PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, August 3: The fourth edition of the India Rural Colloquy (IRC) discussed actionable strategies for increased growth and employment opportunities in Jharkhand.
The event, organised under the aegis of Transform Rural India (TRI) in Ranchi on Friday also formulated a blueprint of proposals aimed at achieving socio-economic as well as environmental transformation in rural Jharkhand with a clear focus on long-term sustainable development.
Minister Dipak Birua highlights Birsa Harit Fund and rural initiatives
Dipak Birua, the minister of SC, ST, Minority and Backward Caste and Department of Transport, who sent his video message to the colloquy, applauded the ongoing efforts of those working with rural communities and underscored the government’s commitment to uplifting rural people.
“Today, in our state of Jharkhand, the Birsa Harit Fund has been launched under the Birsa Harit Gram Yojana of the Rural Development Department for the better future of farmers. Along with this, the MoU signed with RUTAG, IIT Bombay, and TRI will lead to rapid development in rural Jharkhand. I expressed my views at the Indian Rural Colloquy online today. These projects are not only an example for the state of Jharkhand but also a model of innovation for our country, and in the coming times they will prove to be a milestone for the economic and social upliftment of the state’s farmers,” said Birua.
CMEGP scheme
In his address, Ajay Nath Jha, IAS, Tribal Welfare Commissioner (TWC) pointed out that it’s vital that government pays attention to people’s voice and aspirations. He shared how the CMEGP scheme is playing an important role in youth entrepreneurship through 40% subsidy-based flexible loan support.
“The government can’t do everything. We need a non-government-empowered body as a one-stop solution to guide Adivasi youth towards employment opportunities and higher study options. Understanding and listening to the needs and aspirations of the community is crucial for the government,” Jha said.
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TRI and IIT Bombay to jointly promote tech for rural people
During the Colloquy it was discussed that TRI and IIT Bombay will jointly promote technologies specifically tailored for the rural population in Jonha GP of Angara Block in Ranchi.
“TRI and IIT Bombay will share knowledge, resources, and expertise for the deployment of technologies that cater to rural communities to develop rural micro-enterprises. The proposed collaboration will assist the rural population in addressing major challenges in key areas such as agriculture, employment, climate resilience, health and nutrition, gender inclusivity and education,” said Karimuddin Malik, Associate Director, Transform Rural India.
Along with conversations on women’s empowerment, issues centred around rural youth and their underutilized potential were discussed as well.
“By leveraging the youth demographic, it’s possible to catalyse transformative change in rural economies. We hope that today’s discussions will inspire various stakeholders to invest in the capabilities of young people, thereby converting their talent and skills into rural prosperity,” said Shyamal Santra, Associate Director, Transform Rural India.
The speakers at the sessions included many dignitaries including Ajay Nath Jha, IAS, TWC Commissioner, Aditya Ranjan, IAS (Virtual mode), Maun Prakash, DFO, Hazaribagh, D.K Singh Vice Chancellor, Jharkhand Technological University, Shivendra Kumar, Senior scientist, Ashish Satyabrata Sahu, founder Johargram, Tarun Shukla, PAN IIT, and Shruti Dharuman, Principal Yuwa India.
Birsa Harit Fund launched
Aditya Ranjan, IAS, SPD- JEPC, spoke about alarming drop-out rates and highlighted two-pronged interventions – tola tagging and school tagging wherein teachers will oversee the kids and counsel parents and kids from marginalized communities.
The ‘Birsa Harit Fund’ for farmers participating in the government’s ‘Birsa Harit Gram Yojana’, which minister Birua mentioned, was launched at this event.
The fund will support 1 Lakh Birsa Harit Gram Yojna farmers with an approximate financial aid of INR 500-600 crores that will be utilised in 20 years through carbon sequestration. Jharkhand will be one of the leading states in India to start a carbon finance project for climate conservation.
India Rural Colloquy 2024 to ignite a rural renaissance
The fourth edition of the India Rural Colloquy 2024, organized by Transform Rural India (TRI), is a series of conversations and events held from August 1-8 across India hoping to ignite a rural renaissance.
This is the second year the India Rural Colloquy has had events beyond Delhi. The Colloquy gathers diverse voices from civil society, government, and business to inspire ideas and actionable solutions for rural development.
Hosted during the August Kranti week, the fourth edition of the Colloquy echoes the spirit of change and action of India’s largest people-power movement.
Through panel discussions, debates, fireside chats, and roundtables, the India Rural Colloquy addresses crucial topics from climate resilience, health and nutrition, youth employment, micro enterprises, farm prosperity, gender inclusivity, and local governance, aiming to build a thriving rural India.
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