Usharmukti – Bharat Rural Livelihoods Foundation

बजट 2024 – जनजातीय लोगों के लिए प्रावधान

Mon, 09 Sep 2024 12:49:47 +0000

By: Ashok Kumar

भारत के संविधान का अनुच्छेद 112 कहता है कि प्रत्येक वित्तीय वर्ष के लिए सरकार को संसद में वार्षिक वित्तीय विवरण पेश करना होगा. इसी वार्षिक वित्तीय विवरण को हम बजट कहते हैं. प्रत्येक वर्ष, फरवरी महीने के पहले कार्य दिवस को बजट सदन में प्रस्तुत किया जाता है. चुनावी वर्ष में सरकार पहले अंतरिम बजट पेश करती है. फिर आम चुनाव के बाद नई सरकार पूर्ण बजट पेश करती है. वित्तीय वर्ष 2024–25 का पूर्ण बजट केंद्रीय वित्त मंत्री ने 23 जुलाई को लोकसभा में पेश किया.

बजट 2024-25 से जुड़ी जानकारी आप लोगों ने किसी-न-किसी माध्यम से प्राप्त की होगी. लेकिन क्या आपको यह जानकारी प्राप्त हुई कि जनजातीय लोगों से जुड़े कार्यों पर कितनी राशि खर्च की जाएगी ? गत बजट घोषणाओं की स्थिति क्या है? जितनी राशि जनजातीय लोगों से जुड़े कार्यों पर खर्च करने की घोषणा की गई थी, क्या वाकई उतनी राशि खर्च हुई है ? आइए इन सवालों के उत्तर ढूंढते हैं.

जनजातीय मंत्रालय बजट

अगर आप मंत्रालय-वार आँकड़े देखेंगे तो जनजातीय मंत्रालय को इस बार के बजट में 13000 करोड़ की राशि आवंटित की गई है. आप कहेंगे 48 लाख करोड़ रूपए का बजट और जनजातीय मंत्रालय को सिर्फ इतनी कम रकम! ऐसा क्यों ? दरअसल बात ऐसी है कि किसी भी मंत्रालय को सिर्फ उन कार्यों के लिए धनराशि दी जाती है जो उनके अधीन संचालित किये जा रहे होते हैं. जैसे जनजातीय मंत्रालय को ‘एकलव्य मॉडल आवासीय स्कूल योजना’ के लिए इस बजट में 6399 करोड़ रूपए देने की घोषणा की है.

लब्बोलुआब यह है कि जनजातीय मंत्रालय के आलावा दुसरे मंत्रालय भी अनुसूचित जनजाति के लोगों के लिए काम करते हैं. जैसे उदाहरण के लिए आयुष्मान भारत योजना को देख लीजिये. इस योजना का क्रियान्वयन तो स्वास्थ्य मंत्रालय करता है. लेकिन इसका फायदा अनुसूचित जनजाति के लोगों को भी मिलता ही है.

तो जब बात आती है कुल खर्च की गई राशि जानने की तब सभी मंत्रालयों के द्वारा खर्च की जाने वाली उस राशि को निकाल कर जोड़ देते हैं जिससे जनजातीय लोगों का हित हो रहा हो.

अतीत में हुए भेदभाव को दूर करने का प्रयास

जनजातीय लोगों के साथ अतीत में हुए भेदभाव को दूर करने के लिए कई नीतिगत कदम उठाए गए हैं . उन्हीं में से एक है जनजातीय उप-योजना (टीएसपी). इस योजना का प्रमुख उद्देश्य यह था कि जनजातीय लोगों के साथ हुई विकास वंचना को समग्र रूप में संबोधित किया जाए. वर्ष 2017 से टीएसपी को डीएपीएसटी (Development Action Plan for STs) के नाम से जाना जा रहा है. डीएपीएसटी में करीब 46 मंत्रालयों और केन्द्रशासित प्रदेशों के लिए आवंटित किये गए धन में से जनजातीय लोगों के लिए खर्च होने वाले धन का विवरण रखा जाता है. नीचे दी गई तस्वीर को देखें-

संदर्भ- इस चित्र को सरकार द्वारा बजट के समय पेश किये गए विवरण 10 ख को आधार बनाकर तैयार किया है. इसमें BE का अर्थ है बजट अनुमान. A का अर्थ है वास्तविक आँकड़े और RE का अर्थ है संशोधित अनुमान.

