Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan and KILA: the programme meant to make panchayats financially self-reliant

Background

The Atmanirbhar Panchayat Programme is implemented under the Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) and aims to make panchayats financially self-reliant by tapping local resources and public assets. Selected panchayats receive technical support to develop bankable projects, financed through Public-Private Partnerships, Corporate Social Responsibility, institutional finance and convergence with government schemes. The Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Government of India, organised the third Outreach Workshop on the programme at Kochi, in collaboration with the Local Self Government Department, Government of Kerala, as part of its nationwide outreach campaign. Representatives of more than 210 Panchayats attended in person and nearly 600 Panchayats joined virtually from across Kerala. Dr. N. Devidas, Director General, Kerala Institute of Local Administration (KILA), took part, as did representatives of NABARD and HUDCO, who offered technical assistance, project appraisal and financing support. Technical sessions covered eligibility criteria, Detailed Project Reports, project financing and a Challenge Mode process for submitting and evaluating revenue-generating proposals.