PRI-CBO Convergence Project in Assam

ASRLM-Kudumbashree NRO Partnership

Objectives:

Creating a model for supporting both PRI and CBO networks
Effective convergence between PRI - CBO and departments leading to sustainable practices which addresses the developmental needs of the panchayat as a whole
Creation of robust institutional structure - VOCC and GPCC
Development of local cadres to expand and implement PRI -CBO convergence project

During FY 2014-15, Assam State Rural Livelihoods Mission (ASRLM) partnered with Kerala State Poverty Eradication Mission, Kudumbashree - NRO for implementing PRI CBO (Panchayati Raj Institutions - Community Based Organisations) Convergence Pilot Project in Assam in 36 pilot GPs of two blocks of Laharighat and Bajiagaon in Morigaon and Nagaon districts respectively.The main objective of the partnership between ASRLM and Kudumbashree NRO was to create a model for supporting both PRI and CBO networks for effective convergence leading to sustainable and better implementation of NRLM. In the long run, it should result in the creation of a robust institutional structure of the poor that is closely linked to local governance and development.

Assam was a forerunner amongst other states doing the Convergence pilot project. Now, ASRLM is scaling up the pilot project to 4 new blocks i.e. Barhampur (Nagaon), Laokhowa(Nagaon), Dhekiajuli(Sonitpur) and Borsala(Sonitpur) at first phase from FY 2017-18 onwards. The internal pool (Internal Mentors) developed during the piloting are helping in scaling up the PRI-CBO Convergence project. Kudumbashree- NRO, Kerala has been handholding the Internal Mentors in the scaling up programme. The number of panchayats in the new blocks total to 51. Govt. of Assam is also contemplating to replicate this PRI-CBO Convergence to all blocks of Assam in near future. In its first phase of Expansion,19 blocks have been selected for the project.

Rational for the selection of Blocks:

Phase I and Phase II blocks of ASRLM (Blocks more than 3 years of implementation)
Functioning DMMU / BMMU units
Full- fledged HR positions at the DMMU/BMMU units
At-least 60% saturation in the Blocks
Sufficient CBO structure i.e.: SHG, VOs and CLFs
Capacitated CBO structure
Functioning Jeevika Sakhis

Only 19 blocks can be taken due to the lack of internal cadre (Internal mentors) for the financial year 2018-19

These blocks will be strengthened as Resource blocks for PRI-CBO convergence project because of the following results emerged out of the project:

Capacitated local cadre who can support the model in their own blocks and also be used in scaling of the model in other blocks
A robust institutional structure for enabling convergence and participatory governance at the GP level
CBOs emerging as a service delivery agency
Nurturing innovative action by local communities
Poverty reduction plan prepared by CBO and its acceptance by various stakeholders

Progress during FY 17-18 and FY 18-19: Sensitization Campaign for Stakeholders:

	MAJOR ACTIVITY	STATUS OF THE ACTIVITY
1	Orientation to DMMU and BMMU staff	One day district level orientation for DMMU and BMMU staff Nagaon - 15 Participants Sontipur - 24 participants
2	Orientation to line department officials	One day block level orientation to different line department officials like agriculture / health/ education/ social welfare / animal husbandry etc. 53 participants from all four blocks representing different departments
3	Orientation to JSs	One day orientation to the JSs of all the panchayat at Block level Barhampur - 14 participants Lawkhowa - 13 participants Dhekiajuli - 16 participants Borcholla - 11 participants
4	PRI Orientation	Initial orientation (cluster level) to the PRI members Barhampur - 44 participants Lawkhowa - 47 participants Dhekiajuli - 52 participants Borcholla - 38 participants

Developing Local Resource Group Cadre:

	MAJOR ACTIVITY	STATUS OF THE ACTIVITY
1	LRG identification and Selection	Selected LRGs for all the panchayats Barhampur - 127 participants and 88 selected as LRG’s Lawkhowa - 189 participants and 68 selected as LRG’s Dhekiajuli - Ongoing Borcholla - 139 participated and 102 selected as LRG’s
2	LRG training	Initial Training for the LRGs selected: Barhampur - 76 participants Lawkhowa - 59 participants Dhekiajuli - 156 participants Borcholla - 80 participants
3	Other Trainings for LRGs	Training on VO and its sub committees Training on PAE Training on EAP Training on VOCC
4	Review meetings	Monthly monitoring by Internal mentors, Quarterly monitoring by mission staff and external mentors

Identification and developing of Internal Mentors:

	MAJOR ACTIVITY	STATUS OF THE ACTIVITY
1	Internal mentor training - Phase I	Completed two day training for 30 selected Internal mentors at Nagaon.
2	Internal mentor selection -Phase II	2 day selection process Active 39 Internal mentors in field as of now
3	Other trainings	VO and sub committee training Training on schemes and PAE tool introduction training EAP and VOCC training
4	Review Meetings	Monthly review meetings with SPC/FC , Mentors and Mission staff