Rural Development Ministry ask NIRD for diversifying its clientele

New Delhi, Aug 25 (UNI) The National Institute of Rural Development (NIRD), Hyderabad has been asked to diversify the clientage being imparted training by drawing personnel from the Panchayati Raj Institutions, farmer's democratic institutions, cooperative societies, civil societies organisations etc.

The direction has been given by the Executive Council Committee of NIRD, which works under the rural development ministry. NIRD is an apex institute in the field of rural development, research, training, technological dissemination and policy input.

In the 105th meeting of Executive Council held recently under chairmanship of Union Rural Development Minister Raghuvansh Prasad Singh, the Executive Committee approved a proposal for seeking the deemed university status for the NIRD and also approved for setting up of a regional centre of NIRD at Patna.

It also decided to strengthen the core faculty by allowing recruitment of necessary personnel. Accordingly, greater financial autonomy has been provided for efficient decision making.

A future vision document providing 18 aspects was presented during the meeting. It includes--creation of a Technology Bank to be a repository and dissemination of both traditional and non-traditional technologies. Moreover, acquisition and active propagation of Distance Mode of Education; deep involvement with NREGA through research mapping and otherwise; greater international engagement; technological upgradation of CGARD; infrastructure through Automatic Mapping and Facilitation Management using GIS technologies; mapping of the subjects covered by NIRD through Modules were decided.

The setting up of Centre for Resolution of Rural Conflicts; creation of new centres on Health, Education and Drinking Water; networking of credit institutions and development of alternative banking; taking the gender issues and empowerment forward; upgradation of facilities at NIRD; networking training institutions and envisioning of SIRDs; evolving new dynamic public policy; creation of land bank; deeper engagement with PESA for better implementation of rural development programmes.

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