Scheme for

Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence

In

Public Administration 2022

 

 

 

1. Area of the initiative / ‘innovation                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Other, please Specify: -Peoples’ Participation in bringing development in drought-prone district.

 

2. The innovation is part of implementation of which scheme of the district / state / central Government.                                                                                                                                                          This is a convergence initiative of various central and state government schemes such as MGNREGA, Jal Yukta Shivar Abhiayan, 15^th Finance Commission Fund, POCRA and participation of civil society organizations (CSO).

 

This initiative involves implementation of “MGNREGA” (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme Act). This initiative also has also utilized funds from 15th Finance Commission in implementation of Amrit Sarovar.

This initiative is a part of the implementation of “Jal Yukt Shivar Abhiyan”, “POCRA” (Project on Climate Resilient Agriculture, Nanaji Deshmukh Krishi Sanjeevani Project), etc. schemes of Maharashtra government.

Also, the watershed area development at district level was assisted by CSO SIDDHIVINAYAK GROUP. There were various CSOs who had participated in this implementation such as VIHAN PROJECT and PANI FOUNDATION.

 

3. Was this initiative winner of any award instituted by any national / international organization?                                                                                                                                                                       Yes.  This initiative has received National Level SKOCH Award, ICT Award, National Water Award (Village Level). It also received an award under the Water Cup Competition of state level Pani Foundation Organization. And also, there are two teachers who had received President's Award in 2022

 

4. Whether the initiative / innovation is unique or a replication of an initiative already being

Yes. The initiative / innovation is unique because of following features.

1. There is massive and spontaneous public participation and Shramadan. (For instance Water Cup Competition and Water Conservation works by Pani Foundation).
2. The Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have actively participated in this initiative. For instance, the Sidhivinayak Group had provided machinery in implantation of this initiative. 
3. This initiative also involves establishment of farmers groups (Farmer's Club).
4. A number of organizations such as ICICI had provided financial assistance in implementation of this initiative. ICICI had provided fund for rain water harvesting in 100 villages. ICICI also provided 25000 saplings per block for tree plantation.  
5. Training of farmers had been conducted for water conservation activities (by District Silk Development Officer and Chief Executive Officer of Zilla Parishad).
6. This initiative helps to bring inclusiveness and togetherness amongst the people which is very important for our country which takes prides in unity in diversity.

 

5. Who are the stakeholders/beneficiaries of the scheme in which innovation is made (Max 700 characters left)                                                                                                                                                This is an ambitious and meaningful initiative to raise the standard of living of the villagers through water and soil conservation with massive and spontaneous peoples’ participation. The farmers, agricultural laborers, women, disabled persons, elder peoples etc. are the beneficiaries of this initiative.                                                                                                                                This initiative helps the beneficiaries to increase their standard of living. In fact, a total land area of ​​60300 hectares in 443 villages have been brought under irrigation through this initiative. This initiative has increased the ground water storage thereby strengthening the water resources which in turn has increase the farm productivity. And this has ultimately led to decrease in migration of farm laborers & sugarcane harvesters. Finally, it has also helped in environmental conservation and protection.

 

6. What are the stake holder requirement which prompted the inninnovation (maximum 700charecters left)

                       Beed district is a drought-prone district. The district annually receives around 650 mm rainfall. And there is scarcity of water for agriculture purposes and also for drinking purposes. This has resulted in low farm production, low per capita income, high rate of migration of agricultural and sugarcane harvesters, low ground water level, low amount of tree plantation and conservation. Also, there is lack of industrialization in the district. Because of all these reasons, the human development index of the district is very poor. There fore, the standard of living has been very low. Henceforth, considering all the above-mentioned situation in the district, there was a need to take forward the concept of water and soil conservation through people's participation.

 

7. What are the existing processes which needed improvement change? (Max 700 characters left)                                                                                                                                                                    In earlier days, whenever the government schemes are implemented, the local people and their specific problems tends to be neglected. There was lack of co-ordination between the administration and stakeholders, lack of public awareness, lack of information & digital literacy among the stakeholders. Therefore, the desired results could not be achieved.

          On the other hand, if implementation is done through public participations, the sense of peoples’ belonginess towards the scheme is generated thereby improving the local co-ordination. This has helped in reducing the gap between administration and beneficiaries. As a result of this, the scheme is implanted effectively and the desired results are achieved. So, public participation must be given priority for effective and successful implementation of government schemes.

 

8. Describe in details, the innovation made in the existing processes and how its full fill the requirement of the stakeholder in the better way? (Max 2100 characters left)                                                The innovation made in the existing processes through massive and spontaneous public participation with the help of various social groups and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).