बजट 2024-25 को देखें तो केंद्र सरकार ने 124909 करोड़ रूपए जनजातीय लोगों से जुड़े कार्यों पर खर्च किये जाने की घोषणा की है. वहीं वर्ष 2023-24 के बजट में 119796 करोड़ रूपए खर्च करने की घोषणा की थी. इस बार के बजट में पिछले बजट की इस राशि को संशोधित कर 109242 करोड़ रूपए कर दी है.

आपको बता दें कि हर बजट में तीन वर्ष के आँकड़े पेश किये जाते हैं. आगामी वित्तीय वर्ष के अनुमान, मौजूदा वित्तीय वर्ष के संशोधित अनुमान और पिछले वर्ष के वास्तविक आँकड़े.

थोडा और गोता लगाते हैं. बजट 2024-25 में कृषि एवं किसान कल्याण विभाग को 122529 करोड़ रूपए आवंटित किये हैं. उसमें से 10718 करोड़ रूपए जनजातीय लोगों से जुड़े कार्यों पर खर्च किये जाने का अनुमान लगाया है. इस बार के बजट में राष्ट्रीय आयुष मिशन के लिए 1200 करोड़ रूपए की धनराशि आवंटित की है, इसमें से 60 करोड़ रूपए जनजातीय लोगों के लिए खर्च किये जाएंगे.

Commercial Pisciculture in Jungle Mahal under Usharmukti Plus Initiative

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 09:22:04 +0000

Report by: Barni Chatterjee, Usharmukti Project Executive, PRADAN

Edited by: BRLF Communication Team

In the heart of the Jungle Mahal region, a land characterized by dryness, forest fringes, and water scarcity, a beacon of hope has emerged for small and marginal farmers. Over the past 4-5 years, approximately 40,000 Water Harvesting Structures (WHSs) were constructed in this region under the Usharmukti Project in collaboration with various government programs, including the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS). These structures have brought about positive changes, garnering appreciation from the local community and stakeholders. Now, there lies an opportunity to capitalize on these structures and transform them into catalysts for economic prosperity and environmental sustainability through commercial pisciculture.

The Usharmukti Plus project, a BRLF initiative, seeks to establish a self-reliant farming system model for production cluster development, generating sustainable livelihoods for approximately 2.89 lakh households in the region.

Commercial Pisciculture - a viable livelihood opportunity

The introduction of commercial pisciculture promises to address the challenges of local communities. The first and foremost benefit is the improved nutrition status in poor rural households. Domestic fish consumption, including highly nutritious small fishes like Punti and Mourala, can be enhanced with IMC polyculture. Furthermore, native fishes such as Chyang, Magur, and Singhi can be cultivated alongside these small fishes, requiring minimal additional investment. Snails, abundant in old ponds, also provide a highly nutritious food source.

Beyond improving nutrition, commercial pisciculture offers employment opportunities for landless, vulnerable, and marginal households along the entire value chain. By engaging in activities like feed making, hatcheries, nurseries, brooder ponds netting, and fish sales, these households can find meaningful work and reduce the need for distress migration. The involvement of youth and women in these activities helps empower marginalized communities and contribute to their economic well-being.

Comparatively, commercial pisciculture is a remunerative alternative to traditional paddy cultivation, offering 6-8 times higher returns from the same amount of land in the western part of West Bengal. Additionally, its ecological sustainability must be considered. Ponds for pisciculture hold rainwater, promoting groundwater recharge through percolation and supporting freshwater aquaculture. By employing regenerative methods without relying on chemical components, this approach ensures a healthier environment for all.

