‘Local leadership crucial in driving sustainable development’

June 27, 2024 13 Views No Comment

SBI rolls out Gram Saksham program in Chümoukedima district

CHÜMOUKEDIMA, JUNE 27 (MExN): The ANMA Integrated Development Association (AIDA), in collaboration with the State Bank of India Foundation (SBI Foundation) Mumbai, has successfully implemented the SBI Gram Seva program and is currently rolling out the SBI Gram Saksham program in Chümoukedima district.

As part of this endeavor, an event was held on June 25 at the Urra village market sheds. This event included the allotment of market sheds to four adopted villages from the SBI Gram Seva program (Bade, Diezephe, Khriezephe, and Tsithrongse) and a community leaders’ orientation program for 10 selected villages under SBI Gram Saksham.

The villages include Bade, Diezephe, Khriezephe, Murise, RazhapheBawe, Seluophe, Tsithrongse, Urra, Vidima, and Virazouma.

Speaking on the occasion, special guest Hubert A S Wungshim, AGM RBO, SBI Dimapur emphasized that economic development starts at the grassroots level. He noted that many villages across India still face development challenges and expressed gratitude to AIDA for partnering with SBIF to implement these projects. “Today, initiatives like these projects are promoting collaboration and engagement between different villages towards sustainable rural development,” he added.

Additionally, the SBI Gram Saksham project, which started on October 1, 2023, is set for 12 months and aims to create supplementary livelihood opportunities through sustainable pig-rearing practices in 10 villages in the Chümoukedima district, Nagaland.

The project focuses on benefiting 150 unemployed women and housewives by supporting them with a total of 150 pig sheds and 330 piglets. Consequently, it is essential for AIDA, as the implementing agency, to prepare and mentor village community leaders to effectively take over the program as it nears completion, he stated.

Guest of honour and resource person of the day, Rev Fr Roy George, Executive Director, AIDA emphasized the importance of local leadership in driving sustainable development. He stated that the SBI Foundation and AIDA are handing over these projects to the villages, believing that our local leaders will continue and sustain the implemented activities.

He stressed that it is not enough to have these initiatives but their continuation and sustainability are crucial. He urged the community leaders to take responsibility and ensure the long-term continuity of the activities. “Empowering village leaders and community representatives is crucial for the long-term success of the programme and project initiatives. Through this training, we aim to create a network of capable and motivated individuals who can lead their communities towards a brighter future,” he added.

The executive director expressed his gratitude to SBI Foundation Mumbai for its unwavering support in driving these transformative initiatives for the welfare of rural communities. He also thanked all the village leaders and beneficiaries for their cooperation and support.

Rev Fr Nebu Mathew SDB, Rector, Don Bosco, Dimapur in his message congratulated the villages and urged them to use the facilities provided to improve the villages.

Infrastructure development activities carried by AIDA under the SBI Gram Seva programme include the construction and renovation of a six lane market sheds and market office in Urra village. Besides, the common market toilet and rainwater harvest facility and concrete dustbins of two champers are also constructed.

A Bio-subji cooler was also provided partly funded by the project. The allotment of market sheds to the four adopted villages is set for a term of 10 years for each village – 2023 to 2033. The handover was facilitated by Kelengulie Yaotsu, Village Council Chairman of Urra, and presented to the four adopted village leaders by the special guest and guest of honour. This initiative, through the efforts of AIDA and SBIF, highlights a significant step towards promoting efficient trading and collaboration among villages, leading to community empowerment.

An orientation session was also conducted on the importance of sustainability of the various initiatives done under the SBI Gram Seva and Gram Saksham programmes. The orientation session was facilitated by Rev Fr Roy George SDB.

Village council chairmen, GBs, members, and project beneficiaries from the 10 Gram Saksham villages (150 pig rearing beneficiaries) were also present for the event. There were 115 people who attended the programme.