            The Pani Foundation (CSO) had organized a large SHRAMDAN movement in 356 villages for water conservation activities like CCT, Deep CCT, CNB, LBS, Farm Ponds, Compartment Bunding.

            The ICICI Bank through its CSR fund had executed rainwater harvesting in 100 villages.

           The Sidhivinayak Group (CSO) helped the administration in deepening and desilting of the lakes. The removal of sludge had helped in increase the fertility of the soil. The Farmers clubs encouraged group farming. The use of organic fertilizers was also encouraged. A number of vermicomposting units were set up.

            JALMITRA were appointed to create awareness on a large scale for water conservation. Sericulture activity on about 6724 acres helped 3593 farmers to receive income about 3548 lakh Rs in last 2 years. POCRA scheme encouraged farmers for horticulture. Sprinkler and drip irrigation methods were used to save water. PANAND ROAD i.e. roads in fields (875 WORKS) had helped the farmers to sell their agricultural produce in the market at the right time, which has helped them to achieve financial stability.

            The initiative helped to fulfill the needs of beneficiaries/stakeholders. The increased in ground water and surface water had helped to prevent frequent drought conditions and this has help in increasing the  cultivated area. The numbers of tankers used for supplying drinking water is reduced from 1050 to 3 in last 3 years.

      The soil conservation activities have helped in increasing soil fertility which in turn had resulted in possibility of sowing more than one crop. The POCRA scheme has led to an increase in horticulture activities in the district. The mulberry cultivation had generated employment at the local level. Overall, the migration of sugarcane harvesters and other labourer has reduced significantly. SAWALI  PROJECT    had helped to give senior citizens government scheme benefits on priority basis and also easy access to facilities such as shelter, gas connection, medical facilities. With the assistance of    VIHAN PROJECT, HIV +ve peoples marriage ceremonies were arranged. And Sanjay Gandhi Niradhar Anudan Yojana benefits are given were given to HIV +ve people. The Miyawaki model of dense plantation had helped to increase the forest cover to large extent.

 

9. What were the perceptible improvement in the processes / system and institution building? A comparison of the earlier status and status after implementation of innovation may be given. (Max 2100 characters left)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   While implementing the initiative, the plan of various activities/works was decided in coordination with Zilla Parishad and Collector Office. This has led to improvement in coordination between the two offices thereby improving the institutional mechanism of coordination.   Through this plan, detailed information was delivered to the lower hierarchy about the works to be done. This has helped in the flow of information. The training of the said plan was given to 55 selected Sarpanch at the Zilla Parishad level. At the block level Sarpanch Parishads were held in all blocks. Through the Sarpanch Parishad information, education and communication activities training was given. This includes the co-ordination between the government schemes, the method of getting people's participation and techniques to implement water and soil conservation activities. Also, information regarding building of PANAND ROADS, GRAM PANCHAYAT BHAVAN, BAZAR OTA, CEMETERY, Atrophy Pits, MULBERRY PLANTING, Irrigation Wells, HORTI CULTURE, Organic Farming, Miyawaki Dense Plantation, Rainwater Harvesting was given. Also, information was given to use funds available for government schemes.

 

At village level Gram Sabhas were organized to motivate and sensitize the villagers to implement the activities. Village visits, SHIVAR FERI, MASHAL FERI was organized for more awareness. Social  media e.g. WhatsApp groups were also used. Awareness meetings were taken by village level voluntary organizations, co-operative institutes, women groups, SHG’s, JALMITRA, NGOs Pani Foundation.Siddhivinayak Group, Manav Lok Sanstha. These institutions helped a lot for public awareness, SHRAMADAN, public participation. ICICI Bank's CSR Fund provided financial support for the initiative.

In the earlier system there is a lack of public awareness, lack of public participation, lack of digital literacy, gap between administration and people. However, the new initiative had been truly effective to achieve the desired goal.

         

             With the help of new and innovative initiative, all elements of the society viz. agricultural laborer’s, farmers, women, disabled and senior citizens were given an important place in the implementation of the initiative. It helped to raise the standard of living of all the stakeholders and beneficiaries

 

 

10.    what were the steps undertaken to create awareness about the innovation among beneficiaries? (Max 700 characters left)

Sarpanch workshops at district level and Sarpanch Parishads at block level were organized for awareness and sensitization about the initiative. The detailed plan and administrative & technical guidance about the activities has been taught through these Parishad. Gram Sabha, Village Sabha, Farmers Club meetings, SHIVAR FERI, MASHAL FERI, SHG meetings were held to create awareness at the village level. The people were informed about this initiative through newspapers, social media and web site of ZP BEED and Collector’s Website.

