National Institute of Rural Development
MARCH 2013214www.nird.org.in
In this issue...
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International Training Programme
on Promotion of
Rural Micro Enterprises
National Workshop on AKPS
Geoinformatics Module for
Cutting Edge Functionaries
Training-cum-Exposure Visit of
Elected Representatives
Training Programme on
Monitoring and Evaluation
PIB Team from Kolkata &
Guwahati Visit NIRD
Training Programmes For Bank
Officers
Training Programme on
Panchayati Raj and Social Justice
Faculty Achievements
Action Research Project on SHG
Convergence with Animal
Husbandry
Emerging Status Of Drinking
Water Programme
International Training Programme on Promotion of
Rural Micro Enterprises
International Training Programme on Promotion of Rural Micro Enterprises
was organised at NIRD during 3-16 March, 2013 under IAFS by the CSERE
faculty. This is the second programme in series during the academic year
2012-13. Twenty four participants from nine African countries viz., Nigeria,
Namibia, Madagaskar, Lesotho, Benin, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Egypt and
Tanzania participated in this programme, who included senior officials
representing various ministries in their respective countries. The programme
was sponsored by the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India.
The main objectives of this programme were:
lTo expose the participants to rural micro-enterprises policies and
programmes in India and the selected African countries.
lTo equip the participants with strategies and management skills so that
they can effectively operationalise micro-enterprise development
programmes in their countries.
As a part of the study visit, participants were exposed to some of the rural
micro-enterprises as well as the initiatives taken up by the Government of
Andhra Pradesh for creating income generating activities in and around the
districts of Warangal and Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. During the visit of
MARCH 2013NIRD Newsletter
National Institute of Rural Development, Hyderabad, India
Warangal, participants could see livelihood initiatives of
SHGs i.e., dairy, brass handicrafts and interacted with
CBOs and DRDA officials. Participants also visited an
organisation called Orvakal Mandal Podupu Lakshmi
Ikya Sangham (OMPLIS), Orvakal on March 15, 2013
where they had the opportunity of witnessing various
livelihood activities such as Mahila Bank, education,
capacity building, etc., being taken up by women. This
Institute under the leadership of Ms Vijaya Bharathi was
also responsible for elimination of child labour in
Orvakal.
National Workshop on AKPS
A one-day National workshop on “Launch of Annapurna
Krishi Prasaar Seva” (AKPS) commenced at NIRD,
Hyderabad on 23 March 2013. Shri J. Satyanarayana, IAS,
Secretary to Government of India, DeitY, MCIT launched
the 'Annapurna Krishi Prasaar Seva', a multimedia
multimodal Interactive Information Dissemination System
for farmers during the workshop through video
conferencing. The launch was carried out in the august
presence of Dr. M.V. Rao, IAS, Director General, NIRD; Dr. D.
Ramarao, National Director, National Agricultural
Innovation Project (NAIP); Dr. A. Padma Raju, Vice-
Chancellor, ANGRAU; Smt. Chandralekha Malviya, Sr. Advisor & Group Coordinator, DeitY, MCIT, GoI; Dr. G.V.
Ramaraju, MD & CEO, Media Lab Asia; Prof. S.L. Mehta, Chairman, RPC, NAIP; Ex-Vice Chancellor, Maharana Pratap
University of Agriculture & Technology; Dr. S. M. Ilyas, Former Director, NAARM and Director CDAC and a host of
distinguished Agriculture , ICT and GIS Scientists, from various esteemed organisations from the State of Andhra
Pradesh and other parts of the country.
The workshop was attended by about 120 delegates / eminent scientists from ICAR institutions, Department of
Information Technology, Central Government Organisations, SAUs, NGOs, Academic Institutions, Private Industries
and International Participants of CGARD NIRD Training Programme from 11 countries.
Annapurna Krishi Prasaar Seva is a pilot testing of the alternative ICT model namely 'Interactive Information
Dissemination System (IIDS)' which is an outcome of the project “Development of a set of alternative ICT models based
on a study and analysis of the major ICT initiatives in agriculture in India to meet the information need of the Indian
farmers” with three major objectives – 1. Assessment of the major ICT initiatives in agriculture vis-à-vis the need of
the farmer in various agro socio-economic situations, 2. Suggest a set of alternative ICT models based on the
assessment for the major situations and 3. Limited validation of some of the models based on the infrastructure that
is already available. IIDS is a pull and push based system with a combination of Toll Free IVRS, Smart Phone
Application and Web Application.
