-The Hindu
Will not just help provide livelihood, but also protect land
The Congress-led government in Rajasthan has taken up development of pasture land in tribal-dominated Udaipur region under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) by involving a voluntary organisation in the work. The project has been launched in Chhali and Amleta villages of Udaipur district.
Inaugurating the project at the two remote villages this past weekend, State Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Bharat Singh said this would be the first instance of a voluntary institution joining the work undertaken as part of MGNREGS. “The flagship employment generation scheme would serve the [dual] purpose of providing livelihood and protecting the land.”
The Gram Sabhas at the two villages had recently adopted resolutions favouring implementation of work for land conservation with the assistance of Udaipur-based Seva Mandir. Mr. Singh said taking up the work under the MGNREGS would ensure its quality and sustenance for a longer period.
The Minister said more voluntary groups would be associated with the MGNREGS works in the State if this initiative turns out to be a success. He emphasised the need for protecting pasture land in all villages and said the villagers should treat it as common land for their own benefit and prevent encroachment attempts.
Mr. Singh said the State was committed to strengthening the Panchayati Raj institutions and was using the Rajiv Gandhi Seva Kendras for carrying the benefits of information technology revolution to the far-off villages.
Minister of State for Youth Affairs Mangilal Garasia, representing Gogunda constituency of Udaipur district in the State Assembly, was among those who attended the inaugural ceremony. Newly-constructed Rajiv Gandhi Seva Kendras at Majavad, Chhali, Khakhar and Magwas villages were also inaugurated during Mr. Singh’s visit.
Priyanka Singh of Seva Mandir said the organisation would execute 32 works spread in a pasture land area measuring 650 hectares at a cost of Rs.2.25 crore under the MGNREGS. Zila Pramukh Madhu Mehta, Pradhans of panchayat samitis and Sarpanches of the nearby villages were also present on the occasion.