The National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRD & PR) and GB Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment (GBNIHE) have signed an agreement to prioritize rural development and promote sustainable practices. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Registrar Manoj Kumar (NIRDPR) and Dr Ravindra S Gavali, Centre Head (NIRDPR), with the guidance of Dr G Narendra Kumar, IAS, Director General (NIRDPR). School Heads, Dr Kesava Rao and Dr Kathiresan were also present. From NIHE, Prof. Sunil Nautiyal, Director (NIHE), Dr Rakesh Kumar Singh (Administrative Officer), Dr Jagadish Chandra and other senior officials joined online.
The goal of this agreement is to collaborate on various activities to support farm-based livelihood strategies and value chain development. They will work together with the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) to stabilize gram panchayats using the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). They will also focus on rural tourism, technology transfer, capacity building, employment generation, and livelihood options. Additionally, they aim to advance gram panchayats through Spirngshed Management and Village Disaster Management Plans in the Himalayan areas, as well as promote renewable energy sources and horticulture in the agriculture sector.
During the signing ceremony, Dr G Narendra Kumar IAS highlighted the importance of collaboration between the two institutions in promoting agriculture-based livelihood activities and creating a network of centers of excellence in rural development. He mentioned that this partnership will facilitate research dissemination and capacity building for government officials. The technical expertise of GBNIHE in natural resource management and the strength of NIRDPR in rural development and decentralized planning will work together to transform rural livelihoods.
