Our Correspondent
Kohima | April 14
Grant-in-aid to Village Development Boards (VDB) is one the major state sponsored programmes bring implemented by the department of the rural development through VDBs.
There are 1143 VDBs in the state with 2,24,345 tax –paying households. Fund under this programme is allotted on the basis of number of tax-paying households @ Rs. 1000 for implementation of developmental activities. This is the only programme which ensures participation of womenfolk in the activities of VDBs by earmarking 25% of the fund allocated to the village. Another 20% of the fund is also earmarked for youth programme in all the villages.
This scheme ensures active participation of all section of the rural people in taking up activities that is suitable to their needs, according to the annual administrative report of the rural development tabled in the recent assembly session by parliamentary secretary for rural development C.L. John. In addition, the report said, a mandatory scheme called VDB Welfare Fund is in place. Under this sector, funds are deposited @ Rs. 10,000 for villagers having 50 households and below and Rs. 200 per household for villages having 51 households and above from the general allocation to mobilize resources for the VDBs to supplement their activity.
The deposits are made annually for period of 6 years and at maturity the interest accrued will be utilized for the scheme and the seed money is re-invested, creating a continuous cycle of resource to supplement the grants provided by the state. Under this scheme, income generating programme is being emphasized to be implemented to improve the economy of the rural areas, the report added.
 MEETING RESOLUTION.JPG)