National Institute of Rural Development, Hyderabad, India 3
MARCH 2013NIRD Newsletter
Geoinformatics Module for Cutting Edge Functionaries
The model is developed by the consortium Partners consisting of
CGARD, NIRD; Media Lab, New Delhi ; ANGRAU, Hyderabad and
MICA, Ahmedabad, sponsored under the component 4 of National
Agricultural Innovation Project of ICAR.
The IIDS model is planned to be tested with 600 farmers from six
villages through two Krishi Vigyan Kendras namely, Nellore and
Kampasagar (Nalgonda). By using IIDS applications, farmers can
raise their queries through voice, text, images and small videos, also
they can interact directly with the KVK experts through toll free
number. A centralised server is established and Toll Free IVRS, PRI
Lines are commissioned at ANGRAU, Hyderabad. The two KVKs from Nellore and Kampasagar (Nalgonda) are
connected to a centralised database at ANGRAU Hyderabad through VPN connection with its two KVKs at Nellore
and Nalgonda for the pilot testing of the model. These two KVKs are connected through the VPN lines with the
centralised database, which would have information of farm, farmer and previous transactions (Know Your Farmer,
KYF). The farm profile, farm database and other details of the registered farmers are being entered in central
database by KVKs to deliver farm and farmer-specific advisories.
Module on Geoinformatics Applications in Rural Development Programmes was held during 1-2 March, 2013, for the
District Collectors, Commissioners of Rural Development, Project Directors (DRDA) &, Chief Executive Officers (ZP).
Sixty delegates from various organisations across the country including six senior officers participated in the Module.
The Module was coordinated by Dr. M V Rao, IAS, Director General, NIRD and CGARD Faculty Dr. V Madhava Rao, Dr R
R Hermon and Dr P Kesava Rao.
Dr M V Rao, Director General, NIRD in his welcome address mentioned that there is an urgent need to take space
technology to the villagers for improving their livelihoods. The Module was inaugurated by Dr V K Dadhwal, Director,
National Remote Sensing Centre, Hyderabad. He gave an overview of the resources and technology available with
the NRSC for applications in rural development like the availability of Earth Observation Satellites, ground & wireless
sensors, GIS on cloud, geoportals Bhuvan application and MYRIAD applications in mobile mapping.
National Institute of Rural Development, Hyderabad, India4
NIRD Newsletter MARCH 2013
The keynote address was delivered by Dr Y V N Krishna Murthy, Director, Indian Institute of Remote Sensing. He gave
an overview of the agricultural water management, Geo-spatial technologies for rural development, challenges &
opportunities in rural development like Integrated Watershed Development Planning for practical approach in
planning directed at preservation, conservation, development, management and exploitation of natural resources
for the benefit of people. Dr. M. V. Rao said that Geoinformatics technology potential is immense but there is a need
to take this technology to the district level and below.
Primarily the Module was aimed at evolving a decision support system for sustainable natural resource based
development plan and to integrating the socio-cultural dataset with location based information derived from GPS,
GIS and RS, for effective planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of rural development programmes
and policies at district level and below..
The Module covered application of Geoinformatics in management of natural resources, agriculture, animal
husbandry, rural development programmes like rural road, MGNREGS, watersheds, monitoring of environment in
rural areas, convergence of RD programmes, livelihood development, etc, towards rendering cost-effective and
timely solutions in the generation of optimised decision alternatives.
Delegates were given a first-hand practical experience on GPS/DGPS tracking of assets, to have a feel of the
technology and a detailed presentation on ISRO development portal Bhuvan. Resource persons were renowned
Geoinformatics scientists from ISRO and INCOIS. The INCOIS scientists presented the agriculture, meteorological
and fishery advisory services and also gave a detailed presentation on Tsunami Warning facilities.
