SwitchON Foundation observes National Panchayati Raj Day
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Kolkata: The National Panchayati Raj Day is observed every year on April 24th across the country to mark the constitutional amendment that created the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in India. SwitchON Foundation observed the National Panchayati Raj Day in West Bengal, Odisha and Jharkhand.
In West Bengal, SwitchON Foundation observed the National Panchayati Raj Day that covered the districts of Bankura, Purulia, Nadia and Purba Bardhaman with its partners by engaging rural communities and government bodies. In Jharkhand, SwitchON the districts of Pakur, Sahibganj, Bokaro, Deoghar, Dumka, Garwa, Latehar, Jamtara and in Odisha it covered the districts of Dhenkanal, Balangir and Kalahandi.
SwitchON developed a strong bonding with the panchayats over the years for the development of the marginal communities. In its efforts in working towards equitable and sustainable development, SwitchON engaged with rural communities through Panchayat and Block level meetings.
It conducted exposure visits to solar pump & micro irrigation sites, training and workshop on solar pump & micro irrigation, Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on importance of millets, site visits to existing millet plots, training on Millet production and its nutritional values.
Vinay Jaju, MD, SwitchON Foundation said, “SwitchON Foundation is committed to creating a sustainable future for rural India by promoting climate smart practices. Through our interventions and partnerships with local NGOs, the aim is to create a more sustainable and resilient future by empowering local communities to adopt environmentally friendly practices. Panchayats should be fully empowered for the inclusive growth and development of the people living in the remote areas.”
It aimed to engage all the stakeholders in the rural sector to generate awareness among small & marginal farmers the work of panchayats & inform the panchayats about the ground level challenges that the farmers are facing.
The ultimate goal was to build awareness of Panchayati Raj System, Millets, build partnership with Local Panchayats, and support small and marginal farmers on solar & micro-Irrigation practices. SwitchON with the help of local governing bodies (Panchayats) promote awareness campaigns and build capacity of the marginal farmers to promote climate resilient agricultural practice.
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