ALL INDIA CENTRE FOR URBAN AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT Key Issues and
Operational Areas, Major Activiities & Achivements
Operational Districts: Jalpaiguri
Operational States: WEST BENGAL
AchieveMents: AICURD has been quite instrumental towards empowerment of marginalized people aiming at their sustainable livelihood. Accordingly AICURD has formed almost 520 SHGs in different blocks of Jalpaiguri district, Wet Bengal. by this time 325 SHGs have been graded and credit linked.
For promotion of handicrafts in Jalpaiguri district by making arrangements of supply of raw materials, technological inputs, training to artisans, marketing support etc. AICURD was allowed a project under Baba Sahib Ambedkar Hastha Silpa Vikas Yogana (AHVY) in Nov. 2001 from Development Commissioner (H), Ministry of Textiles, GOI. Accordingly 16 SHGs consisting of 240 artisans availed training etc. for Jute, Cane, Bamboo & weaving activities.
In the year 2007-08 similar assistance was granted to AICURD under AHVY. Skill development workshop for 6 months covering 20 artisans, design development workshop for 15 days covering 30 artisans and integrated design & technical development project for 6 months covering 75 nos. of artisans were successfully organized.
AICURD has set up a Craft Development Centre (CDC) on diversified jute products at Jalpaiguri with financial assistance from Development Commissioner (H), Ministry of Textiles, GOI.
Non availability of credit in time is a major problem of the SHGs for their involvement in income generating activities. With a view to obviate this bottle neck AICURD provided credit support to SHGs. Most of group members are engaged in agriculture, small business, animal husbandry, cottage industry etc. Their repayment is almost 90%. Credit decision is taken by group members in their meeting.
AICURD has organized a child labour school at Jalpaiguri aided by NCLP (Labour Dept. Govt. of West Bengal). Children of age group 9 to 14 years engaged in hazardous activities were admitted. We are providing formal education and vocational training to the children. There is arrangement of full meal at noon.
We have organized ten crèche centres for the children of working mothers in Sadar block of Jalpaiguri district, W.B. It is funded by Central Social Welfare Board/ West Bengal Social Welfare Board. Children of age group 0 to 6 years are admitted. There are 2 creche workers in each centre. We offer pre-primary education, health support and nutrition to the children. Most of the mothers of children belong to BPL category, they have formed a few SHGs.
Ministry of Food Processing Industries, GOI has sanctioned a project of FPTC in the financial year 2008-09. Members of SHGs are beneficiaries. Grounding of the project is mostly completed.
Nehru Yuva Kendra sponsored skill development training programme for women members of SHG on ââ¬ËCutting & Tailoringââ¬â¢ of 25 members in each batch. We covered 2 batches with a duration of 6 months.
We have conducted Entrepreneurship Development Programme covering 25 PMRY beneficiaries for 15 days which was sponsored by DIC, Jalpaiguri, WB.
NABARD Regional Office, Kolkata sponsored a few programmes on ââ¬ËSHG awarenessââ¬â¢ which were conducted by AICURD.