A broad overview of India's Space Programme and the benefits derived for the society, programmes and policies of
ISRO to reach out to development administrators and the backup support through Bhuvan and SISDIP was
presented. Various ongoing Geoinformatics applications in rural development were also presented. Ocean, climate,
agriculture, fishery advisory and Tsunami information base was presented by Dr T Srinivas Kumar, INCOIS and
Dr P Rama Rao of INCOIS explained web based information advisory for farmers, fishermen and district
administration.
Bhuvan, the Indian corollary to Google, which is proving a potential knowledge base for all rural development
programme monitoring and planning was demonstrated live. Satellite imageries up to 5 metre resolution and 2.5
metre resolution on various States of India, with numerous themes are available in Bhuvan which can be used by
decision-makers at all levels free of cost.
Dr. T. Ravishankar, NRSC discussed the applications in agriculture, water resources, rural roads and climate change.
The Module concluded with a resolution to harness all the available spatial technology for the development of
agriculture, water resources, rural roads and climate change.
Training-cum-Exposure Visit of Elected Representatives
A Training-cum-Exposure Visit on “Decentralisation and Good Governance Initiatives for Elected Representatives of
Panchayats of Andaman & Nicobar ( U.T. Administration)” was organised by Centre for Panchayati Raj (CPR) during
January 28 – February 02, 2013 at NIRD, Hyderabad. Dr. P. Durgaprasad, Professor and Head, CPR inaugurated the
programme and interacted with participants on various issues. A total of 20 elected representatives from the PRIs.
particularly South Andaman, Zilla Parishad participated in the programme. This programme was designed and
organised with the following objectives:
National Institute of Rural Development, Hyderabad, India 5
NIRD Newsletter MARCH 2013
Training Programme on Monitoring and Evaluation
The Centre for Equity and Social
Development, NIRD organised the
Training of Trainers Programme on
Monitoring and Evaluation during, 12-
15, March 2013 (Sponsored by Rajiv
Vidya Mission- SSA, Government of
Andhra Pradesh). Fifty four participants
from 23 districts of Andhra Pradesh
attended the training programme. The
main objective of the programme was to
a create cadre of Resource Persons and
Master Trainers on Monitoring and
Evaluation for effective implementation of Right to Education Act and Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan interventions in the
State of Andhra Pradesh. The programme discussed on various topics including understanding the training process,
systematic approach to training, objectives and key elements of ToT, concept and meaning of monitoring and
evaluation, developing indicators, techniques of monitoring, monitoring mechanism for SSA and RTE, data
management for monitoring: (sampling, data collection, analysis and management), evaluation- conceptual frame-
work, types of evaluation and participatory monitoring and evaluation. On 15 March, 2013 a panel discussion session
was arranged on Concerns and Challenges in Monitoring of Schools: by inviting four panelists namely Shri K.Anand
Kishore, former Director, SCERT, Hyderabad, Prof. S.Mahender Reddy, Dean, Faculty of Education, Kakatiya University,
Warangal, Prof. A. Jagadeesh, District Educational Officer, Nalgonda, Dr.H.Sirisha, Former Girl Child Development
Officer and Shri Ch. Murali Mohan, State convener RTE forum, Andhra Pradesh. The programme was coordinated by
Dr. T. Vijayakumar, Faculty (CESD) and Dr.R.R.Prasad, Professor & Head (CESD).
1. To focus on comparative scenario of PR system and its functioning across the country
2. To highlight good practices and initiatives for establishing good governance practices in various states
3. To organise an exposure visit to the gram panchayat, mandal panchayat and zilla parishad to know the
panchayati raj system in Andhra Pradesh.
The topics covered during the programme included, panchayati raj system in Andhra Pradesh, PRA strategies and
approaches and how they can be applicable to rural areas, strategies and impact of self-help group concepts in
Andhra Pradesh and decentralisation and good governance in rural development. One-day field visit was orgnised
and the participants were taken to Ramachandrapur Gram Panchayat in Karimnagar district, Andhra Pradesh to
examine the working of gram panchayat and its impact on the development of infrastructure in the village and the
development that took place for the benefit of rural people. The Ex-sarpanch of Ramachandrapur Gram Panchayat
interacted with the participants and explained about delivery of basic services. Dr. M V Rao, Director General, NIRD
delivered the keynote address. The programme was coordinated by Dr. Y. Bhaskar Rao, Associate Professor, Centre
for Panchayati Raj under the overall guidance of Dr. P. Durgaprasad, Professor & Head (CPR).
