KOZHIKODE: The technical cell of the State National Service Scheme (NSS) has submitted its activities and the results achieved under the Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojna (SAGY) project in Kerala. The NSS was working in panchayats selected in the first phase of the project, from November last year for identifying their key issues and finding solutions for them.
In the first phase, 33 panchayats were selected by MPs from the state to be developed under the SAGY project, which envisages an integrated development of select villages across multiple areas such as agriculture, health, education, sanitation, environment and livelihood.NSS technical cell coordinator Abdul Jabbar Ahamed said only Kerala has submitted a final report to the Centre on the project.
“We were successful in identifying all key issues in the selected gram panchayats as per the project guidelines. The technical cell has found solutions to the issues which are now being implemented by the local bodies and other authorities concerned,” he said. The NSS report states they have identified about 16,500 jobless people in the panchayats. The group was successful in identifying about 5,650 job opportunities and employed 1,160 people according to their area of interest. The NSS also conducted a mega job fair in association with the Social Research Society.
In education, the technical cell identified 20 higher secondary schools from the panchayats which were struggling with less than 60 per cent pass rate. Intensive classes were started in the institutions. “The intervention by the unit in the schools has shown positive results and the programme is under way there,” said Abdul.
During this period, NSS also assisted the local self-government and the Kerala Institute of Local Administration in preparing “an actionable DPR” for doubling the village income. As per the report, 32 panchayats submitted their village development plans by March 15.
Sanitation and sustainable water management were given major thrust. During the last five months, NSS assisted various government bodies in preparing three detailed project reports which were submitted for approval. The task group identified 600 families in the villages lacking toilet facilities and constructed it for 25 families. The group also conducted 300 demonstrations spreading the message of the necessity of hygienic toilets.
To promote tourism in the areas, 10 destinations in the region were identified and a detailed report was prepared for submitting it to the respective agencies. “All 10 reports were submitted and development works at six destinations is under way. We expect to create at least 100 jobs through the initiatives,” said Abdul.The project has been successful in addressing the waste management system in the villages.