 

               In this way, the farmers, agricultural laborer, women, sugarcane cutter laborer,  and disabled people were made aware of these activities and they were encouraged to implement the new initiative on a large scale.

 

11.    what steps have been undertaken for digital capacity building of stakeholder and beneficiaries, to enable them to take /full benefit of the innovation in the scheme? (Max 700 characters left)

To make the initiative more successful, it is essential to create Digital Capacity of all  the stakeholders. For this ZP website, Collector’s Website, Farmers Cup mobile application, Paani Foundation app, social media, Shetkari Diaries were used.

 

At village level, the Jalmitra created awareness to use mobile apps like SHETI SHAALA, FARMERS DAIRY. Audios and videos are also used. Awareness was created about the initiative by video  conferencing through e-gram meetings. Administrative and technical information regarding the work was published on the website (www.zpbeed.gov.in) of Zilla Parishad. 

 These efforts were taken to create awareness among stakeholders which helped the initiative to become more successful.

 

12.    How has the innovation made the public delivery system more responsive, transparent and efficient? (Max 700 characters left）

The use of innovative approaches in this initiative has helped public delivery system more responsive, transparent and efficient.

The information regarding the implementation, working methods, results, expenditure of the activities was kept in the Gram Sabha.

Information and application of Panand roads, Jal Jivan Mission, Amrit Sarovar Yojana was made available on ZP website. A mobile app was developed for sugarcane cutter laborers. The facility of  registration of workers has been made available through this app. Also, identity cards were distributed to these workers. Therefore, this initiative got more response and created transparency and efficiency in the public delivery system.

 

13.    Has the innovation resulted in a seamless, faceless, end to end service delivery mechanism? YES/NO

Yes, the innovation resulted in a seamless, faceless, end to end service delivery mechanism.

 

14.    whether the innovation leveraged technology for making the public delivery system responsive, transparent and efficient, and if  so, how? Yes/No

Yes, the innovation leveraged technology for making the public delivery system responsive, transparent and efficient. 

 

            Under this initiative, technical knowledge and social media were used well for administrative and technical guidance and promotion. Involving the stakeholders and beneficiaries in the implementation of these initiatives has resulted in a very good response and has helped to increase transparency and efficiency to a large extent.

 

15. whether the innovation implemented is able to sustain in (emergent situation, disasters like cyclone, earthquake, flood etc? whether any such situation was actually faced and if so, how it worked？Yes/NO  

The said initiative will definitely survive in the emergency situation. Under the said initiative; CCT, DEEP CCT, CNB, LBS, Gabrian Structure, Compartment Bunding, Deepening and widening of water  flows have been done with technical and scientific methods. Therefore, the amount of flooding in emergency situations such as heavy rains and floods has definitely reduced. Also, the amount of soil  erosion has definitely decreased. Also, scarcity in drought conditions could be easily overcome. 1050 drinking water tankers were launched in Beed district in 2019. After the implementation of this initiative, this number is reduced to 3.

 

16. Whether after implementing the innovation, any best practices were identified, which can be replicated in other projects/area? if so, describe the best practice and where else it can be implemented? Yes/No

Yes. During the implementation of this initiative, good concepts were found. If hydro markers are used from top to bottom while doing water conservation works, technical accuracy is created better. It  has been observed during the activity that if rain gauge is available at the village level, it becomes easier to prepare the water balance sheet. While implementing the activities, other supplementary activities viz. PANAND ROADS, irrigation wells, dense plantations, sericulture, BAZAR OTA, VIHAN project helped to make the initiative more successful.

          It is easily possible to implement the initiative and other innovative activities in other districts as well.

 

17. What was the impact of the innovation particularly with regard to its demographic and geographical reach? (Max 700vcharacters left)                                                                                                                                           Through this initiative 60336 hectares land has come under cultivation in 443 villages with having population about 632000.

Through the project AMRUT SAROVAR work of deepening, widening and desilting of lakes has been taken in more than 100 villages. Rain Water Harvesting units were installed in more than 100 village. Under the MIYAWAKI TREE PLANTATION planting work has been completed on 90 hectares of 457 villages. The MULBARRY CULTIVATION has completed by 5057 farmers on 5541 acres in last two years. The total income of all the farmers is 3548 lakhs.

WATER CUP COMPETITION was conducted in 225 villages. With massive public participation and SHRAMDAN water conservation works have been done on large-scale.