National Institute of Rural Development, Hyderabad, India6
NIRD Newsletter MARCH 2013
PIB Team from Kolkata & Guwahati Visit NIRD
A media team consisting of 11 members from important
newspapers of PIB Kolkata and Guwahati visited NIRD on March
19, 2013 to get exposed to various training and research
activities undertaken by the Institute for rural development. Dr.
M.V. Rao, Director General, NIRD interacted with the officials
and briefed them in general on various training, research and
other related activities undertaken at NIRD. Participants were
also taken to RTP to get exposed to various models of rural
technologies drawn from different parts of the country. They
were also provided an opportunity to interact with the
participants of an ongoing international training programme
on GIS Application in Rural Development. Dr. Madhava Rao,
Course Director explained the participants about the objective
of the course in general and Application of GIS in Rural
Development in particular. This programme was jointly coordinated by Dr. K.P. Kumaran, Professor & Head (CMRD),
Dr. P. SivaRam, Project Director (RTP) and Dr. Y. Gangi Reddy, Associate Professor (RTP).
Training Programmes for Bank Officers
* A customised training programme for
Branch Managers of UCO Bank was
conducted from 25 February to 2
March 2013 at NIRD which was
coordinated by Shri R. Koteswara Rao,
Project Consultant, CRCDB. Twenty one
Branch Managers from Maharashtra,
Bihar, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh
attended this sponsored training
programme. In coordination with SERP,
a field visit was also arranged to
Meerpet, Saroornagar Mandal, Ranga
Reddy district for interactive study on
working of SHGs and VOs at Meerpet
village. Participants interacted with
SHG and VO members and gained
knowledge about social and financial
empowerment of women through Self-
Help Groups.
th*The 10 Training programme on Rural
Credit Management was conducted
during 04-09, March, 2013 exclusively
for Branch heads of rural and semi-
National Institute of Rural Development, Hyderabad, India 7
NIRD Newsletter MARCH 2013
Training Programme on Panchayati Raj and Social Justice
A Training Programme on 'Panchayati Raj and Social Justice” was organised by the Centre for Panchayati Raj (CPR)
during 25 – 28 February, 2013 at NIRD, Hyderabad. Dr. P. Durgaprasad, Professor and Head, CPR inaugurated the
programme and shared his thoughts about Panchayati Raj and Social Justice. Twenty two participants including 13
government officials, seven elected members from PRIs and two members from NGO sector participated in the
programme.
The following were the objectives of the programme:
lTo share the experiences of elected representatives and functionaries of PRIs with their functioning;
lTo focus at the implementation of Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) and Special Component Plan (SCP);
lTo highlight the role of Panchayati Raj Institutions in the implementation of development programmes and
project the rights of SCs and STs, and
lTo discuss the process of convergence and integration with MGNREGA SC/ST focused programmes.
Various topics covered in the programme included empowerment of weaker sections through PRIs, Panchayat
Extension to Scheduled Areas (PESA) and the operational issues in the implementation of the Act. Participants were
taken to Choutuppal Mandal to examine the works which are being implemented for the cause of scheduled castes
and scheduled tribes, for instance, the land development schemes for SCs and Tribal Development works. Apart
from this, participants also visited Pochampally Gram Panchayat and interacted with Secretary and Ex-sarpanch. Dr.
P. Durgaprasad, Professor and Head, Centre for Panchayati Raj participated in key deliberations with the participants
and delivered valedictory address. The programme was coordinated by Dr. Y. Bhaskar Rao, Associate Professor,
Centre for Panchayati Raj under the overall guidance and supervision of Dr. P. Durgaprasad.
Faculty Achievements
Dr. Shankar Chatterjee, Associate Professor (CPME) was invited as Speaker for the
National Seminar on Millennium Development Goals: Strategy, Achievement and
Challenges held during 7-8 March 2013 at Gandhigram Rural Institute – Deemed
University, Dindigul, Tamil Nadu. He delivered a talk on Addressing Poverty and
Hunger through Self-Employment: Cases Across India on 8 March 2013 at the
Plenary Session –II.
urban branches of UCO Bank. Participants were from Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Bihar States.
Besides inputs on all Rural Credit schemes, topics like SHG movement, Financial Inclusion were intensively covered.
