Yachuli, Oct 17: A district-level orientation workshop aimed at enhancing the convergence between Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) was successfully held in Yachuli. Organized by the Arunachal State Rural Livelihoods Mission (ArSRLM), the workshop focused on the universalization of PRI-CBO convergence to foster stronger governance, community involvement, and improved service delivery at the grassroots level.
The event, chaired by Yachuli Circle Officer Mrs. Taba Milka, brought together a range of stakeholders, including elected Panchayat leaders, administrative officers, department heads, ArSRLM representatives, mentors from Kudumbashree-NRO, and Self-Help Group (SHG) members. In her keynote address, Mrs. Milka praised the vital role of SHGs in empowering local communities, especially women, and stressed the importance of collaboration with Kudumbashree-NRO to promote local-level convergence. She also called on line departments to share data and information on flagship schemes with ArSRLM and its CBOs to ensure successful implementation.
Mr. Mohd. Safder, State Project Coordinator for National Resource Organization Kudumbashree (Kerala), delivered a detailed presentation on the structure and scope of ArSRLM’s work, including major activities and future plans for the universalization of PRI-CBO convergence. He highlighted the critical need for convergence to strengthen the democratic capabilities of CBOs and create a network of resource persons to support the project.
Mr. Maga Aminta, District Thematic Coordinator-SISD and nodal person for the PRI-CBO convergence project, emphasized the importance of cooperation among ArSRLM, line departments, PRIs, and CBOs to ensure the project’s success. He noted that Yachuli has been selected as an immersion site for the project and discussed strategies for its implementation, including the formation of key committees like the Gram Panchayat Planning Facilitation Team (GPPFT) and Village Organization Coordination Committee (VOCCC).
The workshop featured presentations from various line departments, including the Department of Health & Family Welfare, Agriculture, Horticulture, Fisheries, Public Health Engineering, and others, who outlined their respective schemes and contributions to the convergence project. Attendees were divided into sub-groups to discuss and develop strategies for effective PRI-CBO collaboration.
Mrs. Nabam Piju, ZPM of Pitapool, delivered an impassioned speech on the necessity of having line departments present during Gram Sabhas to assist in the preparation of the Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP). She called for unity among CBOs and PRIs to work collaboratively on a unified GPDP, expressing gratitude to the ArSRLM and its District Mission Management Unit (DMMU) for organizing the workshop.
The workshop began with a welcome address by Mr. Senong Namchoom, District Mission Manager of ArSRLM, Ziro, who underscored the significance of PRI-CBO collaboration in driving community development. He outlined the workshop’s goals, which include aligning the Village Poverty Reduction Plan (VPRP) with government schemes to maximize benefits for local communities.
The event marked an important step towards strengthening local governance and ensuring that rural communities receive the support and services they need for sustainable development.