Centre sanctions rural projects for State

The Union Ministry of Rural Development has sanctioned two projects worth Rs 21.5 crore, under the National Rural Livelihood Mission, for Karnataka.

Both projects are aimed at empowering rural women and will be implemented through NGOs, with active involvement of the state government.

The State Genetic Resources Ecology and Nutrition Foundation (Green Foundation) has been selected for implementation of the project in Chitradurga and Ramanagara districts. The project, with an estimated cost of Rs 6.5 crore, is expected to benefit around 5,000 women.  

Another project will be implemented by the Initiative for Development Foundation in Tumkur and Belgaum districts. The project, which will cost Rs 15 crore, is expected to benefit around 11,000 women.

In his letter to Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar, Union Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh said the state government should ensure prompt implementation of the scheme. The scheme will “empower women in agriculture, by strengthening community institutions of poor women farmers and leverage their strength to promote sustainable agriculture-based livelihoods,” Ramesh stated in the letter.