Participants were taken to a remote village in Keesara Mandal for direct interaction with members of a SHG and SHG
village organisation. With this, total 244 branch heads of UCO Bank have undergone training at NIRD in the second
phase during December 2012 and March 2013.
National Institute of Rural Development, Hyderabad, India8
NIRD Newsletter MARCH 2013
Action Research Project on SHG Convergence with Animal Husbandry
The CHRD,NIRD-AR
Team, headed by Dr.
Gyanmudra , P ro jec t
Director & Head CHRD
organised an exposure
visit, along with the team
members, Dr. Sarumathy,
Dr. Achari and Mr. Kiran ,
to SHGs of three villages
of Ipperu Panchayat-
Ipperu, Nagireddypalle
and Antaraganga to
Orvakal, Kurnool district,
on 22 March 2013 . The
SHGs in these villages
have been converged with animal husbandry a year ago. The present exposure visit has been considered as an
important part of the action research through which members get an opportunity to observe and learn from other
groups' s developmental activities. The purpose of this exposure visit is to learn from the experiences of others by
direct interaction. It is a practical learning process since learning takes place from real life situations of other
members.
Orvakal Mandala Podupu Laxmi Ikya Sangam (OMPLIS) is a federation of SHG groups at mandal level, having its own
training centre being sponsored by UNDP and SERP with Ms Vijaya Bharathi as the director of the institute. The thrift
movement in Orvakal Mandal has been successful after implementation of the UNDP-sponsored project in seven
mandals for five years. The movement has been more successful in Orvakal, which attracted the attention of people
involved in poverty alleviation at national and international levels for its innovative concepts.
The CHRD-AR team, with twenty five participants from three villages, visited Orvakal to interact with SHG leaders at
Orvakal. The participants had an interactive session with Ms Vijaya Bharathi, Director, OMPLIS. The Director enquired
them about what they have observed and learned from the OMLIS SHG leader.
The leaders of OMPLIS shared their experiences of socio-economic conditions before joining the mandal Ikya
sangam and the transformation they could see after joining the sangam.
They shared the experiences of how they struggled in joining the mandal samakhya , the challenges they had to face
in the process and ultimately how they overcame all the hurdles and became successful women with collective
effort, with regular monthly saving, running the small ventures on their own and even becoming resource persons
and going to different places to take motivational classes at international forums.
Case Studies
They explained the Director about their interaction with OMPLIS' SHG leaders. Collectiveness, proper book
keeping, regular monthly savings, mutual help to each other in the groups were observed as major factors for the
success of the Orvakal SHG Members. Later with a motivational song Ms Vijaya Bharathi had suggested the
participants to resume their education by attending the night schools. She hoped that all the members will be
aware of their rights to do things better. She was wishing all the participants to contest in forthcoming Panchayat
elections independently not affiliating with any political party. With the one-day exposure visit the participants felt
very happy about knowing new things through interaction with Orvakal SHG members. They also took oath to
follow whatever they learnt from the exposure visit in becoming successful in their life.
National Institute of Rural Development, Hyderabad, India 9
NIRD Newsletter MARCH 2013
Smt.Ramasubbamma, being separated from her
husband was helpless in bring up her two daughters.
Later the Podupu Sangam (Mandal Ikyasangam) stood
by her and helped financially to get 7 buffaloes on loan
given by the sangam. She developed the dairy activity
year by year and now she is able to give employment to
others. Her daughters are doing jobs after finishing
their studies. She has now two houses and two acres of
land and leading a happy life. She proudly says that the
Podupu Sangam has changed her living conditions
drastically.
Smt.Ratnamma, Loddipalem, President, former
Mandal Samakhya. She is from SC community. She
narrates how she liberated her husband, a bonded
labourer. She could do it because of the loan she got
through the SHG she joined a few years back.
Ratnamma joined the SHG, contributing ` 1 from her
savings. She says, “after joining the organisation I
could educate my children. My daughter got school
education and she is doing nursing. Two of my sons
got government jobs after I joined in this mandal
Samakhya”. Until now she has drawn around ` 9 lakh
credit and only ` 20000 are remaining to be cleared.
She has been one of the community resource persons
moving around the globe to motivate the SHG
members of different countries.
