TRAINING REPORT OF BHARAT NIRMAN VOLUNTEERS

The Training of Bharat Nirman Volunteers of Thingdawl RD Block, Kolasib District has commenced under Lab to Land Initiative during the 13th - 15th April, 2011.

TRAINING PROGRAMME:

The inaugural programme was held under the chairmanship of Mr. KT Pakhuangte, Dy. Director, SIRD. Mr. R. Lalramnghaka, Director, SIRD. inaugurated the training programme. Among the officials attending the  function were Mr. Lalremsanga Block Development Officer, Thingdawl, Mr. Stephen APO, DRDA, Kolasib, Dr. Lalhruaitluangi Core Faculty, SIRD and Ms. Mina Lalhmingthangi Addl PO & Counsellor (BNV), Thingdawl.

The training programme was attended by 37 Bharat Nirman Volunteers from Thingdawl town, and more than one third of them were women, mostly officials of the MHIP (A union of Mizo women). The topics covered various programme sponsored by the Ministry of Rural Development, such as MGNREGS, IWMP, SGSY/NRLM, PMGSY, NRDWP & TSC, NSAP, IAY, Role of BNV, and Fundamental Duties of a citizen of India, etc.

The training was conducted with the training fund provided for the purpose by the MoRD. It is expected to have the  Phase-I Training continued for BNVs from other villages / towns of Thingdawl RD Block for 5 more weeks.

The 2^nd Phase training will cover the State Flagship Programme – New Land Use Policy, and development prgrammes implemented in the State under other Ministries of the Government of India.

The remarks like “This kind of training should have been conducted since long time back”, “The SIRD should continue this training for times to come,” etc. were among the ones most heard from the participants.

The trained BNVs, under the guidance of the BDO/Counsellor, Thingdawl, will be assigned 20 to 40 households in their respective localities. Each BNV will monitor the implementation of development programmes meant for the rural poor in his/her neighbourhood, and assist the Village Council, Government officials and other implementing agencies while also assisting and guiding the people regarding their rights and responsibilities, and on the vitality of participation in collective decision making process concerning their respective towns/villages.

With the proactive steps taken by the District authorities and the BDO, Thingdawl, there is a high expectation among the trained volunteers and the public that the Lab to Land Initiative would greatly enhance the knowledge of the rural people, and help in greater achievement under various development programmes implemented in the State as envisaged by the MoRD.

The SIRD, under the pressure of the normal workload, is planning to develop a network of Community Resource Persons to ensure uninterrupted conduct of training of BNVs from all RD Blocks of the State, which is expected to last for quite sometime ahead.