 

18. Whether any third party evaluation of impact has been made? if so, what are the result? Yes/No                                                                                                                                                                                                   Yes. Third party evaluation of impact has been made. Pani Foundation and Sarpanch Parishad 55 have done third party evaluation.

19. Whether the innovation is sustainable over a long period of time. and if so describe the systemic steps taken for its sustainability? Yes/NO                                                                                                                      Yes, the innovation is sustainable over a long period of time.

         Under this initiative, CCT, DEEP CCT, CNB, LBS, Gabion Structure, Compartment Bunding, Deepening and widening of water flows have been done with technical and scientific methods. As the concept  of  public participation was given a central place in the said activity, the people felt that the activity was theirs and also created people’s belongines towards it. It is sure that this initiative will continue to exist in the future as well, as the implementation of the said initiative includes aspects such as awareness, training, digitalization.

        Within this initiative, manpower has been used effectively and a three-tier structure has been created for implementation. In which Sarpanch Parishad of elected Sarpanch at district level, Sarpanch Parishad of all Sarpanch at Taluka level, Jalmitra at village level, women and youth groups at village level, voluntary organizations, SHG etc. have participated in the said activities. So it is sure that this initiative will continue to exist for a long time.

 

20. Wether any tool kit has been prepared for bringing about the replication of the innovation in other district/ state / central gov department? Describe in details (Max 700 characters left)

As such, specific tool kit was not used, however a website was developed to monitor all the progresses and lacunae.

This initiative is going to long last due to people's participation, SHRAMADAN, IEC activities, awareness, use of digital media etc. Also, the initiative can be implemented in other districts/states.

TRAINING MATERIALS made available for training of farmers and farm laborers. Video Clips have been created for awareness. Pani Foundation app is being used. War room has been prepared for the implementation of the initiative at the district level. The application form and detailed information for various schemes were made available on ZP website.

It is possible to replicate the initiative successfully in other districts/states also.

 

21. Have any steps been taken by the implementing unit for dissemination of its best practices to the district/state/central gov? In case of (Max 2100 characters left)                                                                                       Yes. The implementing unit had disseminated its best practices to other districts of Marathwada division which has total eight districts in Collector’s Conference held at Divisional Headquarter,  Aurangabad.

While implementing these activities, the senior offices has been informed from time to time at the state and departmental level about the best practices implemented in this district. Also, the information about the said activities and supplementary activities has been published on the website developed by Zilla Parishad www.zpbeed.gov.in. A detailed proposal is being submitted to the government regarding this initiative.

 

22. Please mention whether there was any community involvement in the implementation of innovation? If so, describe how the innovation encouraged the involvement of community? Yes/No                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       YES. In fact, this initiative is purely based on peoples’ and community participation. In the implementation of this initiatives, the people of the village (farmers, farm laborers, women etc.) have done water conservation works on a large scale. Also, people have registered their participation on a large scale through Gram Sabha, Gaon Sabha, SHIVAR FERI, MASHAL FERI. Voluntary Organizations (Pani Foundation, Manav Lok, Siddhivinnayak Group) have taken great efforts to motivate people for SHRAMADAN. ICICI Bank has provided financial support for CSR fund activities. Merchants have provided financial support to the SAVLI PROJECT as well as to the Recreation Center for Senior Citizens.

             In order to get large public participation in the activity, the district administration requested for SHRAMADAN and financial help. Sarpanchs were also encouraged to participate through Sarpanch Parishad.At the village level, administrative officers and employees have taken meetings of gram sabha, Gaon sabha, SHG, farmers clubs, Jalamitras for people's participation and SHRAMADAN. Due to these innovative aspects, a large social and economic participation was gained for these activities.

 

23. What is the grievance redressed and feedback mechanism available to citizens to report any grievances as a part of innovation? (Max 700 characters left)                                                                                                    THE WAR ROOM has been established at ZP level. Through this war room it is possible to control the execution of work under the initiative. Collection of work information, expedition of  work, follow up, rectification of errors etc. had done by the war room. At the ZP level, arrangements have been made for redressal of complaints through telephone help line numbers. A grievance redressal day is organized every Monday by the CEO. Also, arrangements have been made to give feedback and complaints about the work on the official website of ZP. In this way, arrangements have been made for the citizens to submit their statements, complaints, grievances to the administration.

 

24. Upload Information (Pdf size 5MB)

 

 

25. Upload Supporting Doc(Pdf size 5MB)

 

26. Upload relevant Photographs (Max 10 in.jpg size 5mb)

 

 

27.Provide link of the video (duration 3-5 Min)if any relation to innovation done.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Reply Forwar