National Institute of Rural Development, Hyderabad, India10
NIRD Newsletter MARCH 2013
NIRD celebrated International Women's Day on 11
March, 2013. On this occasion Dr M. V Rao, Director
General, NIRD welcomed the guests and facilitated
Smt. Shanta Sheela Nair, Vice-Chairperson, State
Planning Commission, Tamil Nadu, Smt. Manjula
Krishnan, Former Sr Financial Advisor, MoRD and
Member, High Level Committee on Status of
Women and Smt G. Vijaya Bharathi, Hon. Advisor ,
IKY Samakhya , Orvakal Mandal , Kurnool for their
commendable work for women's development .
Smt. Shanta Sheela Nair, chief guest of the function
is very well known for her work in water and
sanitation. She has successfully implemented the rain water harvesting structure programme in all the apartments
and localities in Chennai and featured in Aamir Khan's Satyamev Jayate programme. Smt Manjula Krishnan has
initiated Gender Budgeting Processes in the country. Smt.Vijaya Bharathi has contributed immensely for
strengthening of SHG's, and empowering women by alleviation of poverty in Orvakal Mandal which has become the
role model of poverty alleviation.
Smt. Nair in her address said that sanitation is a major issue for women. She narrated an incident where a dalit woman
in a village from Ramanathapuram refused to live with her husband until he constructed a toilet in the house. Her
assertion has resulted not only in her house having toilet but the whole village getting transformed and winning
Nirmal Puraskar Award and this message spread to other villages. She suggested that there is need for engendering
the planning process and focus on rural women priorities to be integrated in planning process of each and every
department.
Smt. Manjula Krishan said, though women have broken glass ceiling in many areas still the patriarchal mindset
continues. One major area of concern is adverse girl child sex ratio of 914 for 1000 males. The Nirbhaya incident has
shown extreme violence women are facing in India and the need for efficacy of laws. Most of the work that women
do within the households or care economy is not calculated in the national income and the income of the
unorganised sector area also not calculated.
Ms. G.Vijaya Bharathi spoke eloquently on how poor women of Andhra Pradesh emerged as leaders and have proved
that women can facilitate development. Women are able to build a safety net around them and are able to address
issues of violence (both private and public) through federation. Another notable feature of SHG movement has been
that it was able to break the barriers of caste and class which need to be studied.
To mark the occasion NIRD has organised simultaneously a National Seminar on Women Participation and Inclusive
Development. The chief guest of the function Ms. Santha Sheela Nair released the Souvenir of the seminar.
All the faculty members, staff of NIRD and their family members, participants and International students and Ms
Padmasree, President, NIRD Mahila Mandali and members joined the International Women's Day celebrations.
The meet ended with formal vote of thanks by Dr.C.S.Singhal, Prof &Head, CWD&GS, NIRD.
NIRD Celebrates International Women's Day
National Institute of Rural Development, Hyderabad, India 11
NIRD Newsletter MARCH 2013
Emerging Status Of Drinking Water Programme
Safe drinking water, standard sanitation and basic health care should be seen as a non-negotiable development
continuum with specific reference to individual and community well-being. A good part of primary health care
derives its strength from this continuum even while leveraging the tangible benefits of associated health and welfare
programmers such as the ICDS, Arogyashree and Health Care Insurance of the kind the Narayan Hrudayala has been
passionately promoting amongst the rural populations and the rural poor in particular. It is in this context the state,
civil society and household interventions of water and sanitation assume critical significance and cascading impacts.
While the water and sanitation (WATSAN) situation has been gradually and significantly improving a lot more needs
to be done by way of equity, affordability, and gender balancing. The Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation,
Government of India has embarked on a series of mission-oriented interventions in the rural areas for improving the
water and sanitation facilities with high regard for environmental balancing and ecological restoration. The planned
interventions of the Ministry have been substantial and sustained too. The following highlights of achievements
hold not only hope but also provide a window to the potential WATSAN programmes can generate for sustained
development, especially amongst the poor women in rural areas.
thFigure -1 shows the 11 Plan allocation that is regarded as a quantum jump of the highest order so far at ` 49,000
crore by the UPA government. The planned allocations in the previous plan periods represent only a third of this
allocation. The investments in other plan periods are indicated.
