Minister for Rural Development Panchayati Raj, Law and Justice Abdul Haq today called for putting in place a convergence framework for planning, execution and monitoring of Natural Resource Management (NRM) works in various departments.Abdul Haq said three flagship programmes including MGNREGA, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) and Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) have common objectives under NRM including water conservation and management, water harvesting, soil and moisture conservation, groundwater recharge, flood protection and land development. He said to leverage the synergy of these programs; Union Ministry of Rural Development in consultation with the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Union Ministry of Water Resources has decided to setup a convergence framework for planning, execution and monitoring of NRM works under these schemes.The Minister said synergism will help increase the success rate of these schemes by avoiding duplicity and pooling of funds for productive use. He called for incorporating handsome portion of labour budget of the MGNREGA in District Irrigation Plan (DIP) under PMKSY in next financial year to increase agricultural productivity and conserve the natural resources.
Abdul Haq said this while inaugurating a day long workshop to sensitize the officers regarding formulation of labour budget of MGNREGA within the overall framework of PMKSY for Natural Resource Management.He said during the next financial year there will be at least 65 percent of the expenditure under MGNREGA on Natural Resource Management and stressed on the officials that adequate portion of the labour budget should be incorporated in DIP.Abdul Haq said the frame work for implementation of Mission Water Conservation has been allied with the operational guidelines of PMKSY and IWMP and the intent is to make the slogan of “More-Crop-Per-Drop” a reality at Panchayat level.The Minister stressed on change in approach of implementation of MGNREGA from taking up individual stand-alone works to integrated NRM approach. He said planned and systematic development of land and harnessing of rainwater following watershed principles should become the central focus of MGNREGA works to sustainably enhance farm productivity and income for poor people.Abdul Haq said the creation of sustainable livelihood through NRM is the key to eradication of poverty and hunger as it will enhance productivity of land; restore ecological balance besides providing diverse livelihood options to the rural households.