Bharat Rural Livelihoods Foundation (BRLF) Takes a Stride Towards Transforming Lives in Maharashtra’s Vidarbha Region
In a significant collaborative effort, the Bharat Rural Livelihoods Foundation (BRLF) has partnered with the Human Development Commissionerate (HDC), the Government of Maharashtra, to initiate a high-impact Human Development Index Project. This ambitious project seeks to enhance the quality of life for the underprivileged communities residing in the impoverished Talukas of Vidarbha. The project is set to span from 1st May 2022 to 30th April 2023.
A Multi-Faceted Approach to Empowerment
The core objective of the Human Development Index Project is to effectively monitor and implement existing schemes pertaining to education and health by the HDC department. Moreover, the initiative aims to engage deeply with the impoverished communities through a cluster-based approach, strategically implementing tailored livelihood interventions.
Driving Progress: Goals of the Project
The overarching goal of the BRLF and HDC collaboration is to elevate the Human Development Index for a staggering 25,000 poor households in the initial phase. Among them, 10,000 households are part of a new project under the Tribal Development Department. The targeted regions for transformation include Yavatmal, Gadchiroli Nandurbar-Dhadgaon, Nandurbar-Akkalkuwa, and Gondia districts in Maharashtra’s Vidarbha region.
Phased Implementation for Sustainable Impact
The Human Development Index Project is designed for phased implementation to ensure sustained and measurable impact. The initial phase spans one year, from 1st May 2022 to 30th April 2023. Following this, a comprehensive joint review will be conducted, assessing project outputs and outcomes. Based on the results, a decision will be taken to extend the project for two more years, from 1st May 2023 to 30th April 2025.
Strategic Partnership and Leveraging Funds
Kuldeep Singh, Chief Operating Officer of BRLF, revealed that the project would be executed in 23 blocks across Maharashtra by six civil society organizations (CSOs) in partnership with the Tribal Development Department and Human Development Commissionerate, Government of Maharashtra. The project aims to leverage funds totaling Rs. 56 crores from various schemes under the HD Department, providing significant benefits to the 25,000 targeted households.
Ensuring Comprehensive Growth
The Human Development Index Project envisions achieving several crucial outcomes:
-
Improved Living Standards: Elevating the overall living conditions and well-being of 25,000 impoverished households.
-
Empowering Women and Girls: Addressing gender-based inequalities and improving the well-being of women and adolescent girls.
-
Effective Scheme Implementation: Ensuring seamless and effective implementation of ongoing health and education schemes.
-
Technical Support for Livelihood Interventions: Providing technical assistance to the HDC department, particularly in agriculture, Non-Timber Forest Produce (NTFP), and natural resource management.
Joint Vision for a Brighter Future
Mr. Nitin Patil (IAS), Commissioner, Human Development Department, Government of Maharashtra, emphasized that the HD department’s collaboration with BRLF would extend support to the ultra-poor households within the selected blocks. This partnership will facilitate knowledge management, implementation, and coordination with CSOs while setting up monitoring and evaluation frameworks. The HD department aims to work closely with various line departments to ensure a holistic approach in providing livelihood options for the targeted households.
A Proven Track Record
In Maharashtra, BRLF is already executing another high-impact livelihood enhancement project in tribal-dominated Talukas of the Vidarbha region, in partnership with the Tribal Development Department (TDD) and CSO partners. This ongoing project, which was co-created and developed in consultation with Shabari Adivasi Vitta Va Vikas Mahamandal Maryadit, focuses on uplifting the livelihood conditions of the 15,000 most vulnerable Scheduled Tribe households.
An Integrated Approach for Sustainable Change
Given the geographical proximity of the Human Development Index Project and the ongoing project of the Tribal Development Department, the teams will work in tandem. The TDD team leader will lead the project and offer guidance and field support to the team deployed in the adjoining Talukas. The joint collaboration comprises 92 skilled human resources distributed across 15 units, reflecting a comprehensive approach to catalyzing sustainable change.
Commitment to Transform Lives
The Human Development Index Project promises to be a game-changer for the marginalized communities of Maharashtra’s Vidarbha region. With BRLF’s expertise and strategic partnership with the HDC and other stakeholders, this transformative initiative seeks to uplift lives, enhance human development indicators, and build a brighter future for the underprivileged households.