Nearly three-fourths of all the habitations i.e., 11.9 lakh have been covered with safe drinking water. The rest of the
habitations are proposed to be covered on priority for provision of 40 litres of safe drinking water per capita per day th(LPCD) in the 12 Plan. While it is a happy augury in terms of coverage, the issue of assured quality of drinking water
remains a major challenge. Figure-3 throws light on the extent of water quality problems in the country. Of the 16.64
lakh rural habitations, over 1.20 lakh habitations suffer from one or other water quality problems including excess
fluoride and unacceptable levels of arsenic; iron; nitrates and salinity.
Figure-1:Plan-wise Allocations on Drinking Water and Sanitation Figure - 2: The Current Status of Provision of Drinking Water
Figure-3 : Status of Coverage of Habitations
As if this problem was not devastating enough, there have been reports of late confirming mercury in river waters of
AP and Northern India. Therefore, priority actions should be initiated in mitigating the problems of flourosis and
skin diseases that strike several communities in the country, more so in already backward areas like Nalgonda, Tonk
National Institute of Rural Development, Hyderabad, India12
NIRD Newsletter
Director General : Dr. M.V. Rao, IAS
Editor : Dr. K.P. Kumaran (P&H, CMRD); Asst. Director (Editing) : Dr. K. Papamma; Photographs : P. Subrahmanyam;Cover Design : V.G.Bhat; Published by Dr. K.P. Kumaran (Prof. & Head, CMRD) on behalf of the National Institute of Rural Development,
Rajendranagar, Hyderabad-500 030 and printed at Vaishnavi Laser Graphics, Hyderabad.
Book-Pocket (Contains Printed Matter)
MARCH 2013
and Alwar as has been revealed by the research studies of the NIRD. While high tech water treatment plants serve
their own purpose, household and community based low cost deflouridation systems need to be promoted as has
been done in Nalgonda by the NIRD and the Sai Oral Health Foundation. thIn terms of physical performance in the 11 Plan, the Central and State Governments have largely achieved
thcommensurate results. As against the target of 798967 habitations for coverage during the 11 Five Year Plan, the
achievements stood at coverage of 613154 habitations. This is a significant achievement of over 75 per cent.
However, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Nagaland, MP, Odisha, HP, and Tamil Nadu have exceeded their targets.
Disturbingly though, the under achieving states with less than 50 per cent coverage included Sikkim, Punjab, Assam,
J &K, and Arunachal Pradesh.
The National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP) is the primary instrument which operates at the national
level under the Bharat Nirman Programme. In physical terms, the achievements under Bharat Nirman have been
substantial. As against 55,000 uncovered habitations scheduled to be covered during the Bharat Nirman period,
over 54,000 habitations have been covered in phase -1. Over 500 habitations have been covered under phase -2 in ththe 11 plan. While covering the uncovered habitations has been a problem by itself, there has also been a growing
challenge of arresting the growth of `slipped back habitations'. However, the states have evidently performed
rather well in covering almost all the 3.58 lakh slipped back habitations by 2009. Latest statistics show that there has
been further progress in arresting the slipped back habitations as over 1.5 lakh habitations were covered by 2012 out
of the 2.10 lakh partially covered / slipped back habitations.
In so far as mitigating the problems of quality affected habitations is concerned, the states have again performed
rather well in covering 50168 habitations out of over 3.10 lakh habitations under phase-1 of Bharat Nirman.
Doubling up this progress, the states have made further in-roads into the water contaminated habitations by way of
further coverage of 32734 habitations in 2009. And by the end of phase-2 of the Bharat Nirman, over 1.10 lakh
quality affected habitations were covered with region-specific quality control projects.
Provision for SCs and STs
The NRDWP has special provisions to ensure focus on the coverage of the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe
population with potable water supply. Of the 2,79,200 SC concentrated habitations in the country, 2,05,420
habitations are fully covered, 58,887 are partially covered and 14,893 are quality affected. By 2012, 22,867
habitations have been covered with potable drinking water supply. Of the total 3,57,727 ST dominated habitations,
2,47,135 are fully covered, 86,717 are partially covered and 23,875 are quality affected.
By Dr. P. Durgaprasad, P & H, Centre for Panchayat Raj