Proposed Interventions under Usharmukti Plus Project

To turn this opportunity into reality, several interventions have been proposed. The region’s potential for commercial pisciculture has been recognized, with over 20,000 functional water bodies covering approximately 810 hectares. It is crucial to leverage these structures optimally for the engagement of small and marginal farmers. Furthermore, establishing Farmers’ Producer Organizations (FPOs) will allow around 1,000 farmers per block to join forces and benefit collectively.

The proposed prototype entails developing commercial pisciculture as a sector, boosting the local economy, and improving nutrition and employment in a seed-to-sale model. Indian Major Carps (IMC), including Catla, Rohu, and Mrigal, are ideally suited for the region and have a consistent market demand. An FPO or Producers’ Collective will be established to unite commercial fish rearers under a common umbrella.

Intervention in Binpur I block of Jhargram district

The intervention in the Binpur I block of Jhargram District provides an insight into the transformative potential of commercial pisciculture. In this area, 1,413 farmers are rearing table fish, with 16 nurseries supporting their operations. Last year, the aggregated marketing efforts resulted in the sale of 5 quintals of table fish over three months. These numbers demonstrate the initial success of the intervention and signify the immense possibilities for growth and prosperity in the future.

To ensure the success of this initiative, collaboration with various departments and institutions is essential. Convergence with programs such as MGNREGS, West Bengal Accelerated Development of Minor Irrigation Project (WBADMIP), and departments focusing on soil moisture conservation and forestry will facilitate asset creation. Partnerships with the Fishery Department will enable small and marginal farmers to access schemes related to hatcheries, vending vehicles, cold storage, ice-packing, and credit. Technical knowledge and expertise will be sought through collaboration with research, academic institutions, and individuals experienced in the field.

Disease Control

Salt Application

Ph Testing

The journey towards economic prosperity and environmental sustainability through commercial pisciculture has just begun. By leveraging the potential of the Jungle Mahal region, empowering marginalized communities, and embracing regenerative practices, we can foster a brighter future for small and marginal farmers.

From Kucha to a Pucca House!

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 09:22:04 +0000

Reported by: Dev Paikaroy, Program Officer, BRLF

Edited by: BRLF Communication Team

“In 2020, I struggled to seek a loan of Rs. 10,000 from money lenders to start a small business, but now I earn around Rs. 4-5 lakhs per year. As a result, I have built a lovely pucca (concrete) house,” said Bhagabati Mohanta, an agri-entrepreneur from Nua Gaon in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district.

Bhagabati Mohanta is a budding entrepreneur who started her journey in the Agriculture Production Cluster (APC) program as an agri-entrepreneur on 12 September 2020. She is an active farmer and is part of the Devi Shakti Producer Group (PG). Initially, she started with a small nursery and cultivated in patches. Slowly, she diversified to multiple micro-enterprises promoted under the APC program. She trained on natural farming practices in block-level training programs and started a Bio-resources Unit (BRC) producing organic manures and pesticides.

At first, her family was reluctant, but with determination, she started the BRC by breaking her fixed deposit of Rs.5 lakhs.

It has been three years since she started this initiative, and in these years, she has invested around Rs.10.09 Lakhs and has a turnover of Rs. 11.72 lakhs. Her outreach has been increased over the years.

Her intentions are not only limited to her own well-being but through her business, she also wishes how she can contribute towards sustainable and environment-friendly methods of farming, which will be beneficial to both human and soil health in the long run. Her enthusiasm to become an agri-entrepreneur has only increased over the years, and this year, she has also started a nursery unit in her backyard with support from the Horticulture Department. She has undertaken training in APICOL as an agricultural entrepreneur interested in becoming a Nursery entrepreneur. This year, she sold 30,000 samplings with a profit of Rs. 7,200 in the Kharif season. Now, she has also started a beekeeping and goatery shed on her premises and is getting ample benefits.

Bhagabati is now contributing to her family and children’s education with her income from the BRC centre. In the long run, she wishes to reach out to more farmers and encourage them to adopt organic farming so that both her business and farmers reap benefits from her BRC centre.

Creating Ripples of Change!

