The Hindu : Other States / Rajasthan News : UNDP pilot project for poverty alleviation

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Sunday, Dec 19, 2004

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UNDP pilot project for poverty alleviation

By Our Special Correspondent

JAIPUR, DEC. 18. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is taking up a pilot project for poverty alleviation in Dungarpur district of southern Rajasthan in association with the Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj and the Confederation of Indian Industries. Dungarpur is among the nine poorest districts in the country identified by the U.N. body.

A round-table meet to formulate the pilot project was held in New Delhi over the week-end. While the CII chairman, S.K. Munjal, provided details of an economic survey undertaken in Dungarpur, the meeting was informed that the UNDP would fund the project under the Centre's scheme for development of backward districts. The Rajasthan Medical and Health Minister, Digambar Singh -- representing the State Government in the meeting -- pointed out that Dungarpur was a tribal-dominated district with a difficult geography. "The poor tribals own small pieces of farming land and live in disparate groups and scattered huts at far-off places. Providing basic necessities in such areas is an arduous task,'' he said.

Dr. Singh said the natural resources in the region had registered a sharp decline over the years despite a better average rainfall. Besides, the tribal way of life had contributed to the lack of development in the vital areas, such as education, health care and drinking water supply.

While assuring that the State Government would extend its full support to the pilot project, Dr. Singh said the establishment of self-help groups, promotion of skills among tribals for horticulture and animal husbandry, development of forests and measures for land conservation would pave the way for faster development of the district.

The Minister emphasised that the cooperation of voluntary organisations should be sought in all attempts for poverty alleviation and multifarious development of the tribal region of Rajasthan comprising Dungarpur, Banswara, Udaipur and Baran districts.

Among others, the U.N. Assistant Secretary General, Hafiz A. Pasha, the Union Panchayati Raj Secretary, Wajahat Habibullah, Dungarpur Collector, Subir Kumar, and representatives of UNDP and CII attended the meeting.

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