Jiwi Daah Hasa

About the Project

This joint initiative between the Government of Jharkhand's MGNREGA Cell and BRLF aims to create sustainable livelihoods for tribal and vulnerable communities across 24 blocks in Jharkhand's three key regions. The project adopts an integrated watershed approach, implementing land and water conservation measures through MGNREGA funding while leveraging convergence support from other departments.

The Government of Jharkhand covers all costs related to physical infrastructure development under MGNREGA guidelines. BRLF complements these efforts by supporting critical non-infrastructure components, including CSO facilitation, project management, capacity building, and monitoring systems.

By combining governmental resources with BRLF's technical expertise, the partnership ensures comprehensive watershed development that enhances rural livelihoods while strengthening natural resource management. The collaborative model demonstrates how strategic alliances can maximise impact in tribal regions through the coordinated implementation of welfare schemes.

Goal

To double the income of at least 1,00,000 small and marginal households on a sustainable basis.

Objectives

• Catchments of approximately 3.39 akh ha in the upper ridges in 24 backward blocks of Jharkhand State restored through area treatment and checking soil erosion
• Cropping intensity improved in approx. 1.50 Lakh hectare of land
• Knowledge and skill development of frontline PRIs, community members and CSOs on ridge to valley principle of watershed implementation enhanced

Key Strategies

• Prepared Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for village development using a ridge-to-valley watershed approach, leveraging GIS and Android-based digital tools to ensure precision in land and water treatment planning.
• Integrated plans into MGNREGA’s Annual Action Plan by aligning with Gram Sabha-approved labour budgets, ensuring prioritized and need-based implementation.
• Coordinated with PIAs, Block, and District administrations to secure approvals, monitor progress, and address field-level challenges while fostering convergence with allied departments.
• Conducted capacity-building programs for frontline government staff, PRI members, SHGs/VOs, and community cadres (e.g., women mates, Bagwani Mitras) on MGNREGA processes and community mobilization for work-demand generation.
• Demonstrated sustainable livelihood models (e.g., Integrated Farming Systems, agro-horticulture, climate-resilient agriculture) on developed assets to enhance farm-based income for tribal, marginal, and vulnerable households.

Impact Created

• Total estimated budget of the DPR plans approved by the Gram Sabha: INR 2,806.61 Cr.
• Total Area treated: 15,156.45 Acre
• Total Fund leveraged (through convergence with MGNREGA and other allied government programs): INR 101.5 Cr.
• Person days generated: 2,839,675 Nos.
• Net Households benefited (Either got at least one asset and/or at least one livelihood intervention): 27,807 Nos.