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 09:22:04 +0000

Reported by: BRLF Communication Team

The Usharmukti Project, a mega-watershed program, was initiated by the MGNREGA Cell, Panchayats and Rural Development Department, Government of West Bengal, in collaboration with Bharat Rural Livelihoods Foundation (BRLF) and 6 Civil Society Organisations (CSO) with PRADAN as the Lead CSO facilitating the overall project. Usharmukti means “Salvation from Bareness”. Covering six western districts, 54 blocks, 431 Gram Panchayats, 8781 villages, and 2053 micro watersheds, the project unfolded against a backdrop of rural challenges, with over 90% of the population comprising Scheduled Tribes (ST), Scheduled Castes (SC), and marginal farmers, facing a myriad of deprivations and poverty.

A significant focus of the Usharmukti Project was on the construction of new watershed structures and the rejuvenation of existing water bodies. The total volume of water restored in different Water Harvesting Structures has been 17,478 Ham/Year, laying the groundwork for transformative changes in the lives of the communities. Here, we will look at two stories to see how farm ponds have improved people’s livelihoods.

Empowering Women Through Collective Fish Farming
Dakshinkendbana village in the Bankura district witnessed a remarkable turnaround in the lives of its 24 households. High rates of migration were once the norm, as villagers sought work in distant cities. However, the Usharmukti Project, with a primary focus on empowering women, intervened. In this village, primarily women took up collective Fish Farming or Pisciculture. The initiative not only boosted the income of numerous families but also acted as a powerful deterrent to migration. Through the cultivation of fish within the village, a sustainable source of income was established, creating a ripple effect of positive change.

Reuniting Through Farm Ponds
In the heartwarming tale of Radhanath and Adari Munda, the challenges of living apart were replaced by the promise of a shared future. Hindered by the lack of opportunities in their village, Radhanath had been compelled to work in a distant city, causing strain on their lives. The Usharmukti Project, recognising the potential for change, facilitated the construction of a farm pond under MGNREGA. This simple initiative became the foundation for pisciculture for the couple, not only providing an additional income source but, more importantly, allowing Radhanath and Adari to reunite and live together.

As the Usharmukti Project continues to unfold, these stories stand as a testament to the transformative power of the project, especially in terms of watershed development. The journey from bareness to abundance is marked by empowered women, thriving fish farms, and reunited families, showcasing the potential for positive change when communities come together for a common goal.

Net Shed: A simple solution to protect crops and increase yield

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 09:22:03 +0000

Reported by: BRLF Communication Team

Chakradhar Haiburu, a farmer from Aburu village nestled in the Khuntpani block of West Singhbhum, Jharkhand, faced the challenges that many farmers know all too well. The unpredictability of the weather and a series of crop failures had left him feeling disheartened. He hesitated to embrace new farming practices, clinging to traditional methods that had sustained his family for generations.

However, when the Jiwi Daah Hasa (JDH) project team visited him, they not only listened to his concerns but also offered a promising solution – the Net Shed. The idea was simple yet powerful; it would protect his crops from erratic weather and insects while conserving water. With the team’s unwavering support and training, Chakradhar embraced this innovative approach. They installed the Net Shed and introduced drip irrigation, allowing him to cultivate crops year-round. The results were astounding.

In just one rainy season, Chakradhar successfully grew two crops under the protective Net Shed, earning a substantial income of 10,000 rupees. His hopes and confidence soared, and he estimated an additional income of 15,000 rupees in the coming months. This transformation was not limited to his farm alone. Chakradhar now invests more in his children’s education, ensuring they receive a brighter future. His family’s dietary habits have improved, with more nutritious food on their plates.

Word of Chakradhar’s success has spread like wildfire, with farmers from neighbouring villages seeking his advice on the Net Shed method. His experience has prompted him to explore new farming techniques through online resources like YouTube.

As Chakradhar himself says, “I am very happy to have the Net Shed. I can now engage in agricultural activities and earn income throughout the year.” Ward Member Sushila Haiburu commended the initiative, highlighting its potential to bring more prosperity to the region and encouraged fellow farmers to adopt this practice. Chakradhar Haiburu’s story highlights the positive impact of low-cost and simple solutions like Net Shed.