in Minor Forest and Agri-based products which have large raw materials and skill base.
The activity thus identified has been linked to market and are being covered under SGSY in different districts.
•
Organization of Exhibitions: With an aim to provide an opportunity to the rural producers to sell their products in
urban markets, interact amongst themselves so as to learn from each other and senzitise urban buyers about
rural products, ORMAS has been regularly implementing State & National level exhibitions at different locations in
the state during important events and gathering. Essentially, ORMAS organizes three types of exhibitions such as
SARAS, Gramshree Mela & Pallishree Mela.
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Grameen Bharat
Grameen Bharat
In the News...
16
Please contribute to Grameen Bharat. Articles of upto 400 words in English or Hindi and photographs can be sent
to Neena Thomas at [email protected]